The Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour in Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad—areas that are within PoK—has been canceled by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which oversees the sport.
According to sources, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah sharply criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to hold the Champions Trophy tour in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) regions on Friday, citing worries over "territorial integrity and political interference in sports."The Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour in Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad—areas that are within PoK—has been canceled by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which oversees the sport.
According to news outlet ANI, which cited anonymous sources, "BCCI secretary Jay Shah strongly condemns the Pakistan Cricket Board's announcement to conduct the Champions Trophy tour in PoK, reiterating India's objection to the move."
"Jay Shah has raised the matter with the International Cricket Council (ICC), urging the body to take appropriate action in light of the BCCI's concerns over territorial integrity and political interference in sports," said the news agency.
The outcome of the eight-team tournament was left up in the air after the ICC told the PCB last week that India would not be touring Pakistan.
The bitter rivals have only faced off in ICC multi-nation tournaments for more than ten years due to deteriorating political relations. The last time India visited Pakistan for the Asia Cup was in 2008.
The PCB had anticipated a reciprocal gesture for the Champions Trophy when Pakistan traveled to India for the ODI World Cup last year.
Next year's Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 in three different locations: Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
Pakistan defeated bitter rivals India in the Oval final of the previous tournament, which took place in England and Wales in 2017.
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