The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially decided to exclude areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) from the planned trophy tour for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Locations such as Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad, which fall within PoK, were initially included in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) nationwide tour scheduled from November 16 to 24. However, following objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the itinerary, the ICC intervened, ruling that these areas would no longer be part of the promotional tour.
This move comes as tensions escalate over India’s participation in the Champions Trophy, with India maintaining that it will not travel to Pakistan for the event due to ongoing security concerns. The ICC is now seeking a formal written explanation from the BCCI regarding its decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan, after the board verbally conveyed its stance.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has requested the ICC to provide a copy of India’s formal response, with the possibility that Pakistan may demand further evidence justifying the Indian team’s refusal. If the BCCI fails to provide adequate reasons, sources suggest the ICC could compel India to participate in the tournament in Pakistan. Should India persist in its refusal, a replacement team may be considered.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation, the PCB has confirmed that the Champions Trophy trophy tour will begin in Islamabad on November 16, but now without including PoK locations.
The debate over India’s involvement also extends to the logistics of the tournament itself. The BCCI has maintained that India will only travel to Pakistan if the Indian government approves. In contrast, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that there have been no discussions regarding a “hybrid” model for the Champions Trophy, where matches involving India could be held at a neutral venue, as was the case for last year’s Asia Cup.
With uncertainty still clouding the event, sources suggest that South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are emerging as possible neutral venues for the 2025 tournament, should Pakistan withdraw or the ICC decide to relocate the event. However, if the ICC opts for a neutral venue, Pakistan may choose to pull out of the tournament altogether.
As defending champions, Pakistan remains a key player in the tournament, but with multiple hurdles still unresolved, the 2025 Champions Trophy continues to face challenges.
