The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tour officially began in Pakistan on Tuesday, November 19 despite the continuing dispute over the hosting of the cricketing event. Notably the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) have been at loggerheads over the past few days as the Indian government has not granted permission to their team to travel to Pakistan for the mega event.
Amid all the uncertainty, the trophy tour kicked off in Pakistan with the silverware being presented in the cities of Islamabad, Taxila and Khanpur. A video shared by the ICC (International Cricket Council) on their social media handles captures the journey of the coveted trophy across the length and breadth of Pakistan as was also held by star Pakistan cricketers Shadab Khan and Shoaib Akhtar.
Watch the video here:
Earlier, the PCB had announced the trophy tour in the disputed POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) region as well. However, the itinerary was revised by the ICC after a complaint by the BCCI. The trophy will travel through various cities of Pakistan till November 25 and will later travel to the remaining seven participating nations. The trophy will be displayed in India across several cities from January 15 to 26 and will return to Pakistan on January 27.
Meanwhile, back-channel negotiations are underway to convince the PCB that adopting a hybrid model is the most pragmatic solution, given India’s reluctance to travel across the border for the 50-over tournament in 2025.
Negotiations underway with PCB for hybrid model
India Today has learnt that top cricket administrators are emphasising the importance of India’s participation in the marquee International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament, given the significant following and revenue the Men in Blue bring. The PCB has also been made aware of the financial consequences if they withdraw from the event.
Pakistan has been urged to refrain from making statements against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and to start working towards a hybrid model to facilitate smooth planning for the eight-team tournament.
Notably, when asked whether Pakistan would withdraw from the tournament if the ICC proposed a hybrid model, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi responded: “Pakistan’s respect is first and foremost. Rest, you will see what happens. Our stance is very clear; we have made it clear in the past.”
Due to a standoff between the two cricketing nations, the schedule announcement of the Champions Trophy 2025 has been delayed with less than 100 days to go for the tournament.
