The Champions Trophy, set to be hosted in Pakistan early next year, has become embroiled in controversy, with smog—both literal and metaphorical—casting a shadow over the tournament. 

India's refusal to send its team, citing a lack of government approval, has escalated tensions, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) remains silent three days after receiving a formal letter from Pakistan seeking clarity on the matter.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025, marks Pakistan's first ICC event hosting in years. However, India's decision not to participate has thrown the event into uncertainty. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially presumed Pakistan would agree to a hybrid model, as has been the case in past tournaments. But under directives from the Pakistan government, the PCB has taken a firm stance, insisting the event be held entirely within Pakistan.

Pakistan sent an official letter to the ICC three days ago, requesting written confirmation of India’s decision and reasoning. However, the ICC’s lack of response, coupled with the looming weekend, has raised concerns that India’s refusal may have been communicated verbally rather than formally documented. 

Without written proof, the Pakistan cricket fraternity questions how the ICC accepted such a critical decision so readily and why no high-level meeting was convened to address the issue.

Legal consultations are reportedly underway, with PCB officials seeking advice from prominent lawyers in London to explore potential courses of action if an unfavorable decision is imposed. If necessary, the matter may escalate to legal proceedings.

The controversy has been further fueled by the revelation that during the ICC Board of Directors meeting on October 21 in Dubai, all member boards, including India, approved the Champions Trophy schedule. Despite this, the BCCI later informed the ICC of its inability to participate just days before the official schedule announcement planned in Lahore on November 11. The timing and lack of earlier communication have led many to suspect deliberate sabotage of the event.

Meanwhile, the Indian media has intensified its campaign, first suggesting South Africa as an alternative host and now floating rumors of India taking over the tournament. These reports, widely viewed as baseless, aim to pressure the PCB into compliance.