Confusion over the viability of the ICC Champions Trophy became an issue after India stepped back from participation. When reports claimed that Pakistan agreed with the "hybrid model" of hosting, Pakistan stood firm with their decision to host the entire tournament in three cities—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Due to existing geopolitical issues, India denied participation in the tournament. On Sunday, BCCI issued an official mail to the International Cricket Council (ICC), which was later forwarded to the Pakistan Cricket Board. India's refusal was an aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which also led to no bilateral series between the neighbors for a decade. While PCB is obstinate with their decision, India cited security issues as their main cause, which they have been doing for a long time. However, the India-Pak saga stood unresolved even after having just three months in hand. ICC, thus may face difficult consequences that may affect the tournament in different ways. Relocate the Tournament Playing with India undoubtedly generates huge revenue for the council, and the council may not want to conduct the tournament without the big fish. It may pain the declared host, Pakistan, but ICC may relocate the tournament to a neutral venue, Sri Lanka or the UAE. Pakistan not agreeing with the hybrid model looks understandable. Last year, during the 2023 Asia Cup, India cited similar reasons for not traveling to Pakistan. This forced the Pak management to opt for the "hybrid model," co-hosting with Sri Lanka. Pakistan, being the main host, got the responsibility of hosting just four, that too minor matches, with all major matches shifting to Sri Lanka. Similar claims were ignited, like if India denies Pakistan's invitation, the later may not agree to travel to India for the 2023 World Cup. But they did! Many Pakistani former cricket stalwarts, namely Inzamam Ul Haq, urged India to not deprive Pakistani fans of witnessing the duel live at the stadium for political reasons, but decisions are looking to do any favor to them. Read: What If India Declines to Travel to Pakistan For Champions Trophy? ICC To Discuss With PCB Will the tournament get canceled? With India backing out, there will be some obvious changes in the tentative schedule, but the schedule itself is not finalized. With just three months left, this type of uncertainty may cancel the tournament if things are not sorted within time. Jay Shah, presently the secretary of BCCI, will take on his new role as the ICC Chairman from December 1. Shah is expected to play a critical role in the decision-making guiding the ICC through the impasse, as stakeholders look to him to help preserve the tournament.