BCCI protests PCB’s Champions Trophy tour to Muzaffarabad

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

Pakinomist has learned that the BCCI notified the ICC of its objection on Friday, a day after the PCB issued a post on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the dates and venues for the tour it would be heading to.

It could not be confirmed if BCCI objected in writing or orally. It is understood that no approval or rejection has yet been made and that the ICC is still in discussions about the final plan for the trophy tour.

The PCB’s submission caught the ICC by surprise as it is an ICC event and such communications are usually announced through its channels.

According to the PCB’s submission, the tour is scheduled to start from November 16, but given BCCI’s objection, it was not clear at the time of writing whether it will now continue on that day. In their X post, PCB said the trophy tour would also take in other popular tourist destinations including Skardu, Murree and Hunza.

There is a possibility that the tour could begin in an initial phase taking the trophy – of which Pakistan are the defending champions – to the venues to be used in the tournament – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – and then take in the other venues during a second phase of the trip.

This latest development adds to growing uncertainty about the tournament itself after it emerged last week that the BCCI wrote to the ICC that the Indian government had denied India permission to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The ICC conveyed this decision to the PCB. In response, the PCB, which is currently preparing its three venues, has said it would not agree to a hybrid model, a solution preferred by the BCCI, which would allow India to play their 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 transferred to the ICC and what the specific reasons are for India’s inability to travel. They have also asked the ICC to provide them with a formal communication from the BCCI explaining the decision and the reasons behind it.

Communication between PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the ICC management is believed to have taken place since the matter in an attempt to resolve the issue. But the PCB is insisting on answers to the queries it has put to the ICC.

The PCB has in February 19-9. March announced the dates for the eight-team Champions Trophy, but the ICC has still not formally announced the tournament dates and schedule.

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