ICC ‘still in discussions’ on CT schedule

KARACHI: With only 90 days remaining until the ICC Champions Trophy, uncertainty looms large as the tournament’s final schedule remains undecided. Fans and teams are left in the dark, with no clarity on match fixtures, venues, or dates.

Even the host nation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), is in dark, awaiting confirmation from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The lack of communication highlights gross mismanagement by the ICC in handling the affairs of Champions Trophy – a prestigious ICC event comprising the top 8 teams.

“We are still in discussions with the host and participating nations on the Champions Trophy schedule. Once confirmed, it will be announced through our channels,” an ICC source told this correspondent.

The delay in finalising the schedule has surprised many, as such details are typically locked in well ahead of time to allow teams and organisers to prepare.

A proposed schedule, jointly developed by the ICC and PCB, was shared with participating boards in May this year. Minutes from the ICC’s October board meeting in Dubai indicate that no objections were raised by any participating nation.

“A match schedule has been developed in conjunction with the PCB. The 15 matches are to be hosted across three venues in Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi. The match schedule has been approved by ICC’s main broadcast partner, Star, and each participating team has received a copy of their schedule for the event. No Member has raised any concerns with the schedule as circulated,” the meeting’s minutes noted.

The uncertainty intensified when India, in verbal communication, refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. In response, the PCB, following the policy of Pakistan’s government, has taken a firm stance. The board has stated that if India does not participate in the tournament in Pakistan, the PCB will refuse to play matches against India at any level.

Sources have also indicated the possibility of a visit by ICC delegation to Pakistan over the weekend or early next week.

“ICC has to finalise things by this weekend for sure, they can maximum wait for one week, because they’re also under pressure from other boards, commercial partners and broadcasters to finalise the schedule,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the trophy tour of ICC Champions Trophy continues in Pakistan. The trophy was brought to Karachi on Wednesday. It was taken to Karachi’s iconic food street on Wednesday night, where the official photoshoot of the trophy was conducted to highlight the food culture of Karachi.