The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy trophy tour is officially underway, with a grand start in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday. However, the tour’s inaugural route was reshaped at the last minute, sparking controversy. Initially planned to include Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir—a region contested by both India and Pakistan—the trophy will now bypass the city in response to objections raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI’s concern about Muzaffarabad’s inclusion in the route prompted delays in the confirmation of the tour schedule. The ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) worked behind the scenes to resolve the issue, with the newly revised route allowing the tour to proceed as scheduled. Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistani fast bowler, was chosen to accompany the trophy during its Islamabad leg, where it will be displayed at iconic landmarks such as Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument.
The tour, which will take the trophy to multiple cities in Pakistan—including Abbottabad, Murree, and Karachi—was initially set to begin on Thursday. However, PCB’s public announcement of the details before ICC approval led to confusion and a rapid resolution of the matter, with a revised schedule agreed upon by Friday night.
Once it leaves Pakistan, the Champions Trophy trophy will continue its journey to the participating nations of the tournament, visiting the other seven countries set to compete in the prestigious event. The trophy is expected to return to Pakistan on January 27, three weeks before the tournament kicks off, with another leg planned around key venues in Pakistan.
A Hybrid Tournament on the Horizon?
Despite the trophy’s tour beginning without further delay, uncertainty looms over the tournament’s actual logistics. The 2024 Champions Trophy, slated to be held in Pakistan, remains shrouded in ambiguity as the BCCI has made it clear that India’s participation in Pakistan is unlikely. The Indian government has raised security concerns, which has led to the possibility of a “hybrid” model for the tournament. In this model, India would play their matches outside Pakistan while the remaining games take place in the host nation.
The PCB has firmly opposed the hybrid model, insisting that the entire tournament should be held on Pakistani soil. Tensions are escalating as the PCB has demanded the BCCI provide a written explanation regarding its stance, asking the ICC to clarify when they were informed of the BCCI’s decision.
With less than 100 days remaining until the tournament’s scheduled start, the future of the Champions Trophy is uncertain. The PCB’s request to the ICC for clarity on the matter remains unanswered, adding to the ongoing diplomatic and logistical complexities surrounding the event.
Shubman Gill’s Injury Adds to India’s Selection Dilemma
In other cricket news, India’s preparations for their upcoming series against Australia have been further complicated by an injury to Shubman Gill. The talented Indian opener sustained a thumb injury while fielding during a practice session at the WACA in Perth. While initial reports suggest that the injury may not be serious, it remains to be seen whether Gill will be available for the first Test, starting on November 22. The injury has raised questions about India’s batting order, with speculation surrounding whether Gill will continue to bat at No. 3 or be shifted to open in place of Rohit Sharma, who is still uncertain for the Test due to the birth of his second child.
Devdutt Padikkal, who has been training with India A in Australia, has been asked to stay with the main squad, but it remains unclear whether he will be included in the playing XI or kept as a reserve.
As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team faces a tense few days with multiple injury concerns and a potentially shifting batting lineup. Meanwhile, the status of the Champions Trophy tournament continues to cast a shadow over international cricket, as fans and officials await a resolution on the host nation’s final arrangements.