No Champions Trophy tour in POK, ICC cancels Pak board’s move amid row

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has cancelled the planned trophy tour of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad, areas which fall within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The decision came shortly after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the inclusion of these cities in the tour itinerary, which drew immediate objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Notably, the PCB had announced a nationwide trophy tour of the Champions Trophy from November 16 to 24 ahead of the cricketing event.

The eight-team tournament is set to be held in Pakistan in February-March 2025 and to build up for the cricketing extravaganza, the PCB had organized the trophy tour. However, India Today has learnt that the trophy tour has been cancelled in the cities falling under the disputed land of the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Meanwhile, the Champions Trophy 2025 has been marred by controversy due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the cricketing event. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the ICC seeking clarification on India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. In its letter to the ICC, the PCB has requested an official explanation regarding India’s stance. The communication from Pakistan does not discuss the event format or a potential hybrid model.

The PCB has confirmed in a statement that it was informed by the ICC about the BCCI’s decision. Reportedly, the PCB has forwarded the ICC’s communication to the Pakistani government to determine the next steps.