Setback to Pakistan: ICC cancels trophy tour in PoK days after India's objection
PTC News Desk: In a major setback to PCB, the International Cricket Council has cancelled trophy tour of ICC champions trophy that was scheduled to be held in the cities of Pakistan. The decision of ICC comes after Pakistan's inclusion of Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad in the tour itinerary which falls under the Pakistan occupied Kashmir that drew objection from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Pakistan Cricket Board had announced schedule for nationwide trophy tour of the Champions Trophy which was slated to commence from November 16 in Islamabad. The eight team tournament to be held in February-March 2025 for which PCB had organised trophy tour, however owing to the cities that fall under the disputed land, the tour now stands cancelled.
The champions trophy has been smeared by controversy over India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan for champions trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the ICC and sought clarification on India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. In the letter Pakistan has also urged for official explanation over India's stand.
The PCB has confirmed in a statement that it was notified by the ICC regarding the BCCI’s decision. According to reports, the PCB has shared the ICC’s communication with the Pakistani government to decide on the next course of action. This disagreement between the PCB and BCCI has cast uncertainty over the future of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan has already set aside nearly 17 billion rupees to upgrade stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in anticipation of the tournament next year.
- With inputs from agencies
