In a significant development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has called off the Champions Trophy 2025 title tour in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The decision comes just a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced plans to showcase the trophy in PoK as part of its promotional campaign for the prestigious tournament.
The ICC’s decision is reportedly influenced by concerns over political sensitivities and potential backlash surrounding the region’s disputed status. This move has sparked reactions from cricketing and political circles, with some praising the ICC for avoiding controversy and others criticizing it for succumbing to external pressures.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, marking the return of a major ICC event to the country after more than two decades. The PCB has been actively promoting the event as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s cricket history, aiming to project a positive image of the country as a host for international tournaments.
This latest development, however, highlights the challenges that can arise in organizing global sporting events in geopolitically sensitive regions. It remains to be seen how the ICC and the PCB address these issues leading up to the tournament.
