BCCI’s Role in Stopping Champions Trophy Tour in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir Revealed

The BCCI has strongly objected to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s purported decision to take the Champions Trophy for a tour of disputed Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), prompting global body ICC to suspend the promotional event. The tournament, last played in 2017, is already in limbo after the BCCI officially informed the ICC about the Indian cricket team’s inability to travel to Pakistan. The PCB, on the other hand, has for now rejected the proposed “hybrid model” under which India would play its matches in Dubai. The schedule has also been delayed and more controversies could only make the situation worse.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is learned to have spoken to senior ICC officials on Friday and condemned Pakistan’s move and urged the global body to take serious notice of it.

“The BCCI secretary, after it came to his attention, called the ICC and was extremely critical of the PCB’s decision to conduct a trophy tour of several cities that fall under Pakistan Occupied Kashmir,” a senior BCCI official privy to the development told PTI. conditions of anonymity.

“He called on the ICC to take decisive action. As far as Islamabad is concerned, there is no problem, but there cannot be any trophy tour in POK.”

The trophy tour is part of a promotional campaign for the global organization that includes visits to several cities in line with discussions between the international organization and the host nation.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), without prior consultation with all stakeholders, announced on its official social media handles that the trophy would be taken to Skardu, Murree and Hunza – areas that fall under the disputed territory.

“Get ready, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy Tour 2025 kicks off in Islamabad on November 16 and will also visit scenic tourist destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. Take a look at the trophy that Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval. , from 16th to 24th November,” PCB tweeted.

When contacted, an ICC board member told PTI, “Discussions about the Trophy Tour are still ongoing. I don’t know if the PCB kept everyone updated on the four cities mentioned, but if not, it was definitely wrong. “I don’t think the ICC will allow the PCB to move the trophy to any disputed region.”