Champions Trophy 2025: In Big Blow to Pakistan, ICC Cancels Planned Trophy Tour in PoK

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Champions Trophy 2025: In a big blow to tournament hosts Pakistan, the ICC has reportedly cancelled the planned trophy tour of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The tour, announced by the PCB, included visits to Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad – areas in the disputed PoK region.

ICC Cancels PoK Tour of Champions Trophy 2025 Anticipating BCCI Objections

The PCB unveiled the itinerary on November 9, scheduling the tour from November 16 to 24, aimed at promoting the tournament. However, this move, had it gone through, would have attracted objections from the BCCI due to the sensitive geopolitical nature of the region.

Acting proactively, the ICC directed the PCB to drop PoK from the trophy tour. Even though the ICC had not officially approved the trophy tour’s final plan, the PCB took to social media to announce its start.

"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," the social media post on X read.

The trophy had already arrived in Pakistan to begin the nationwide tour, which will now proceed without stops in the contentious areas.

Champions Trophy 2025 in Doubt Amid India-Pakistan Stand-Off

The Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February-March in Pakistan, faces uncertainty as India has refused to travel for the tournament. The PCB has sought official clarification from the ICC about India’s stance, which it attributes to political tensions between the two nations.

India’s refusal has led to speculation about alternative arrangements, including a hybrid model similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where some matches were hosted in neutral venues. The PCB has forwarded the ICC’s communication regarding India’s decision to the Pakistani government, awaiting further directives.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has invested heavily in upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, allocating an estimated 17 billion rupees to prepare for the event. The standoff between the PCB and BCCI has sparked fears of a potential relocation or alteration of the tournament format, potentially disrupting Pakistan’s plans to host its first ICC tournament since 1996.