"ICC Postpones Champions Trophy Launch Amid India-Pakistan Dispute, Venue Debate Ongoing"

 

Speculation has arisen that South Africa might serve as an alternative host for next year’s Champions Trophy, but sources confirm no discussions on this topic took place within the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday. Instead, the ICC continued talks with participating nations about the tournament schedule amid rumors of the event potentially being relocated from Pakistan due to India’s decision not to travel there, a source disclosed.

While some reports suggested South Africa as an option, PTI sources indicate that this idea has yet to be formally addressed by the ICC. In the meantime, the ICC has postponed the tournament's launch event, initially planned for November 11 in Lahore, following a letter from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requesting a written confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India's inability to attend.

The PCB emphasized that Pakistan is a safe venue, having recently hosted successful series against England and New Zealand, and assures similar security standards for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan is firm on not holding the event in a hybrid format like the previous Asia Cup, where India's matches were staged in Sri Lanka.

Sources report that the PCB is also resistant to holding the event outside Pakistan, including in the UAE, with the launch event in Lahore now delayed. The ICC originally briefed its management on October 21 in Dubai about plans for Lahore, but this has now been paused.

An ICC source clarified that although some media reports suggest South Africa as a backup host, the idea hasn’t been seriously entertained. Discussions are ongoing with the host and participating teams, and the schedule remains unconfirmed. The PCB recently acknowledged an email from the ICC confirming that India has declined to travel to Pakistan, further straining cricket relations as the two teams now only meet at ICC events due to longstanding tensions following the 2008 Mumbai attacks.