The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has raised strong objections to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plans for a Champions Trophy trophy tour in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This follows the PCB’s announcement of a promotional tour in several cities within the disputed area.
Jay Shah’s Immediate Response
According to a report in the Times of India, BCCI secretary Jay Shah quickly reacted after the PCB shared its plans on social media. He criticized the PCB for wanting to take the Champions Trophy to cities like Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad, which are in PoK. Sources say Shah emphasized that the PCB should not share such a schedule, as it must come from the International Cricket Council (ICC). He insisted that all actions must follow proper channels.
The PCB announced on November 14 that the trophy tour would start in Islamabad on November 16. They highlighted scenic places in PoK. While this excited fans, it also drew immediate criticism from BCCI officials.
ICC Cancels Trophy Tour
Due to BCCI’s objections, the ICC acted quickly and canceled the planned trophy tour in PoK. The global cricket body was surprised by the PCB’s announcement, as they had not finalized any plans for the tour. The ICC intended to share updates through official channels once everything was confirmed.
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This cancellation adds to ongoing tensions about the Champions Trophy 2025, which is set for February-March 2025 in Pakistan. There are still uncertainties about India’s participation due to security concerns and political issues.
India’s Reluctance to Travel to Pakistan
India has already said it will not play matches in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The Indian government has not approved travel for Team India because of ongoing security issues. This decision raises concerns among broadcasters about potential financial losses and viewership drops if India does not participate.
The ICC was expected to announce the tournament schedule earlier this month but faced delays due to these complications. Broadcasters have urged the ICC for clarity on scheduling so they can finalize marketing strategies and advertisements.
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