Pakistan Provokes India with PCB's Champions Trophy Tour in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

As part of ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced intentions to host a national tour. This move has generated controversy since it includes areas in Pakistan-ministered Kashmir (PoK) among suggested locations.

With Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly wanting a hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025, citing Pakistan’s continuous political unrest and security concerns given Pakistan's background in terrorism, this development occurs amid mounting tensions. ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled for Pakistan in 2025.

clear reference to Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarab—regions under Pakistan-ministered Kashmir (PoK)—an area India claims as part of ir territory caught notice in PCB's most recent social media post. Given fact that Pakistan has failed to beat India in last three ICC events shows India's edge over struggling nation.

Frustration among PCB, which is now run by Mohsin Raza Naqvi results from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s unwillingness to send Indian team to unsafe Pakistan. This diplomatic divide has caused unrest within International Cricket Council (ICC), according to sources implying that international cricket body is looking at many possibilities to guarantee event can go on, maybe without India's participation which seems unlikely given fact India brings most economic boost to world cricket. A hybrid model is one suggested remedy, in which India would play ir matches in United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total site change or an extended delay of event has also been suggested in some stories. Still, PCB has resolved to proceed with event as scheduled independent of India's participation. Regarding venue, ICC has not yet expressed comments on ultimate choice.

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No back channel diplomacy with India on Champions Trophy: Pakistan Foreign Office

Pakistan on Thursday said that no back channel diplomacy was going on with India after neighbouring country refused to send its cricket team for Champions Trophy to be held in February-March next year.

spokesperson of Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, was asked questions at weekly press briefing regarding status of cricket tournament scheduled to be held in Pakistan early next year.

“re is no back channel with India to specifically discuss Champions Trophy and bilateral Cricket between Pakistan and India,” she said.

She ded that furr details with regards to holding of Champions Trophy in Pakistan and participation of various teams was available with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which can share any furr details.

Baloch went on to say that sports events should not be mixed with politics.

“Pakistan has always said that sports should not be politicized,” she said.

Asked wher Pakistan plans to go ahe with Champions Trophy if India persisted with its refusal to send its team, she said that PCB was in contact with International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss arrangements, including participation of different teams in tournament.

“We would refer you to Pakistan Cricket Board for any comments or clarification with regards to this issue,” she said.

BCCI has informed ICC about its inability to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy. world body, in turn, has sought a response from PCB on hosting tournament in a hybrid model.

A hybrid model was followed during Asia Cup last year, when India's matches were held in Sri Lanka while or matches were played in Pakistan. 

(PTI)