New Delhi – In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly instructed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to cancel its planned trophy tour of the ICC Champions Trophy in regions that India refers to as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The announcement comes after PCB's recent declaration of a tour set to commence on November 16, covering the scenic locales of Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. The PCB had touted the trophy tour as an opportunity for fans to catch a glimpse of the prestigious trophy, which was famously lifted by former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed at The Oval in 2017. The tour was initially slated to run from November 16 to November 24, starting in Islamabad and extending to various tourist destinations across the region.
However, reports suggest that the ICC’s directive to halt the trophy tour stems from concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI has previously expressed reluctance to participate in events held in Pakistan, a stance they reiterated to the ICC in light of the proposed tour. In light of the ICC's intervention, the PCB has sought clarification from the governing body regarding India's position on the matter. The PCB remains intent on hosting the full Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan and is reportedly considering approaching the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to address the ongoing disputes surrounding the event. As the situation develops, cricket fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the ICC and PCB navigate this contentious issue, which not only affects sporting events but also highlights the complex political landscape surrounding cricket in the region.