The International Cricket Council (ICC) finds itself in a tough spot after India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 and the host nation's reluctance to adopt a hybrid model.
Amidst all this, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has raised strong objection with the apex body regarding PCB’s plans to have a Trophy tour in cities of ‘Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’.
According to a PTI report, Shah on Friday (November 15) spoke to the top ICC officials and condemned this move by Pakistan and has urged the parent body to take strong note.
“The BCCI secretary, after it came to his notice, called up the ICC and was extremely critical of PCB’s move to conduct a Trophy tour of multiple cities which fall under Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," a senior BCCI official privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“He has urged the ICC to take strong action. As far as Islamabad is concerned, there is no issue but there can’t be any Trophy tour to POK."
The Trophy Tour is part of the ICC’s promotional campaign but the PCB, without any discussion with the international body, announced on its official social media that the Trophy would be taken to Skardu, Murree, and Hunza — areas that fall under the disputed territory.
“Get ready, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November," PCB had tweeted.
When an ICC Board Member was contacted, he told PTI: “The discussions on Trophy tour is still on. I am not aware if PCB had kept everyone in loop about the four cities mentioned but if not then it was certainly not the right thing to do. I don’t think ICC will allow PCB to take the trophy to any disputed region."
The Champions Trophy is currently in limbo after the BCCI officially intimated ICC about Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan.
While the PCB has stayed mum on this matter, the sources claimed that the ICC has asked the Pakistan board to confirm if a Hybrid Model -- where India’s matches and the final would be held in Dubai -- is acceptable to them.
The ICC has assured the PCB that, under this arrangement, they would receive full hosting fees and a majority of the matches.
However, if the PCB decides to withdraw hosting the tournament due to India's refusal, the ICC could consider shifting the entire tournament to South Africa, the source added.
Meanwhile, Pakistani media have reported that the PCB is looking to boycott the competition themselves if the Indian team maintains its stance of not travelling across the border.
(With inputs from Agencies)
