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ICC Blocks PCB’s PoK Tour
In a significant move, the ICC has directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to cancel its planned Champions Trophy 2025 promotional tour across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The tour, which was set to begin on November 16, included stops in cities like Islamabad, Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad.
The BCCI raised strong objections to the tour, citing the contentious nature of the region. This development adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan, fueled by political disputes over PoK and disagreements regarding tournament hosting rights.
Politics in Cricket or Revenge?
The PCB’s tour plan in the disputed PoK region has sparked criticism. Ironically, the board, which has often urged to separate politics from cricket, seems to have taken this step as retaliation for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.
India has consistently boycotted cricket tours to Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, citing security and political concerns. With India maintaining its claim over PoK as its territory, the PCB’s decision to schedule the tour appears to have escalated an already tense situation.
ICC’s Directive After BCCI’s Complaint
Reports from the Times of India confirm that the ICC has asked Pakistan to abandon the tour following objections from the BCCI. This directive comes at a time when the PCB and BCCI are already locked in a standoff over India’s refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 if hosted in Pakistan.
The ICC is reportedly exploring alternatives, including shifting the tournament to India or South Africa, as the situation becomes increasingly volatile.
Champions Trophy 2025 Hosting Crisis
The ongoing row over the Champions Trophy has seen the PCB taking a defiant stance, rejecting a hybrid hosting model and even threatening to withdraw from the tournament altogether. Additionally, Pakistan has hinted at boycotting future ICC events featuring India.
Despite this, Pakistan’s willingness to participate in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India shows a degree of flexibility that contrasts with its hardline stance over the Champions Trophy.
What’s Next for the Champions Trophy?
As tensions rise, the ICC faces the daunting task of balancing cricket diplomacy with geopolitical realities. Whether Pakistan will compromise or the tournament will move to a neutral venue remains to be seen.
This latest development underscores how deeply intertwined politics and sports have become in the subcontinent.
