In another development concerning the ICC Champions Trophy row, no country, including India, raised objections to the proposed schedule during the ICC Board meeting in Dubai last month. The meeting coincided with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, and sources have confirmed that the schedule was approved without any concerns being voiced by participating teams.
ICC Champions Trophy Row: No Formal Objections from India Previously
According to official minutes from the October board meeting, the match schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted in Pakistan, was presented to all participating teams. The schedule, which includes 15 matches across the venues of Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi, received approval from the ICC’s main broadcasting partner, Star. Sources confirmed that each participating nation was provided with the schedule, and no formal objections were raised.
A source with insight into the matter highlighted that any concerns would typically be brought up during such high-level meetings. “No discussion of India’s reservations occurred during the board meeting,” the source noted, emphasizing that the forum was the appropriate platform for addressing such matters.
Concerns Over India’s Position on Travel to Pakistan
Despite no objections being recorded during the ICC Board meeting, the recurrent developments are concerning. Sources indicated that India, through verbal communication, informed the ICC of its inability to travel to Pakistan. This came as Pakistan prepared for an event marking 100 days to the tournament, was seen by some as potentially disruptive.
A planned event for November 11, where the match schedule, event identity, and trophy tour were set to be unveiled, now stands amid uncertainties. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting an official response from the ICC after submitting a questionnaire regarding India’s verbal stance. The source suggested, “The delay in ICC’s response hints at the absence of any formal written communication from the BCCI. If such a document existed, the PCB would have been informed by now.”
Further updates provided at the October meeting outlined progress on venue developments and included a green signal for international testing events planned for January. Security measures were also comprehensively addressed with security managers from all teams briefed on the master security plan, receiving no objections from any participating country.
The ICC’s response and the next steps from both the PCB and the BCCI will be crucial as the cricket world watches the developments closely.
Read more: Shaheen Afridi Rises to No.1 in ICC Men’s ODI Bowler Rankings
