Due to scheduling issues, ICC cancels the Champions Trophy event scheduled for November 11.

A crucial event associated with the Champions Trophy next year has been canceled by the International Cricket Council (ICC) because of the continuous scheduling chaos, particularly with regard to the India matches. The program was supposed to be formally announced by the ICC in Lahore on Monday, November 11, but this has been canceled.

"We are still negotiating the Champions Trophy calendar with the host and participating countries, therefore the schedule is not finalized. Following India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the eight-team 50-over competition, an official with knowledge of the situation stated, "Once confirmed, we will announce through our normal channels." The ICC did not respond to repeated questions regarding the cancellation.

The ceremony, which would have signaled the 100-day countdown to the championship from February 19 to March 19, was planned by the ICC with great care. But scheduling conflicts have made things more difficult. The poisonous haze that is engulfing Lahore could very well be the easy excuse offered by the international organization. This idea was alluded to by at least one authority.

"It was only a trophy tour flag off and tournament/branding launch," a representative stated, downplaying the tension about the November 11 non-starting event and the timetable. "That (the event) is still in the works -- though may be rescheduled because of Lahore outdoor activities are difficult right now." According to a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source, Monday does not have any events planned.

It is now clear that a hybrid paradigm, which was always expected, will be required of the ICC and the host PCB. As Cricbuzz originally reported on August 3, plans were prepared and a budget approved for a partial move. This budget covers the possibility of staging some games outside of Pakistan, most likely in the United Arab Emirates, as a backup plan.

Although India's trip to Pakistan was always known to be questionable, the ICC's involvement in the entire situation cannot be ignored. It has been discovered that the ICC told members and stakeholders at the most recent board meeting in Dubai that the schedule would be revealed on November 11. 

Following the board meeting, the BCCI formally notified the ICC that it had not received authorization from the Indian government to visit Pakistan. As far as the PCB is concerned, neither the ICC nor the BCCI have communicated with it.

We are adamant that if they [the Indian cricket body] have any concerns, they must notify us in writing. We haven't discussed any hybrid models up to this point, but we're prepared to do so," PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently told reporters in Lahore. "Now, if this is being reported by Indian media, the ICC must provide us with a letter, or the Indian Board may have written this somewhere. No such letter has been received as of yet.

The PCB and ICC will undoubtedly have to agree to a hybrid arrangement in which the UAE serves as the second host and all India matches are held in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Originally, India was supposed to face Pakistan on March 1, Bangladesh on February 20, and New Zealand on February 23 in Lahore. Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore have been designated by the PCB for the event. If not the dates of the 15-match competition, then there will likely be changes to the sites.