ICC asks Pakistan to cancel Champions Trophy 2024 Matches in PoK

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to cancel the Champions Trophy trophy tour in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This decision follows objections raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

ICC’s Directive

The ICC’s directive comes after the PCB announced plans to take the trophy to cities in PoK, including Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. The ICC has yet to formalize the plan for the trophy tour, but the PCB seemed to have jumped the gun by announcing the schedule.

BCCI’s Objection

Reacting to the development, BCCI secretary Jay Shah raised strong objections to the PCB’s plans. “Jay Shah has objected to that tweet [post] and has criticized and condemned PCB’s plan to take the trophy to PoK cities. Additionally, PCB has no business sharing the schedule because it has to come from the ICC. Things need to be done appropriately, via appropriate channels,” a source aware of the developments told TimesofIndia.com.

Get ready, Pakistan!

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… pic.twitter.com/SmsV5uyzlL

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2024

PCB’s Announcement

The PCB had announced on Thursday the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour, which was initially set to commence on November 16 in Islamabad. “Get ready, Pakistan! 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 had posted on X, earlier called Twitter.

ICC’s Response

Even though the ICC is yet to announce the final schedule of the Champions Trophy, the trophy arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a tour of the country beginning November 16. The trophy has arrived at a time when the ICC has sought a response from the PCB on hosting the prestigious event in a hybrid model following India’s refusal to travel to the country for the tournament.