ICC Rejects PCB’s Proposal to Host Champions Trophy Matches in PoK: Reports

ICC denies PCB Champions Trophy

ICC Rejects PCB’s Proposal to Host Champions Trophy Matches in PoK: In a strongly-worded statement, the BCCI said it had received an intimation from the ICC regarding Pakistan's move and felt compelled to express its strong objection to the purported decision. The BCCI's objections have now put the promotional event on hold. According to sources in the board, the last edition of the Champions Trophy was played in 2017. The tournament has been in limbo since the BCCI officially intimated the ICC about the Indian cricket team's inability to travel to Pakistan.

The PCB, on its part, has rejected the proposed 'Hybrid Model' with India playing its matches in Dubai. The schedule has also been put on hold and the new controversy could only make things ugly.

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It is learnt that BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Friday spoke to the top brass of the ICC and condemned this move by Pakistan and has urged the global body to take a strong note.

"The BCCI secretary, after it came to his notice, called up the ICC and was extremely critical of PCB's move to conduct a Trophy tour of multiple cities which fall under Pakistan Occupied Kashmir," a senior BCCI official privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"He has urged the ICC to take strong action. As far as Islamabad is concerned, there is no issue but there can't be any Trophy tour to POK."

Trophy Tour is part of global body's promotional campaign. It involves visits to multiple cities as per discussions between the international body and the host country.

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Unbeknownst to all stakeholders, the PCB released an announcement on its official social media that the Trophy was headed towards Skardu, Murree, and Hunza - all of which lie in the disputed territory.

"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," PCB tweeted.

When an ICC Board Member was contacted, he told PTI: "The discussions on Trophy tour is still on. I am not aware if PCB had kept everyone in loop about the four cities mentioned but if not then it was certainly not the right thing to do. I don't think ICC will allow PCB to take the trophy to any disputed region."

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