The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suffered a huge blow after the International Cricket Council (ICC) asked the host body to cancel the Champions Trophy tour in cities of Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad which fall under the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was officially unveiled on Thursday as the world body posted a promo for the major event. Pakistan has confirmed as the sole hosts for the tournament in the promo.
The decision by ICC came after BCCI’s reported objection to PCB’s plans. It was also understood that the PCB jumped in quickly by announcing the schedule as the ICC is yet to chalk out the trophy tour plan.
On Thursday, PCB announced the trophy tour plan on social media. “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,” PCB said in the post.
Jay Shah condemns PCB’s CT tour in PoK cities
Meanwhile, according to several media reports, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has strongly condemned PCB’s decision to conduct a Champions Trophy tour in PoK. It is learnt that Shah has already raised the matter with the ICC urging the world body to take appropriate action in light of Indian cricket board’s concerns over territorial integrity and political interference in sports.
“Jay Shah has objected to that tweet (post) and has criticised and condemned PCB’s plan to take the trophy to PoK cities. Additionally, PCB has no business sharing the schedule because it has to come from the ICC. Things need to be done appropriately, via appropriate channels,” a TOP report quoted a source saying.
