The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) announcement of a Champions Trophy trophy tour through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has sparked controversy and condemnations, drawing sharp criticism from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah strongly condemned the move, emphasising concerns over territorial integrity and accusing the PCB of politicising sports. Sources revealed that Shah has raised the issue with the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging decisive action.
Initially, the PCB planned a nationwide trophy tour, set to cover Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad from 16 to 24 November. However, the ICC has since decided to exclude these PoK locations from the itinerary after receiving objections from India.
This development intensifies the ongoing tension between the BCCI and PCB. India has consistently maintained its refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, citing security concerns. In response, the ICC has reportedly sought a formal explanation from the BCCI regarding their decision not to participate in matches held in Pakistan.
The PCB, meanwhile, has demanded a copy of India’s response and may request substantial evidence for the cited reasons. If India fails to justify its stance, the ICC may press for their participation or consider a replacement team for the event.
As the defending champions of the tournament, Pakistan plans to kick off the trophy tour from Islamabad on 16 November despite the controversy. However, the debate over India’s participation continues to cast uncertainty over the tournament’s schedule and logistics.
