The International Cricket Council (ICC) has barred the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from conducting the 2025 Champions Trophy trophy tour in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This decision came after a strong objection from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), led by Secretary Jay Shah.
Pakistan’s Original Plan Sparks Controversy
The PCB had announced plans to showcase the Champions Trophy in several locations, including cities in PoK such as Skardu, Murree, and Hunza. This promotional tour aimed to generate excitement for the tournament, which Pakistan is set to host in 2025. However, including disputed territories in the plan quickly escalated into a geopolitical controversy.
BCCI Takes Action Against PCB’s Move
Jay Shah, Secretary of the BCCI, lodged a formal complaint with ICC officials on behalf of India. Shah highlighted that conducting a trophy tour in disputed regions like PoK would be inappropriate and against the spirit of global cricketing values. According to sources, Shah directly contacted ICC’s top officials, urging them to take swift action to prevent the trophy tour in such areas.
“While Pakistan may host the tournament as planned, taking the trophy to disputed territories is unacceptable,” a senior BCCI official told media outlets.
ICC Responds to BCCI’s Concerns
The ICC, after receiving BCCI’s objection, reportedly reviewed the matter and decided to prohibit the trophy tour in PoK. An ICC board member noted that while the tour itself is a promotional campaign, it must align with the organization’s policies, which include avoiding activities in disputed regions.
PCB’s Response to the Ban
The PCB has expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that the ICC approved the trophy tour plan and designed to promote cricket across Pakistan. PCB officials claim they were not informed of any objections from the BCCI prior to the announcement.
A PCB source said, “The ICC was involved in the planning process, and the proposed itinerary was finalized in consultation with them. If BCCI had issues, they should have raised them before the official announcement.”
Despite the setback, the PCB is working with the ICC to revise the plan and ensure the success of the trophy tour in Pakistan.
Past Trophy Tours and Controversies
Trophy tours are a key part of ICC’s promotional activities, visiting several cities in the host country to engage fans. In 2023, India successfully conducted the ODI World Cup trophy tour, which visited numerous cities and garnered widespread attention.
The inclusion of PoK in the PCB’s plan, however, raised concerns due to the sensitive geopolitical status of the region. This issue underscores the challenges of hosting global sporting events in politically disputed areas.
The ICC’s decision to block the Champions Trophy trophy tour in PoK reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining neutrality while promoting cricket across the globe.
