MUMBAI: The controversy surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, final held in 2017, continues to escalate with no event schedule — initially set to start on Feb 19 and conclude on March 8 — in sight.
On Friday, BCCI secretary Jay Shah raised robust objections with the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plans to advertise the Champions Trophy by conducting a trophy tour throughout areas in PakistanOccupied Kashmir (PoK).
A day after the PCB introduced the tour on social media, the BCCI secretary raised the matter with the worldwide cricket physique. “Jay Shah has objected to that tweet (publish) and has criticised and condemned PCB’s plan to take the trophy to PoK cities.”He has urged the ICC to take robust motion on this regard. The PCB has no enterprise sharing the schedule as a result of it has to come back from ICC. Issues should be carried out through applicable channels,” mentioned a supply near the event.
One other supply mentioned, “There isn’t any query of approving or rejecting something at this stage. Discussions on the ultimate plan for the Trophy Tour are ongoing. As all the time, the confirmed schedule might be introduced by means of ICC channels.”
Usually, a trophy tour is part of the worldwide physique’s promotional train with a number of metropolis visits as per an association with the host nation.
Champions Trophy: Jay Shah objects PCB’s Champions Trophy plans in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir cities
On Thursday, the PCB introduced the plan on social media, mentioning stops in Skardu, Hunza and Muzaffarabad — territories in PoK. “Prepare, Pakistan! The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 Nov, additionally visiting scenic journey locations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. Catch a glimpse of the trophy Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 on the Oval,” the publish learn.
India has already refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. Whereas the ICC was anticipated to launch the event schedule on Nov 11, the announcement has reportedly been postponed to Nov 22.
In the meantime, the PCB has rejected the proposed ‘hybrid mannequin’, which might see India enjoying their matches in Dubai. It stays unclear if the BCCI is open to enjoying matches in Dubai.
