ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Opening Ceremony Cancelled Amid Controversies
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Hit by Fresh Controversy
The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is already surrounded by controversies, and now there’s another twist. The opening ceremony of the global event has been scrapped. This comes after news emerged that two major teams will arrive late for the tournament.
Multiple media reports suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was fully committed to organizing the opening ceremony. Preparations were underway, but it was never officially confirmed. Now, it seems the ceremony won’t happen at all.
Why Are Teams Arriving Late?
ECB and CA Delay Their Arrival
Two prominent boards, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA), have informed both the ICC and PCB that they will be arriving late for the prestigious event.
The Australian side will reach Lahore on February 19th, while the English team will arrive just a day earlier, on February 18th. To the unversed, the Champions Trophy begins on February 19th.
The reason for the delay? Both teams are seeking breaks after their bilateral commitments. Australia wants a four-day break following their series against Sri Lanka, while England has requested a one-week break after playing against India.
No Warm-Up Matches for England and Australia
This delay confirms that neither England nor Australia will participate in the two warm-up matches allotted to every team before a global event. These matches are crucial for teams to prepare, but it seems both sides have prioritized rest over practice.
Other Teams’ Arrival Plans
Afghanistan, New Zealand, and South Africa
Pakistan’s neighbor Afghanistan will arrive in Islamabad on February 12th. Meanwhile, New Zealand and South Africa are already in Pakistan for a tri-series that concludes on February 14th.
India and Bangladesh, who will play their match in Dubai instead of Pakistan, are scheduled to reach the UAE on February 15th.
Pre-Tournament Events Also Cancelled
Rohit Sharma’s Visit Called Off
Pre-tournament events like photoshoots and press conferences involving captains have also been canceled. These events were supposed to happen in Karachi, but Indian skipper Rohit Sharma reportedly won’t travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, India and Bangladesh will play their match in Dubai instead of Pakistan. This decision adds to the growing list of issues surrounding the tournament.
Can the ICC Resolve These Issues?
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was meant to be a celebration of cricket, but controversies and logistical challenges are overshadowing the event. From the scrapped opening ceremony to delayed arrivals and canceled pre-tournament events, the road ahead seems bumpy.
Will the ICC step in to resolve these issues and ensure a smooth tournament? Fans are waiting to see how things unfold.
Conclusion
This story of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025’s mounting controversies was covered by Geo Super, highlighting the challenges facing the tournament. With teams arriving late, key events canceled, and security concerns looming, the event is off to a rocky start. Can the ICC turn things around and deliver a memorable tournament?
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