The trophy tour for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence in Islamabad on November 16, despite ongoing uncertainty regarding the Indian cricket team’s participation in Pakistan, where the tournament is scheduled for February next year.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on X that the tour will kick off in Islamabad and make stops at scenic destinations such as Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad.
“Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24 November,” the PCB stated, inviting fans to see the prestigious silverware, which arrived in Islamabad from Dubai just two days ahead of the tour’s launch.
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Broadcasters press ICC for tournament schedule amid India-Pakistan standoff
The trophy tour marks the first time an ICC event’s trophy tour will occur before the tournament schedule is released—an unusual move, as schedules are typically announced four months in advance.
According to sources, the delay stems from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) reluctance to confirm participation, which has put the ICC in a difficult position.
The broadcasters, who secured ICC rights for a record-breaking $3 billion through 2027, have urged for an immediate schedule announcement, especially as high-profile Pakistan-India matches drive substantial viewership and revenue.
However, India’s resistance to visiting Pakistan has complicated the timeline, with no resolution in sight. The ICC is reportedly navigating a “catch-22” as Pakistan’s Cricket Board (PCB) stands firm against a proposed hybrid model that would split the tournament’s hosting across different locations.
