ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Row: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it will organize a tour across the country along with the Champions Trophy. International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet confirmed the final schedule for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, but on Thursday sent the trophy to Pakistan for a nationwide tour starting on November 16. The Pakistani Cricket Board has announced on social media that the tour Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Will visit many cities across the country including areas of. Questions are being raised on the inclusion of PoK areas in this list.
The announcement has been made in the backdrop of a major controversy, with the BCCI clarifying that the Indian team will not be traveling to the neighboring country due to strained relations and security concerns. Pakistan has the right to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan Cricket Board says ICC Champions Trophy will be moved to Skardu, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. All these places are in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir i.e. PoK.
A post issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday on Sightseeing spots will also be visited.”
Why is this a provocation from Pakistan?
In fact, the most striking thing in his messages on social media was that he made special mention of Skardu, Hunza and Muzaffarabad, all of which are in PoK. This is a disputed area which India claims as its own. PCB is angry with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s refusal to play in Pakistan. The PCB is keen to host the Champions Trophy at any cost, whether India participates or not, since the global event was last held in 1996.
The PCB aims to show the world that Pakistan is ready to change its 'unsafe image' which is often targeted for security issues. Hosting a major event like the Champions Trophy after almost three decades will strengthen this perception.
India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have made it clear that their team will not go to Pakistan. Without India's participation the Champions Trophy or any ICC event for that matter would be a non-start.
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To make the situation even more complicated, the PCB has taken a strong stance against the hybrid model, under which Pakistan would be allowed to host. But India's matches, including the semi-finals and final, will be shifted to a neutral venue, possibly Dubai. However, the PCB is not ready for this.
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… pic.twitter.com/SmsV5uyzlL — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2024
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