The Champions Trophy arrived in Pakistan and the prestigious silverware will be taken on a tour around the country from November 16 to 24, the Pakistan Cricket Board said. The trophy tour is scheduled to go ahead even as there is uncertainty over the venue of the prestigious 50-over tournament, which is returning to the cricket calendar after seven years.
“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,” PCB said in a social media post on Thursday.
There has been a delay in announcing the schedule of the Champions Trophy amid uncertainty over India travelling to Pakistan. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it wouldn’t be travelling across the border due to security concerns. The PCB, in turn, has asked the BCCI, via ICC, to explain its decision.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan questioned the purpose of the trophy tour at a time when there has been a delay in announcing the schedule.
“What is the purpose of this trophy tour when no one really knows at which venues the tournament will be held and whether Pakistan and India will play against each other in the event,” Khan said, as quoted b PTI news agency.
The PCB has been adamant about not agreeing to a hybrid model, which would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue. Notably, India did not travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup last year. Pakistan, who had the hosting rights for the continental tournament, were forced to host the tournament in a hybrid model which saw Sri Lanka hosting the majority of the games, including the final.
The ICC has asked the PCB to confirm if a Hybrid Model — where India’s matches and the final would be held in Dubai — is acceptable to them, PTI news agency said. The ICC has assured the PCB that, under this arrangement, they would receive full hosting fees and a majority of the matches.
India Today previously reported that India would likely not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns and that its matches could be staged in the UAE. If a hybrid model is not agreed upon for the Champions Trophy, there is a possibility that the entire tournament could be relocated out of Pakistan.
The ICC was reportedly set to announce the schedule, without confirmation of the venues, in the second week of November. According to a tentative schedule, the Champions Trophy is set to be held from February 19 to March 9, with matches scheduled in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
