ICC cancels November 11 Champions Trophy event over scheduling imbroglio

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled a key event related to next year's Champions Trophy due to the ongoing imbroglio surrounding the scheduling, specifically that of India games. The ICC was to formally announce the programme on Monday (November 11) in Lahore, but this has been cancelled.

"The schedule is not confirmed, we are still in discussions with the host and participating nations on the Champions Trophy schedule. Once confirmed we will announce through our normal channels," said an official in the know of the developments following India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the eight-team 50-over competition. Repeated inquiries to the ICC about the cancellation went unanswered.

The ICC had made elaborate arrangements for the event, which would have marked the 100-day countdown to the February 19-March 19 championship. However, scheduling issues have complicated matters. It is eminently possible that the world body might cite the toxic smog that is enveloping the city of Lahore as a convenient reason. At least one official hinted at this possibility.

"It was only a trophy tour flag off and tournament/branding launch," said an official downplaying the controversy surrounding the schedule and the non-starting event on November 11. "That (the event) is still in the works -- though may be rescheduled because of Lahore outdoor activities are difficult right now." A source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said no event has been scheduled for Monday.

It is now evident that the ICC and hosts PCB will need to adopt a hybrid model - an arrangement that had always been anticipated. Provisions were made, and a budget was sanctioned for a partial relocation, as first reported by Cricbuzz on August 3. This budget allows for a contingency plan of hosting some matches outside Pakistan, most likely in the UAE.

While it was always known that India's travel to Pakistan was uncertain, the role of the ICC in the whole saga cannot escape scrutiny. It has come to light that during the recent board meeting in Dubai, the ICC informed members and stakeholders that the schedule would be announced on November 11. It was shared with members and stakeholders but it is unclear whether the ICC has taken all parties into confidence. Recent developments seem to suggest otherwise.

Post the board meeting, the BCCI formally informed the ICC that it has not got permission from the Government of India to travel to Pakistan. The PCB maintains that it has not received any communication - either from the ICC or from the BCCI.

"We have a clear stance that they must give it to us in writing if they [the Indian cricket board] have any issues. Till today, we have not spoken about any hybrid model, but we're ready to speak on this," Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, told reporters in Lahore recently. "Now, if Indian media is reporting this, then there must be some letter the ICC will give us, or the Indian Board might have written this somewhere. Till now, no such letter has reached me or the PCB," he said.

There is no escape that the ICC and PCB will have to agree to a hybrid model with UAE being the second host with all India matches to be played in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. India were originally scheduled to play Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23 and Pakistan on March 1, all in Lahore. The PCB has earmarked Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore for the event. Changes to the venues, if not the dates of the 15-match competition, are on the cards.