ICC Cancels Key Event In Pakistan After BCCI's Hybrid Model Push For Champions Trophy - Report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) was set to announce the Champions Trophy schedule at a special event in Lahore on November 11, but the event now stands cancelled after BCCI informed ICC they won't send India to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. India have not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup and there were massive doubts if the team would agree to play the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with the chances extremely slim given the current circumstances. "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 as quoted by ICC.Another official downplayed the controversy and said the event was just a trophy flag-off and it was cancelled due to the toxic smog in the city. The statement is contrasting to reports that claimed ICC, after the board meeting in Dubai, informed the stakeholders they would announce the Champions Trophy schedule on November 11. "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 Lahore outdoor activities are difficult right now," he added. BCCI's refusal to send the team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy was always on the cards, and both ICC and PCB were reportedly prepared for it. The ICC had also allocated an additional budget to the tournament in case there comes a situation where the PCB has to adopt a contingency plan. PCB throughout the preceding months showed enough optimism that India would come to Pakistan for the showpiece event, but deep down they must have been aware it was not possible in the current scenario.With India's stance almost clear, it will be interesting to see if the PCB agrees to the hybrid model. If they do, India's matches could be played in UAE or Sri Lanka.