Champions Trophy 2025: The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region, part of India’s Jammu and Kashmir, has been a source of ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan since it was invaded by Pakistan in 1947. Known in Pakistan as “Azad Kashmir”, the region has been a contentious subject in bilateral relations. Recent developments surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour have once again thrust PoK into the spotlight, sparking a diplomatic issue.
PCB’s Champions Trophy Trophy Tour Announcement
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had announced a tour of the Champions Trophy 2025 trophy, which is scheduled to take place in Islamabad and several scenic locations, including Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad — all located in PoK. The Champions Trophy is a prestigious international cricket tournament, with Pakistan being the defending champion after winning the 2017 edition under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed.
A Social Media Post From The PCB
“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. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November.”
Get ready, Pakistan!
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2024
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. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24… pic.twitter.com/SmsV5uyzlL
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BCCI Raises Objections To PoK Trophy Tour
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) quickly raised objections to the trophy tour’s inclusion of PoK regions. The BCCI’s concerns were officially lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC), and Jay Shah, BCCI secretary and future ICC Chair, took the matter up directly with the global governing body.
Reports suggest that as a result of these objections, the PCB’s planned tour to PoK has been called off for now.
What’s Next For The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour?
In response to the BCCI’s objections, the PCB is now consulting with the ICC to determine how to proceed with the Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour. One possible solution is to limit the tour to the three hosting cities of the tournament: Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore. This would exclude the PoK regions and focus the tour on areas within Pakistan’s internationally recognized boundaries.
BCCI Refuses To Travel To Pakistan For ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The controversy surrounding the trophy tour also ties into the BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, set to take place in February next year. Given the political tensions between the two nations, the BCCI has made it clear that Indian cricketers will not be traveling to Pakistan for the event, raising further uncertainty about the tournament’s logistics.
Hybrid Model Proposed For Champions Trophy 2025
To address the logistical challenges, the tournament organizers are now exploring a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, where some matches could be held in neutral venues, with others played in Pakistan. This proposal, however, has been met with resistance from the PCB, which is opposed to the idea of shifting any matches out of Pakistan.
Diplomatic Implications For India-Pakistan Cricket Relations
The ongoing dispute highlights the deep-rooted political and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, which continue to affect cricketing ties. The future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain, with both the BCCI and PCB navigating a complex web of diplomatic, logistical, and political challenges.
Also Read: Reports: PCB Agrees To Scrap Champions Trophy Tour To PoK Following BCCI’s Strong Protest
