The International Cricket Council (ICC) has paused plans for the Champions Trophy tour in Pakistan-controlled Azad Kashmir after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) strongly objected to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposal.
The tournament, last held in 2017, is already uncertain, with the BCCI refusing to send its team to Pakistan. The PCB has also turned down the suggested ‘Hybrid Model,’ which would have had India play its matches in Dubai.
The tournament schedule has been delayed, and this new controversy could further complicate matters. BCCI secretary Jay Shah reportedly spoke with ICC officials on Friday, criticizing the PCB’s decision. “The BCCI secretary called up the ICC and was extremely critical of PCB‘s move to conduct a Trophy tour of multiple cities which fall under Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. 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,” a senior BCCI official reportedly said.
The ‘Trophy Tour’ is part of the ICC’s promotional efforts, involving visits to multiple cities in the host country. However, without informing all stakeholders, the PCB announced on social media that the trophy would travel to Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad, locations within 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,” the PCB tweeted.
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… pic.twitter.com/SmsV5uyzlL
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2024
An ICC Board Member, when contacted, said, “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.”
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
