ICC Cancels Trophy Tour In Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir A Day After PCB's Announcement

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled the Champions Trophy tour in cities located in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. This decision comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a nationwide tour for the ICC Champions Trophy trophy from November 16 to 24, India Today reported.

The ICC Champions Trophy, an eight-team tournament, is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February-March 2025. To generate excitement, the PCB had planned a trophy tour across various scenic locations. However, India Today reports that the ICC has decided to exclude cities in the disputed PoK region from the itinerary.

The inclusion of these areas had sparked controversy, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan regarding India's participation in the tournament. Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad are in a region claimed by India, and the PCB's initial announcement was seen as a provocative move, especially after India's earlier decision to skip traveling to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Ongoing India-Pakistan Dispute

The rift between India and Pakistan continues to cast a shadow on the ICC Champions Trophy. India has yet to confirm its participation, leaving the tournament's schedule and venues in limbo. This uncertainty mirrors the challenges faced during the 2023 Asia Cup, where India's refusal to play in Pakistan led to a hybrid model with most matches hosted in Sri Lanka.

The ICC had already canceled an event marking the 100-day countdown to the Champions Trophy on November 11 in Lahore, following India's declaration that its team would not travel to Pakistan.

The Champions Trophy is slated to run from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with matches planned in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, with India yet to confirm participation, the tournament's final schedule remains uncertain.