New Delhi: Clouds of uncertainty continue to hover over the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, with India making their stand clear that they won’t travel to the neighbouring country to play any match.
Now, in a major blow to Pakistan’s ego, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled the trophy tour of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), reported The Times of India.
After the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the inclusion of PoK-located cities like Skardu, Murree and Muzaffarabad in the nationwide tour itinerary from November 16 to 24, there were immediate objections from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah.
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… pic.twitter.com/SmsV5uyzlL
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2024
Shah, who will take over as ICC Chairman on December 1, brought up the matter with incumbent Greg Barclay and urged ICC to direct PCB against including PoK cities in the trophy tour itinerary.
Eight teams will vie for the Champions Trophy, be held in February-March 2025.
However, the ICC has not been able to announce the schedule as a decision on where India will play their matches is yet to be taken.
PCB has said it wants to host all matches of the tournament. Whether Pakistan will at all host the tournament, or play, remains to be seen.