The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday (November 16) announced the global trophy tour of the Champions Trophy 2025 and it did not feature the cities of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This development comes a day after BCCI secretary Jay Shah had raised strong objection with the apex body regarding PCB’s plans to have a trophy tour in PoK cities.
The trophy tour is part of the ICC’s promotional campaign but the PCB, without any discussion with the international body, tweeted on Thursday (November 14) said that the trophy would be taken to Skardu, Murree, and Hunza — areas that fall under the disputed territory.
Subsequently, Shah spoke to the top ICC officials and condemned the PCB for the PoK move. The game’s governing body took note of it and released a new roster where the PoK cities were not included for the tour.
During the tour, the coveted Champions Trophy will be travelling to eight participating countries for the fans.
According to ICC, the tour will kick off on November 16 in Islamabad and the trophy will return to the country on January 27.
Key dates of the Trophy Tour:
16 November – Islamabad, Pakistan
17 November - Taxila and Khanpur, Pakistan
18 November – Abbottabad, Pakistan
19 November- Murree, Pakistan
20 November- Nathia Gali, Pakistan
22 - 25 November – Karachi, Pakistan
26 – 28 November – Afghanistan
10 – 13 December – Bangladesh
15 – 22 December – South Africa
25 December – 5 January – Australia
6 – 11 January – New Zealand
12 – 14 January – England
15 – 26 January – India
27 January – event start – Pakistan
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)
