In a fresh twist to the already complex situation surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the BCCI has raised objections to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plan to include Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as one of the venues for the tournament’s trophy tour. The objection, which was communicated to the ICC on Friday, has thrown the schedule of the much-anticipated tour into uncertainty just a day before it was set to begin.
The PCB had previously announced that the Champions Trophy trophy tour would kick off on November 16, with plans to visit various iconic locations across Pakistan, including popular tourist destinations such as Skardu, Murree, and Hunza. However, the inclusion of Muzaffarabad, a city in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan, has raised serious concerns in India. The BCCI’s objection stems from the political sensitivity surrounding the territory, which has been a long-standing point of contention between the two nations.
According to sources close to the matter, the BCCI communicated its objection to the ICC on Friday, but it is still unclear whether this was done formally in writing or verbally. The ICC has yet to issue a formal response, and discussions are ongoing regarding how to proceed with the trophy tour. The decision on whether the tour will commence on November 16, as originally planned, remains pending.
The ICC, which typically handles the logistics of such events, appeared to be caught off guard by the PCB’s announcement, which was made via social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The ICC had expected all communication about the tournament and its associated events to be officially routed through its own channels.
In its initial post, the PCB had outlined that the tour would begin on November 16 and would be spread over multiple phases, with the first part focusing on the three venues where the tournament is set to be played—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The second phase would then take the trophy to other locations, including Muzaffarabad. However, the BCCI’s objection complicates this plan.
Also read: ICC Sends Champions Trophy to Pakistan Amid Uncertainty Over Schedule and Format
The growing uncertainty surrounding the trophy tour is part of a larger saga involving the 2025 Champions Trophy. Last week, the BCCI confirmed that the Indian government had denied permission for India to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, a decision that was subsequently communicated to the PCB by the ICC. In response, the PCB rejected the BCCI’s preference for a hybrid model, which would allow India to play their matches at neutral venues rather than in Pakistan.
The PCB, which is already in the process of preparing the three designated venues, has requested formal written communication from the ICC regarding the Indian government’s position. PCB officials have asked for clarity on when exactly the decision was conveyed to the ICC and the specific reasons behind India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. The PCB has also called on the ICC to provide a detailed explanation from the BCCI regarding its decision.
In addition to these complications, the ICC has yet to confirm the official tournament dates and schedule for the Champions Trophy, despite the PCB proposing the tournament be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The delay in finalizing the event details has only added to the mounting pressure and uncertainty surrounding the future of the tournament.
As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will be on the ICC as it works to address the concerns raised by both the BCCI and PCB and determine the way forward for the Champions Trophy.
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