The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly blocked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour. This decision comes after PCB announced plans to take the trophy through Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad, all part of the disputed PoK region.
The PCB had shared on X: “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 November.”
Also Read: PCB Risks 65 Million Dollar And ICC Sanctions With Potential Champions Trophy Boycott: Report
However, reports suggest that after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) raised concerns, the ICC intervened and denied permission for the trophy tour in PoK.
India has already expressed hesitation to send its team to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy and communicated this stance to the ICC. In response, the PCB has written to the ICC, seeking clarification on India’s refusal and is now considering taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to ensure the tournament remains fully hosted in Pakistan.
No Back-Channel Diplomacy with India
Responding to questions about back-channel diplomacy regarding cricketing ties, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, clarified: “There is no back channel with India to specifically discuss the Champions Trophy and bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India.” She reiterated that “Pakistan has always said that sports should not be politicized.”
The PCB remains in touch with the ICC to finalize arrangements for the tournament, including participation from other nations. For further details, Baloch advised referring to the PCB.
