The debate is growing over the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and its future, especially after India’s firm stance on not traveling to Pakistan for the event. India has insisted on a hybrid model whereby they would play their matches in the neutral venue, say UAE, while the rest of the tournament would be held in Pakistan. Still, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has remained rigid and persisting that it has already finalized the decision to host all the matches in Pakistan despite knowing India’s stance on this issue.
Trophy Tour To Take Place Amid All The Controversy
The International Cricket Council’s announced on Saturday regarding a global Trophy Tour in anticipation of the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan.
The announcement came amid the ICC’s cancellation of the planned Trophy Tour in the Pakistan-occupied region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, had already strongly protested the Pakistan Cricket Board, PCB’s intention to include locations like Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad, which lie in the disputed areas of PoJK, as part of the Champions Trophy tour.
BCCI Wants ICC To Take Strong Action Against PCB
According to sources of ANI in BCCI, Secretary Jay Shah condemned the unilateral decision of the PCB and called for decisive ICC action. This was the reason for the protest by the Indian board as PCB had announced the tour without consulting the BCCI beforehand. The ICC suspended the tour to these PoK cities and instead presented a revised schedule omitting those locations.
Kapil Dev’s Strict Verdict On The Champions Trophy Debate
Kapil Dev, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, recently shared his views on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and the potential for an India-Pakistan clash, emphasizing the significant role the respective governments play in such matters.
“It’s the government’s responsibility. People like us should not give opinions, our opinions don’t matter. Kapil Dev can’t be bigger than anyone else.” said Kapil Dev
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: India Set To Approach ICC, Decision Expected Soon! Latest Update Inside
Trophy Tour To Start From Islamabad
The Trophy Tour will now start in Islamabad, where the trophy will be placed in prominent landmarks such as Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument. Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will be present to initiate the journey. The trophy will be taken to all major cities and historical places in Pakistan-including Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila-before traveling extensively all over the world in order to celebrate the diversity and culture of the countries participating in the tournament.
(With ANI Inputs)
