Champions Trophy 2025: Jay Shah Criticises PCB’s PoK Trophy Tour, Calls for ICC Intervention

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Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the planned trophy tour for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The controversy erupted after the PCB announced plans for the Champions Trophy trophy tour, listing locations such as Skardu, Muzaffarabad, and Murree – areas which fall within the disputed PoK region.

Speaking out on behalf of the BCCI, Shah formally raised the issue with the ICC in light of the cricketing body’s concerns over political interference in sports, in line with India's consistent stance on PoK as an integral part of its territory.

Champions Trophy 2025: ICC Directs PCB to Cancel PoK Tour

The ICC swiftly acted on India’s objections, reportedly instructing the PCB to cancel the PoK segment of the trophy tour. While the PCB had announced a nationwide trophy tour starting November 16, the inclusion of disputed territories triggered diplomatic sensitivities and increased tensions between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan.

India’s firm stance on the matter has raised questions about the potential impact on the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan. With India already refusing to travel to the country due to security concerns and geopolitical disputes, the inclusion of PoK in any promotional activity adds another layer of complexity.

India has already declared it will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns and long-standing geopolitical disputes, with the BCCI conveying its position to the ICC. This stance has cast uncertainty over the tournament, as India’s participation is critical to its financial and competitive success.

The ICC is reportedly exploring alternative arrangements, including a hybrid model, where India’s matches would be played at neutral venues while other games remain in Pakistan. However, such a model has been repeatedly resisted by the PCB for ICC events in the past. As the ICC mediates the recent PR disaster regarding the trophy tour, the Champions Trophy’s hosting arrangements remain under scrutiny, with potential implications for its format, schedule, and venue.