In a significant move, Cricket Pakistan has announced the launch of the Champions Trophy 2025 tour, which will begin in Islamabad on November 16. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took to Twitter to reveal the venues for the upcoming trophy tour, including some scenic locations in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).
The official tweet from the PCB stated, “Get ready, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, visiting scenic 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.” Notably, Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad are located in POK, a region that remains at the center of territorial disputes between India and Pakistan.
This announcement is seen as a political move, potentially aimed at provoking India after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed it would not send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. Furthermore, on November 10, the BCCI officially communicated its stance, which prompted the PCB to seek an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India’s withdrawal. Consequently, this situation has added fuel to the ongoing tensions between the two boards.
The debate has now escalated to involve Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, which stated there have been no back-channel discussions with India about India’s participation in the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, the ICC has inquired with the PCB about the possibility of a hybrid model for the tournament, though the PCB has dismissed this option. With less than three months remaining before the Champions Trophy 2025, uncertainty looms as the schedule is still pending due to delays in confirming India’s participation.
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