Following recent discussions between the BCCI, ICC, and PCB about the 2025 Champions Trophy, the trophy has been landed in Pakistan. The PCB announced its plans to organize a ‘trophy tour’ in the lead-up to the 2025 Champions Trophy. This initiative aims to promote the tournament, engage fans, and build excitement by showcasing the coveted trophy at various locations both nationally and internationally, allowing cricket enthusiasts to connect with the event on a more personal level.
The PCB was seen mocking India by announcing the trophy tour in regions such as Islamabad, Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad from November 16 to November 24. Interestingly, the cities of Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad, which were proposed as part of the Champions Trophy trophy tour by the PCB, are located in the contentious region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). This area has been at the center of a long-standing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan.
As per the reports, The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declined the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposal to include Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of the Champions Trophy trophy tour. This decision aligns with India’s consistent stance on the region, reaffirming its claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) as an integral part of its sovereign territory amidst ongoing geopolitical sensitivities.
By rejecting the inclusion of POK in the tour, the ICC has sought to avoid including the tournament in political controversies and maintain its stance of keeping cricket free from geopolitical disputes. The move underscores the governing body’s cautious approach to managing events in politically sensitive areas.
This news has sparked fresh discussions about whether Pakistan will fully host the 2025 Champions Trophy or if the tournament will follow a hybrid model with matches held in a different country for team India. Some are even questioning if the hosting rights might be moved to another country entirely. The final decision will be important for both Pakistan’s reputation as a host and the ICC’s handling of such sensitive issues.
The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the future plans and decisions regarding the 2025 Champions Trophy.
