The BCCI has reportedly stopped the tour of the Champions Trophy silverware around Pakistan after the PCB scheduled visits to Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The region has been a land of constant dispute between India and Pakistan, so much so that it is also called Azad (Free) Kashmir.
It has been in the conversation lately after the PCB scheduled a trophy tour to Skardu, Hunza and Muzzafarabad, which are within Pakistan-administered Kashmir. However, the BCCI has reportedly raised objections to the procession, which have stalled it for now.
The PCB had publicly announced the tour of the Champions Trophy, of which Pakistan are defending champions. They had won the tournament in 2017 under Sarfaraz Khan, beating India in the final. A social media post read: “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.”
According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI soon lodged a formal complaint, with secretary Jay Shah taking up the matter with the ICC. Shah will soon take over as ICC Chair. Reportedly, the tour to these regions has been called off, for the moment at least.
What happens next?
The PCB is now consulting with the ICC on how to proceed with the trophy's tour. One option is to confine the tour to the three hosting venues: Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.
The BCCI has also refused to travel to Pakistan for the event, to be held in February next year. The eight-team event is now looking at a hybrid model, which is being opposed by the PCB.
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