New Delhi: Pakistan is hosting the ICC Champions trophy next month but its troubles vis a vis the flagship tournament seem never-ending. After reports of infrastructure delays and high drama over India’s participation, now the opening ceremony has come under doubt.
Sources close to the International Cricket Council (ICC) have revealed that due to logistical challenges with the England and Australian teams’ arrival, the tournament’s traditional opening ceremony and the customary captains’ day will be scrapped, Dawn reported.
The tournament kicks off on 19 February with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. The Australian squad, which will face England in their first group-stage match on 22 February in Lahore, is expected to land in the city on 19 February. And the England team is scheduled to arrive on 18 February.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering organising an alternative event to mark the start of the tournament.
The logistical challenges extend to the warm-up matches as well. With Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand engaged in a short ODI tri-series from 8 to 14 February in Lahore and Karachi, none of these teams will have time for warm-up games ahead of the tournament.
Pakistanis are at a loss for words.
Cricket writer Ameer Hamza Asif expressed disappointment, criticising the decision to cancel the opening ceremony. “If true then it’s a big fail on ICC’s part not to have the Opening Ceremony or the Captains Day ahead of one of the biggest tournaments of the sport, the Champions Trophy 2025,” he wrote on X.
The absence of both the English and Australian teams may, however, work in the ICC’s favour, as it would help avoid the controversy surrounding India’s participation in the event. The ICC had already adopted a hybrid model for the tournament, meaning that India will play all their matches in Dubai, including any potential semi-final and final, should they qualify. This is after India refused to send its cricket team to Pakistan, citing security concerns.There are also concerns about the Indian captain Rohit Sharma not attending the inaugural ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan team, which is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on 12 February, will also not be able to take part in any warm-up matches. The Indian and Bangladesh teams, set to arrive in Dubai on 15 February for their opening match on 20 February, are also expected to skip warm-up games.
Some Pakistanis, however, voiced out their disbelief that these scheduling conflicts are the reason for disruption. They are attacking India for trying to ‘disrupt’ the event.
“Are we risking safety and security?” – Aakash Chopra says ICC could move the Champions Trophy 2025 outside Pakistan. Weird how those trying to disrupt the tournament with their totally unbiased comments are the ones who aren’t even playing in Pakistan. Sour grapes anyone?” cricket writer Amer Malik wrote on X.
Also read: Pakistanis want PCB to grow a spine. They aren’t celebrating Champions Trophy arrival
No squad, a half-complete stadium
Meanwhile, infrastructure delays in Pakistan have also left their own share of controversies around the flagship tournament. PCB missed its first deadline, 25 January, for completing stadiums for the Champions Trophy.
The incomplete stadiums don’t seem to be a major concern for the PCB, which on Thursday posted a video showing off a renovated stadium in Lahore. The PCB has said that it will hand over the stadium to ICC on 11 February.
“There’s now a fairly deep moat around the boundary at Gaddafi stadium? What happens if the ball (or a fielder) goes in?” X user Umair Javed wrote.
Noted Pakistani American author Kamila Shamsie responded, “The crocodiles have first dibs on them”.
Javed had another suggestion: “Each team allowed two croc subs per match.”
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)