ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: In yet another attempt to disrupt the smooth proceedings of the ICC Champions Trophy-related events in Pakistan, the Indian authorities have, reportedly, raised objections to the event’s trophy tour in Pakistan, set to kick off on Saturday (today).
While the Indian media has been claiming since Friday afternoon that the ICC has asked the PCB to change the schedule of the Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour, there has been no official word from the cricket’s governing body.
The PCB had announced on Thursday that the trophy tour would begin on November 16 (today) in Islamabad, with plans to visit scenic locations such as Hunza, Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad.
“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 that Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November,” the PCB had posted on its social media accounts.
The ‘Trophy Tour’ is part of the global body’s promotional activities, involving visits to multiple cities as per discussions with the host country.
According to reports from Indian media, objections have been raised about certain venues on the trophy tour. However, the ICC has not commented on the matter at the time of this report. An ICC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ICC events team was in consultation with the PCB regarding the arrangements for the trophy tour.
It is understood that the trophy tour schedule, as announced by the PCB, was finalised with prior approval from the ICC and its relevant officials.
Another source in Islamabad confirmed that the ICC Champions Trophy’s trophy tour was planned in consultation with and with the approval of the ICC.
“The PCB did not unilaterally finalise the trophy tour schedule,” the source said. “PCB has always worked in collaboration with the ICC and its commercial partners in the best interest of the sport,” added the source, who is familiar with the developments.
The source further confirmed that the PCB is already in discussions with the ICC to ensure the trophy tour proceeds smoothly, promoting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as planned.
“The trophy tour will commence in Islamabad on November 16 and is scheduled to conclude on November 24,” the source said.
Meanwhile, developments on the Indian front have added intrigue. An unconfirmed source in India disclosed to ‘The News’ that the ICC has formally sought an explanation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding its refusal to participate in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy.
The ICC reportedly sent an email requesting a detailed justification for the decision, signaling that the governing body is taking the matter seriously. Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding the inclusion of a backup team -- most likely Sri Lanka -- pending the BCCI’s official response.
The ICC’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity and global appeal of the Champions Trophy, even amid political and logistical challenges.
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