ICC cancels 2025 Champions Trophy tour in three Pakistan cities amid BCCI's objection

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has called off the Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour in Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad following objections raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

This decision came swiftly after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced its plans for a nationwide trophy tour from November 16 to 24. The eight-team Champions Trophy tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan in February-March 2025, marking the country's first ICC event since 1996.

According to the Indian media reports, the BCCI expressed strong concerns over the inclusion of Muzaffarabad city for Champions Trohpy tour. This controversy adds to existing tensions, with India previously signaling its reluctance to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament.

The PCB has since sought clarification from the ICC regarding India's refusal to travel to Pakistan. In its official communication, the PCB refrained from discussing alternative arrangements, such as a hybrid model, and instead focused on understanding India's position.

In a statement, the PCB confirmed it was notified by the ICC about the decision to exclude Pakistan cities from the trophy tour. The PCB has forwarded this development to the Pakistani government for further guidance.

The ICC plans to announce the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule in mid-November, with matches tentatively set for February 19 to March 9 in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. Bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been frozen since 2012-13, and India hasn't toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup.

Following the hybrid Asia Cup 2023 model, it’s unclear if the Champions Trophy will adopt a similar format or be shifted entirely out of Pakistan.