ICC Cancels Lahore Event Amid Controversy Over India’s Champions Trophy Withdrawal

Pakistan’s cricket icons have voiced their anger over India’s decision not to participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to be held in Pakistan. Reports last week revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament scheduled for February-March next year.

To address this, a ‘Hybrid Model’ is reportedly under consideration, allowing India to play its matches in the UAE instead of Pakistan. However, several former Pakistan cricket stars have rejected this alternative.

Cricket legend Javed Miandad suggested that Pakistan should stop playing against India in retaliation. “It’s absurd that this is happening. Even without India, Pakistan cricket will not only endure but thrive, as it has in the past. I’d like to see how ICC tournaments profit without Pakistan-India matches,” Miandad stated, according to PTI.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq echoed the frustration, arguing that there is no security threat for the Indian team in Pakistan. “They’re taking away from the excitement of such a significant event. There’s no danger to the Indian team here. In fact, they’d experience unmatched hospitality,” Inzamam asserted.

Ex-wicketkeeper Rashid Latif labeled India’s decision as “purely political.” He commented, “This is enough. All other teams are playing in Pakistan without issues, and this decision by India is entirely political. Such actions have no place in sports, including cricket.”

In light of these developments, the ICC has also canceled an event originally scheduled for November 11 in Lahore, where they were expected to announce the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule.