ICC Cancels Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled the Champions Trophy trophy tour in three cities: Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad, which are located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced a nationwide tour for the 2025 Champions Trophy trophy, but when the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) raised concerns about the inclusion of these cities, the ICC quickly decided to exclude them. This decision was made to avoid further political tension, as the region is disputed between Pakistan and India.

The trophy tour, which was set to begin on November 16, aimed to generate excitement for the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025, which will be held in Pakistan. The PCB had planned for the trophy to visit several cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, along with the scenic destinations in PoK. However, the inclusion of PoK cities in the tour was seen as a sensitive issue due to the ongoing territorial dispute between Pakistan and India.

This cancellation of the PoK leg of the trophy tour is part of a bigger issue concerning the Champions Trophy itself. India has refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns and political tensions. In response, the PCB has written to the ICC, asking for clarification on India’s refusal to participate. This has led to further uncertainty about the event and whether it will take place in Pakistan as originally planned.

Pakistan has been investing heavily in upgrading stadiums in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in preparation for the Champions Trophy in 2025. Despite these efforts, the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation and the political disputes over the venue have left the future of the tournament unclear. The PCB is now awaiting the ICC’s guidance on how to move forward with the event, which could involve finding a solution to the diplomatic and logistical challenges.

The situation is complicated by the broader political context between India and Pakistan, where cricket remains an important but sensitive topic. The ICC had planned to announce the official schedule for the Champions Trophy in mid-November, but this has been delayed due to ongoing discussions. With the tournament just a few months away, the ICC and PCB will need to find a way to address these issues and decide whether the tournament can go ahead in Pakistan or if an alternative plan is needed.