The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, has strongly opposed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed plans to promote the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by taking the trophy on a tour through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The objection comes after PCB shared details of the tour on social media, which prompted swift action from the BCCI.
According to sources familiar with the developments, Shah condemned the PCB’s decision to include PoK cities in the tour itinerary, describing it as inappropriate. He also criticised the PCB for prematurely releasing the trophy tour schedule, a task typically reserved for the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“Jay Shah has objected to that tweet [post] and has criticised and condemned PCB’s plan to take the trophy to PoK cities. Additionally, PCB has no business sharing the schedule because it has to come from the ICC. Things need to be done appropriately, via appropriate channels,” said a source.
On Thursday, 14 November, the PCB announced the trophy tour on social media, listing cities such as Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad, all located within PoK.
“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,” read the PCB’s post.
It has been reported that the ICC was unaware of the PCB’s announcement, as the global cricket body had not yet finalised plans for the tour. The ICC is said to have intended to share updates only after confirming the schedule through its official channels.
This controversy arises amidst ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan regarding the tournament’s organisation. Last week, India formally declined to play their Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, citing security concerns. Instead, the BCCI has requested that India’s games be relocated to Dubai.
The ICC was expected to announce the tournament schedule on 11 November but has delayed the decision, reportedly due to unresolved disagreements over venue arrangements.
