ICC reshuffles Champions Trophy tour, excludes Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after BCCI objection

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to cancel the planned Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour to areas in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad, following objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This decision comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding India's participation in the tournament, with the BCCI reiterating its position that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced a nationwide trophy tour from November 16 to 24, which included PoK regions. However, the ICC has now excluded these areas from the tour schedule. This move follows a series of diplomatic discussions and objections raised by India about the tour itinerary. The cancellation comes as part of the broader controversy over India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy, with the BCCI officially informing the ICC of their stance.

In response, the ICC has requested a written explanation from the BCCI regarding their decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan. The PCB has sought a formal copy of India's reasons for the refusal, and it is expected that the ICC will review the justification before making a final decision on the matter.

Pakistan, as the defending champions of the Champions Trophy, had planned for the event to take place in 2025. However, with India’s refusal to travel, there are discussions about potentially hosting the tournament in a neutral location. Reports suggest that countries like South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are being considered as alternate venues, should Pakistan need to withdraw or if the tournament is relocated.

The uncertainty surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025 has led to questions about whether the event will be held in a hybrid format, similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, which saw India playing their matches in Sri Lanka while other teams played in Pakistan. However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has claimed that there have been no talks about a hybrid format for the Champions Trophy yet.