ICC Revises Champions Trophy Tour to Exclude POK
The Champions Trophy tour itinerary has been adjusted following a protest by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The revised plan excludes the controversial regions of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), which were initially part of the trophy’s tour route. The ICC has confirmed that the silverware will now visit seven cities in Pakistan, beginning with Islamabad on November 16, and will also make a stopover in India before the tournament’s commencement.
The original plan, spearheaded by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), included stops in regions such as Hunza, Skardu, and Muzaffarabad in POK, an area disputed between India and Pakistan. However, the BCCI raised a strong objection to the inclusion of these regions, citing political sensitivities. As a result, the ICC revised the schedule, redirecting the trophy tour to locations like Taxila, Khanpur, Abbottabad, Murree, Nathia Gali, and Karachi.
The Champions Trophy is set to be hosted in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The revised trophy tour will span 70 days, showcasing the iconic silverware across the eight participating nations, starting in Pakistan and culminating back in the host nation. According to ICC’s Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya, the tour is designed to celebrate the sport’s passionate global fanbase, offering fans a chance to engage with the prestigious trophy.
The revised itinerary reflects the ICC’s efforts to balance cricket’s global reach with geopolitical realities. After completing its journey in Pakistan, the trophy will embark on an international tour covering Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and India before returning to Pakistan for the competition.
India’s matches remain a topic of contention. The Indian team has refused to travel to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns. The PCB has yet to finalize a hybrid model that would allow India’s matches to be played at neutral venues like the UAE.
Key Trophy Tour Dates:
- November 16-25: Cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Taxila, Abbottabad, and Karachi
- January 15-26: Various cities in India
- Other Stops: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and England
This development is the latest chapter in the long-standing cricket and political rivalry between the neighboring nations, underscoring the challenges of organizing international cricket events amid geopolitical tensions.
