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

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

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

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

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

Also Read: French Coach Reveals Kylian Mbappe's Situation Following National Team Snub

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 the neighbouring country refused to send its cricket team for the Champions Trophy to be held in February-March next year.

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

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

She added that further details with regards to the holding of Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the participation of the various teams was available with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which can share any further 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 whether Pakistan plans to go ahead with the Champions Trophy if India persisted with its refusal to send its team, she said that the PCB was in contact with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to discuss the arrangements, including participation of different teams in the tournament.

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

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

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

(PTI)