ICC asks PCB to cancel the Champions Trophy tour in cities located in PoK - Reports
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to cancel the 2025 Champions Trophy tour in the cities situated in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Champions Trophy is expected to be played in March 2025.
Earlier today, the official account of PCB posted on X that the Champions Trophy tour was to commence from November 16 to 24 in the cities of Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. The post said:
"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."
Take a look at the post below:
As per a report from Time of India, it is understood that the ICC was yet to formalise the plan for the Trophy Tour and that the PCB announced the tour in a hurry. The report also states that the incumbent BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, also raised an objection to the same.
The cities where the tour was planned are a part of PoK region, which has been a sensitive point of discussion between the states of India and Pakistan.
Team India refuse to play their matches in Pakistan: Report
The Indian Cricket Team have reportedly decided to not play their matches in Pakistan and rather have them played at a neutral venue. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated their stance and has asked them to schedule their matches at a different venue.
Team India last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup. Since then, they two teams have only faced off each other in ICC events or Asia Cup, with the last bilateral series dating back to 2013.