PCB Alters Trophy Tour After BCCI Complaint
The PCB has removed PoK from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour. This follows a protest by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. The new schedule redirects the trophy to major cities: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
The PCB announced the initial tour plans on Thursday. It will include stops in scenic areas like Skardu, Hunza, Murree, and Muzaffarabad. However, these sites in the disputed PoK territory sparked objections from the BCCI. It flagged the issue with the ICC.
Controversy Over PoK Inclusion
The controversy began when the PCB tweeted details of the trophy tour. The post invited fans to catch the ICC Champions Trophy in various places, including PoK, from November 16 to 24.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, soon to be ICC Chairman, raised concerns with the ICC. A top BCCI official said Shah deemed the PoK inclusion “unacceptable.””
“The BCCI has no objection to the trophy tour in other cities of Pakistan or in recognized international locations,” the official said. “But PoK cannot be part of it.”
PCB Responds to ICC Dialogue
The PCB stated that the ICC made the original plan. But, the itinerary was not finalized. A PCB source confirmed that talks with the ICC are ongoing. They want to promote the Champions Trophy in Pakistan with the trophy tour, while avoiding disputes.
“PCB is in touch with the ICC about the trophy tour to promote the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” a source told The Indian Express.
BCCI’s Stance on Hosting Matches in Pakistan
The BCCI’s objections to the PoK leg of the tour are part of broader tensions regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. India has expressed concerns about playing matches in Pakistan due to security issues. The BCCI has suggested Dubai as an alternative venue for India’s games, a proposal the PCB has opposed.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, featuring the top eight cricket teams in the world.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Event: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour
- Original Tour Schedule: Included PoK destinations such as Skardu, Hunza, Murree, and Muzaffarabad.
- Revised Schedule: Now limited to Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
- BCCI Protest: Lodged by Secretary Jay Shah, citing PoK as an unacceptable location.
- Tournament Dates: February 19 to March 9, 2025.
- Participating Teams: Top eight international teams.
This situation shows the ongoing geopolitical issues in cricket. Both boards are firm in their stances. The ICC must navigate these complexities for a smooth lead-up to the Champions Trophy.
