The International Cricket Council (ICC) has excluded the Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad areas within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) from the Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the initial tour itinerary proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Despite plans for a nationwide tour from November 16 to 24, the ICC has decided these regions will not be included. This move aligns with ongoing tensions surrounding India’s participation, as the ICC informed PCB that India would not travel to Pakistan for the matches.
Additionally, the ICC has requested a formal explanation from the BCCI regarding its decision to withhold the Indian team from next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan, as reported by Geo News. This request followed verbal communication from the BCCI about their decision.
The PCB has asked the ICC for a copy of India’s formal response. Sources informed Geo News that Pakistan might request substantial evidence justifying BCCI’s decision if a written reply is provided. After reviewing the evidence, the ICC would then need to make a final decision regarding India’s participation.
Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Confirmed as Host Amid India Participation
If India cannot provide adequate reasons for not travelling to Pakistan, they may be compelled to participate in the tournament. Alternatively, should India refuse to participate, another team might replace them.
Pakistan is the defending champions of the upcoming Champions Trophy. The PCB announced that the trophy tour will commence in Islamabad on November 16, despite uncertainties about India’s involvement and the tournament schedule.
India has consistently expressed reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing security concerns. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla previously noted that any travel to Pakistan would require authorization from the Government of India.
Read:India Opts Out of Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
Last year’s Asian Trophy hosted by Pakistan adopted a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Sri Lanka. There is speculation about using a similar model for the Champions Trophy, though PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently denied discussions about this arrangement.
Emerging reports suggest South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as potential alternative venues for the 2025 Champions Trophy if Pakistan decides to withdraw at the last moment. If the ICC opts to move the tournament to a neutral venue, Pakistan could also withdraw from the tournament.
