ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI-Jay Shah show muscle power; bring Pakistan on knees to remove Trophy Tour from PoK

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to drop disputed PoK (Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir) from the Champions Trophy 2025 tour. This news comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) raised objections with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the trophy tour.

It has been reported that the ICC has requested the PCB to change the Trophy tour schedule, but there is no official confirmation. The PCB had earlier announced that the trophy would be taken to picturesque places like Hunza, Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad from November 16 to 24.

PCB Is Already In Discussions With The ICC - Report

Following this, BCCI secretary Jay Shah raised a complaint with the ICC regarding the PCB's trophy tour plans. The Indian Express reported that the PCB had not unilaterally finalized the trophy tour schedule, and the decision took place after consultation with the ICC.

“PCB is already in discussions with the ICC on how to proceed with the trophy tour to ensure the Champions Trophy is continued to be promoted in Pakistan,” a PCB source told The Indian Express.

“The ICC Champions Trophy tour was planned in consultation and with the approval of the ICC. The PCB had not unilaterally finalized the trophy tour schedule,” the source said.

Jay Shah Has Objected To The PCB's Idea - BCCI Official

The report added that Jay Shah, who is set to become ICC Chairman on December 1, expressed objections to the PCB’s plans to include PoK in the Champions Trophy trophy tour. A top BCCI official stated that the BCCI has no issues with the tour in other cities in Pakistan, but PoK is unacceptable.

“BCCI secretary Shah has objected to the PCB’s idea to hold a Champions Trophy tour in PoK. The BCCI has no problem if the tour is conducted in any other city of Pakistan or even in a stadium outside PoK or in a mall. But they cannot hold it in PoK,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express on Friday.

Champions Trophy Set to Take Place in February-March Next Year

The upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan. However, the schedule for the event hasn't been finalized as India refused to travel to Pakistan. The BCCI wants the team to play in a hybrid model with their matches held outside Pakistan.

The PCB shortlisted Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi as venues before the controversy arose. Notably, the PCB is in discussions with the ICC regarding the arrangements, including the participation of various teams.

The India national cricket team hasn't visited the neighboring nation since the 2008 Asia Cup. India and Pakistan have only played each other in ICC events and the Asia Cup since their last bilateral series in 2013.

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