Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled the planned trophy tour for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad, cities within Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The decision follows objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the inclusion of disputed territories in the itinerary.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially announced a nationwide tour for the Champions Trophy trophy from November 16 to 24, aiming to build excitement for the February-March 2025 tournament. However, the ICC has decided to exclude PoK from the tour, India Today reported.
Ongoing Controversy Over Champions Trophy 2025
The Champions Trophy 2025 has been mired in controversy, with India expressing reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the event. The PCB has written to the ICC seeking clarification on India’s stance, requesting an official explanation. However, the letter did not address the possibility of a hybrid model or any alternative solutions.
The PCB has reportedly forwarded the ICC’s communication to the Pakistani government to determine its next steps. Meanwhile, Pakistan has allocated a budget of 17 billion rupees to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the tournament.
Trophy Tour Cancellation Amid Diplomatic Tensions
The ICC’s decision to cancel the PoK leg of the trophy tour highlights ongoing geopolitical sensitivities surrounding India-Pakistan relations. The two countries have not engaged in bilateral cricket since 2012-13. India last played in Pakistan during the Asia Cup in 2008, but ties were severed following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
In 2023, the Asia Cup was hosted in a hybrid model, with India’s matches held in Sri Lanka. This precedent raises questions about whether the Champions Trophy will follow a similar format or be relocated entirely.
Tentative Schedule and Future Uncertainty
The ICC was expected to announce the schedule for the Champions Trophy in mid-November, with matches tentatively slated for February 19 to March 9 in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, with unresolved tensions and logistical challenges, the future of the tournament remains uncertain.
