Champions Trophy: Delay in schedule raises concerns of significant loss; broadcasters demand action.

Dubai: The ongoing delay in releasing the Champions Trophy schedule has reportedly tested the patience of the broadcasting company that holds the International Cricket Council (ICC) rights. Sources reveal that the broadcasters have formally urged the ICC to announce the tournament’s schedule without further delay.

According to sources, the ICC had previously sold media rights to the broadcasters for $3 billion up to 2027, with the assurance that high-profile matches between Pakistan and India would be part of the package. However, with India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan, the possibility of these high-revenue-generating matches now appears uncertain.

The delay in the schedule announcement has already led to substantial financial concerns for the broadcasters, who have reiterated their demand for an immediate release of the Champions Trophy schedule.

It is worth noting that India has declined to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains firm on its stance against adopting a hybrid model for the tournament. This standoff has placed the ICC in a challenging situation, with potential impacts on the tournament’s organisation and financial viability.

In response, the PCB has reportedly begun considering the possibility of hosting the event without India’s participation, should no compromise be reached.