The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the schedule of global trophy tour for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, revising the itinerary to exclude cities in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) following a formal protest by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The announcement came on Saturday, just days after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially included disputed regions in its proposed route.
PoK cities dropped from CT 2025 Trophy Tour after BCCI’s objection
The controversy began on November 14, when the PCB announced the trophy tour’s schedule, which listed cities such as Skardu, Hunza and Muzaffarabad in PoK. These inclusions prompted a swift response from the BCCI, whose secretary, Jay Shah, filed a strong objection with the ICC, citing the sensitive nature of the disputed territory between India and Pakistan.
Responding promptly, the ICC revised the itinerary, dropping the contentious PoK cities from the schedule. The trophy tour in Pakistan will now include Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Abbottabad, as well as destinations like Taxila, Khanpur, Murree and Nathia Gali. The tour will begin in Islamabad on November 17 and conclude in Karachi from 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
Following its journey across Pakistan, the Trophy will continue its global tour, visiting several cricketing nations, 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). Specific cities for the international legs of the tour are yet to be announced.
The ICC’s release highlighted the interactive elements of the trophy tour, which will blend physical and digital engagements. Fans can expect a series of events at iconic locations, sporting arenas, and international cricket fixtures. A dedicated content series, Champion on tour, will document the trophy’s journey, exploring the intersections of cricket, music and food.
India’s stand on hosting and hybrid model discussions
While the trophy tour progresses, uncertainties persist over the tournament’s hosting arrangements. India, the 2025 Champions Trophy co-host 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, considering alternatives such as a hybrid model or relocating the event to neutral venues like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or South Africa.
Defending champions and historical context
Pakistan enters 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 shadow the tournament, impacting not just the trophy tour but the broader preparations for the marquee event.
As the Trophy embarks on its global journey, the revised tour reflects the ICC’s effort to navigate political sensitivities while maintaining the tournament’s global appeal. Fans worldwide eagerly await the start of the competition, scheduled for February 19.