The much-anticipated trophy tour for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off in Islamabad on November 16. Cricket fans across Pakistan will have a chance to catch a glimpse of the iconic trophy that Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Ahmed famously lifted in 2017.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the tour will start in the capital and extend to scenic locations including 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 posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The trophy arrived in Islamabad from Dubai, just two days ahead of the tour’s commencement, marking the first time an ICC event’s trophy tour is being held prior to the official tournament schedule announcement, typically released four months before the event begins.
However, there is still uncertainty around the schedule due to ongoing tension between Pakistan and India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly delayed its decision on participating, affecting the schedule announcement. Broadcasters, who invested a record $3 billion in ICC broadcasting rights through 2027, are pushing for an immediate schedule release due to the high viewership and revenue generated by Pakistan-India matches.
The ICC now finds itself in a difficult position as the PCB remains firm against a hybrid hosting model, while India has not yet agreed to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
Fans across Pakistan eagerly await the Champions Trophy tour, which will showcase cricket’s spirit and excitement, even amidst political challenges.
