The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled the planned trophy tour of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) areas of Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad. This decision follows objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the tour itinerary shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The PCB had announced a nationwide trophy tour from November 16 to 24, but the ICC has excluded the PoK areas. This decision comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy after the ICC informed the PCB that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the matches.
The ICC has also requested a written explanation from the BCCI over its decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan. The BCCI had verbally informed the ICC of its decision, citing security concerns. The PCB has requested a copy of India’s response, and if India fails to provide “proper reasons” for not traveling to Pakistan, they may be asked to participate in the tournament or face replacement.
Pakistan is the defending champion of the Champions Trophy, and the PCB has revealed that the trophy tour will kick off from Islamabad on November 16. However, the uncertainty over India’s participation and the tournament’s schedule remains.
Hosting the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in a different country, is also being considered. However, the PCB chairman has denied any talks about such a format.
Sources have reported that South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as possible venues for hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025 if Pakistan pulls out at the last moment. If the tournament is shifted, Pakistan could withdraw if the ICC moves it to a neutral venue.
