The 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is generating significant buzz as the Trophy Tour begins in Islamabad. However, the excitement is not without controversy. Following objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the International Cricket Council (ICC) had to revise the tour schedule. The initial itinerary included Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) cities like Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. These cities have now been excluded from the list, causing a shift in the locations.
BCCI’s Strong Objection Forces Change
The BCCI raised concerns about the inclusion of PoK cities in the original itinerary. As a result, they filed an official protest with the ICC, stating their opposition to the plan. According to BCCI officials, they are comfortable with the tour being conducted in other cities of Pakistan, but not in PoK. This led to a quick response from the ICC, who decided to remove these locations from the schedule.
The move highlights ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over territorial disputes. PoK is a disputed region, and India maintains a strong stance on its claim over the area. The exclusion of these cities was a necessary step to avoid escalating the issue further.
Revised Trophy Tour Itinerary Announced
Following the objections, the ICC released a new schedule for the Champions Trophy Trophy Tour. The tour will now take place in some of Pakistan’s most iconic cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Abbottabad. The itinerary also includes stops in Taxila, Khanpur, Murree, and Nathia Gali, providing a vibrant showcase of Pakistan’s culture and landmarks.
The revised tour begins in Islamabad on November 16, with prominent landmarks like Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument hosting the trophy. Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar will also make a special appearance, adding to the excitement. After Islamabad, the tour will move to other cities, providing fans with an opportunity to see the prestigious Champions Trophy in various locations.
The Trophy Tour: A Global Experience
The ICC has crafted the Trophy Tour to engage cricket fans globally. The tour will not only visit Pakistan but will also make stops in countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and India. The goal is to bring the trophy to fans around the world, giving them a chance to see it up close and engage with the event.
The tour will feature a series of both physical and digital engagements. These events will include interactive activities related to cricket, food, and music, allowing fans to experience the culture of each nation. This global tour will culminate in Pakistan, where the official tournament is set to take place.
India’s Stance: No Travel to Pakistan
As the 2025 Champions Trophy draws closer, tensions between the PCB and BCCI continue to rise. The BCCI has made it clear that India will not travel to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns. The refusal is part of a broader disagreement between the two cricketing giants, with political and security issues affecting their cricketing ties.
The decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan has created a major obstacle for the ICC. There were discussions about adopting a hybrid model, similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where some matches could be held in neutral locations. However, Pakistan has refused to consider this option, insisting that the tournament be held entirely in Pakistan.
The ICC’s Efforts to Resolve the Issue
Despite the challenges, the ICC is working with the PCB to find a solution. One possible outcome is moving the tournament to a neutral location, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or South Africa. The ICC is in talks with the PCB to resolve the issue, but there is no official announcement yet on whether the tournament will be relocated.
The situation is still fluid, and discussions are ongoing. The ICC has emphasized the importance of hosting the Champions Trophy in a secure and well-organized manner. The cricketing world is watching closely as the situation develops, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for future international tournaments.
Pakistan’s Ambitions for the Champions Trophy
Pakistan is excited to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, especially after their victory in the 2017 edition. The defending champions are eager to show the world that they can successfully organize a major international cricket event. However, the tensions between India and Pakistan have overshadowed these ambitions.
Despite the challenges, the PCB is hopeful that the tournament will proceed in Pakistan. The country is investing heavily in infrastructure and security to ensure a successful event. There is a strong desire to showcase Pakistan as a host of international cricket, despite the ongoing political challenges with neighboring India.
A New Beginning for the ICC Trophy Tour
The launch of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour is a significant moment for cricket fans worldwide. The tour offers a chance to experience the event in a way that was never possible before. With stops in iconic cities and a focus on global engagement, this tour promises to be an exciting lead-up to the main event in Pakistan.
Cricket fans can look forward to a dynamic and colorful journey as the trophy visits various countries. The “Champion on Tour” content series will document the journey through the lens of food, music, and cricket, bringing fans closer to the action. This is more than just a trophy tour; it’s a celebration of cricket, culture, and the global passion for the sport.
Full List of Trophy Tour Dates and Locations
Here’s a quick look at the full list of venues for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour:
- November 16: Islamabad, Pakistan
- November 17: Taxila and Khanpur, Pakistan
- November 18: Abbottabad, Pakistan
- November 19: Murree, Pakistan
- November 20: Nathia Gali, Pakistan
- November 22-25: Karachi, Pakistan
- November 26-28: Afghanistan
- December 10-13: Bangladesh
- December 15-22: South Africa
- December 25-January 5: Australia
- January 6-11: New Zealand
- January 12-14: England
- January 15-26: India
- January 27: Event start in Pakistan
This tour represents the growing global interest in the Champions Trophy and showcases the tournament’s excitement in the lead-up to the main event. Despite the political tensions, the ICC is committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for cricket fans across the globe.
