In a bold and politically charged move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour will include stops in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The tour is set to begin on November 16 in Islamabad, with the PCB confirming visits to several scenic yet disputed regions, including Skardu, Hunza, Murree, and Muzaffarabad.
The announcement, shared via PCB’s official Twitter handle, read:
“Get ready, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel 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,” tweeted PCB.
Political Undertones in PCB’s Trophy Tour
The decision to include PoK in the trophy tour is widely seen as a direct response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which recently announced that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to security concerns. The BCCI’s stance has led to an impasse, with reports suggesting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is exploring a hybrid model or alternative venues for the tournament.
By taking the Champions Trophy tour to PoK, the PCB appears to be making a political statement, intensifying tensions between the two cricketing boards. The regions of Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad have long been contested territories between India and Pakistan, and this move is likely to provoke a strong reaction from India.
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Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry Weighs In
Adding another layer to the controversy, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has officially stated that there are no back-channel discussions with India regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. This follows reports that India has proposed either a hybrid model or a complete relocation of the tournament from Pakistan. The ICC has reportedly sought clarification from the PCB on the feasibility of hosting the event under a hybrid model, but the PCB has remained firm in rejecting the idea.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry commented:
“There are no ongoing back-channel talks with India on this matter. Pakistan is fully committed to hosting the Champions Trophy as planned.”
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Champions Trophy 2025: Uncertain Road Ahead
As of now, less than three months remain before the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin, yet the tournament schedule remains in limbo. The delay is largely due to the BCCI’s reluctance to confirm India’s participation in Pakistan. The uncertainty around India’s participation has raised questions over the future of the event, with PCB asserting its right to host and BCCI pushing for a change in venue.
Tensions Escalate as Political and Cricketing Worlds Collide
This latest move by Pakistan is likely to escalate diplomatic tensions, especially as it coincides with India’s hardline stance on security concerns. The Champions Trophy was last held in 2017, where Pakistan famously lifted the trophy after defeating India in the final. With both cricket boards digging their heels in, the tournament’s fate hangs in the balance, with fans and players awaiting a resolution.
The Champions Trophy 2025 saga is shaping up to be not just a test of cricketing prowess but also of diplomatic negotiations between two cricketing giants.