The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the schedule of the global cup tour for Men’s Champions Cup 2025following an official protest, the route was revised to exclude cities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The announcement came on Saturday, days after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially included the controversial regions in its proposed route.
PoK cities pulled out of CT 2025 Trophy Tour after BCCI’s protest
The controversy started on November 14, after the PCB announced the schedule of the trophy tour in PoK which listed cities like Skardu, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. These inputs prompted a swift response from BCCI, its secretary Jay ShahHe strongly opposed the ICC citing the sensitivity of the disputed territory between India and Pakistan.
Reacting immediately, the ICC revised the itinerary by removing the disputed PoK cities from the schedule. The cup tour in Pakistan will now include destinations like Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Abbottabad as well as Taxila, Khanpur, Murree and Nathia Gali. The tour will start in Islamabad on November 17 and conclude in Karachi on November 22-25.
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Revised schedule for Trophy Tour in Pakistan
- November 17: Islamabad
- November 18: Abbottabad
- November 19: Murree
- November 20: Nathia Gali
- November 22-25: Karachi
Global tour details
After its Pakistan tour, the Trophy will continue its global tour by visiting several cricketing countries including Afghanistan (November 26-28), Bangladesh (December 10-13), South Africa (December 15-22), Australia (December 25). January 5), New Zealand (January 6-11), England (January 12-14) and India (January 15-26). The specific cities for the international legs of the tour are yet to be announced.
The ICC release highlighted the interactive elements of the trophy tour, which will combine physical and digital signage. Fans can expect a range of events at popular venues, sports arenas and international cricket matches. A special content series, Champion on Tour, will document the journey of the trophy, exploring the intersections of cricket, music and food.
India’s attitude towards hosting and hybrid model debates
As the cup tour continues, uncertainties about the organization of the tournament continue. India, which is co-hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy with Pakistan, has refused to travel to Pakistan for the competition, citing political tensions. The ICC is reportedly in discussions with the PCB to resolve the situation by considering alternatives such as a hybrid model or shifting the event to neutral venues such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). South Africa.
Defending champions and historical context
Pakistan enter the 2025 Champions Trophy as the defending champions, having won the 2017 edition at The Oval where they defeated India in a one-sided final. However, geopolitical complexities continue to overshadow the tournament, affecting not only the cup tour but the wider preparations for the marquee event.
As the Trophy embarks on its global journey, the revised tour reflects the ICC’s efforts to manage political sensitivities while maintaining the tournament’s global appeal. Fans all over the world are eagerly waiting for the start of the race, which is scheduled for February 19.
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