New Delhi: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tour officially started in Pakistan on Tuesday amid the uncertainty over the hosting of the eight-team cricket event in country. The BCCI and PCB have been struggling to find a middle ground after the Indian government did not grant permission to their team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
Amid the uncertainty, the trophy tour began in Pakistan with the silverware being presented in the cities of Taxila, Khanpur and Islamabad. A video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on its official social media handles shows the journey of the trophy across Pakistan. The trophy was held by star cricketers like Shadab Khan and Shoaib Akhtar.
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the trophy tour in the disputed Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) but the tour was revised by the ICC after BCCI strongly condemned the move. After Pakistan, the trophy will travel to the remaining seven participating countries.
ICC urges PCB to accept hybrid model
As per the India Today report, The International Cricket Council (ICC) is trying to convince the PCB to accept the hybrid model. Top cricket administrators are emphasising the importance of India’s participation in the mega event and the revenue Rohit and Co. will bring. The ICC also urged the PCB to refrain from making statements against BCCI and to start working towards the hybrid model.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi was asked about Pakistan’s participation if ICC proposed a hybrid model and he said “Pakistan’s respect is first and foremost. Rest, you will see what happens. Our stance is very clear; we have made it clear in the past”. Due to the current situation between the two cricketing countries, the schedule announcement of the Champions Trophy has been delayed with less than 100 days remaining for the tournament.
The trophy tour of the Champions Trophy 2025 has started in Pakistan despite the uncertainty over the hosting of the complete tournament in the country, as the Indian government has not granted permission to their team to travel to Pakistan for the mega event. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
