BCCI opposes PCB Champions Trophy tour to Muzaffarabad

A new twist in the 2025 Champions Trophy has thrown the ICC trophy tour into confusion, a day before it was supposed to begin in Pakistan, after the BCCI objected to the PCB’s plan to carry out the tour to Muzaffarabad, which is the capital of administered Pakistan. Kashmir, a territory disputed by India and Pakistan.

PK Press Club has learned that the BCCI informed the ICC of its objection on Friday, a day after the PCB posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the dates and locations of the tour.

It could not be confirmed if the BCCI filed its objection in writing or orally. It is understood that no approval or refusal has yet been made and the ICC is still in discussions over the final plan for the trophy tour.

The CCP’s message surprised the ICC given that it is an ICC event and such communication is usually announced through its channels.

According to the PCB’s message, the tour is scheduled to begin on November 16, but given the BCCI’s objection, it was unclear at the time of writing whether it would now go ahead on that day. In its X message, the PCB said the trophy tour would also include other popular tourist destinations including Skardu, Murree and Hunza.

It is possible that the tour will begin in the first phase by taking the trophy – of which Pakistan is the defending champion – to the venues which will be used in the tournament – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – and then to the other venues during a second phase of the tour.

This latest development adds to growing uncertainty surrounding the tournament itself, after it was revealed last week that the BCCI had written to the ICC stating that the Indian government had denied India permission to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The ICC transmitted this decision to the PCB. In response, the PCB, which is currently preparing its three venues, said it would not accept a hybrid model, a solution favored by the BCCI that would allow India to play its matches outside Pakistan.

The PCB responded to the ICC earlier this week asking them several questions about the BCCI’s communication, including when exactly it was forwarded to the ICC and what the specific reasons were for India’s inability to travel. They also requested the ICC to provide them with an official communication from the BCCI explaining the decision and the reasons behind it.

Communication has reportedly taken place since then between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the ICC leadership, with the aim of resolving the issue. But the CCP insists on the answers to the questions it asked the ICC.

The PCB has set the date of February 19 to March 9 for the eight-team Champions Trophy, but the ICC is yet to officially release the dates and schedule of the tournament.

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