Champions Trophy 2025: ICC Releases Global Trophy Tour Schedule, PoK Sites Removed

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The ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour has officially commenced, with the silverware embarking on a journey through the eight participating nations.

The schedule finds no mention of the event being staged in regions of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after India raised strong objections.

BCCI's Concerns Over Trophy Tour in PoK

The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) initial plan to include stops in PoK as part of the Trophy Tour drew sharp criticism from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who will soon take over as the ICC Chairman, condemned the move, stating it infringed on India's sovereignty and politicised sports. The BCCI lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, seeking action against the PCB.

Following the backlash, the PCB revised its itinerary, as the PoK locations such as Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad don't find any mention in the Trophy Tour schedule announced by the ICC on Saturday (November 16). This development reignited discussions about potential challenges in hosting the Champions Trophy exclusively in Pakistan, as initially planned.

Trophy Tour Highlights and Global Engagement

The ICC Trophy Tour, delivered with DP World, began on November 16 in Islamabad and includes stops at iconic Pakistani landmarks such as Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument. Former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar flagged off the tour, which will then travel to Abbottabad, Murree, Karachi, and beyond.

The tour aims to celebrate cricket's global appeal through activities showcasing food, music, and cultural diversity. After Pakistan, the silverware will visit Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and India, concluding just before the tournament's launch.

ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya emphasized the tour's importance in uniting cricket fans worldwide, stating: "The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport's passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy."

However, the suspense over Team India's participation in the competition in Pakistan looms. The BCCI has conveyed to the ICC that it won't send the team to Pakistan and hence asked for a hybrid model, like the men's Asia Cup last year. The neighbouring country has rejected the request, hence hitting a deadlock.