New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the detailed itinerary for the Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour, which will span multiple countries from November 16, 2024, to January 26, 2025. However, plans to include Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the tour were scrapped after objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The trophy tour will commence in Islamabad, Pakistan, and culminate in India before the tournament’s official start in Pakistan on January 27. This extensive tour aims to promote the upcoming event globally.
India’s Role in the Trophy Tour
India will play a significant role in the Trophy Tour, with the trophy arriving on January 15 and remaining in the country until January 26, aligning with India’s Republic Day celebrations. A grand exhibition of the trophy is expected to mark the occasion.
BCCI’s Objection Leads to PoK Exclusion
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially planned to take the trophy to PoK, but the ICC intervened after the BCCI raised strong objections. The ICC subsequently revised the itinerary, omitting PoK from the schedule, citing the need to avoid political tensions overshadowing the tournament.
Trophy Tour Highlights
The Champions Trophy will travel across 10 countries, with stops in key cricketing nations such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and India.
Here’s the detailed itinerary of the Trophy Tour:
| Date | Location | Country |
|---|---|---|
| November 16 | Islamabad | Pakistan |
| November 17 | Taxila and Khanpur | Pakistan |
| November 18 | Abbottabad | Pakistan |
| November 19 | Murree | Pakistan |
| November 20 | Nathia Gali | Pakistan |
| November 22 – 25 | Karachi | Pakistan |
| November 26 – 28 | Kabul | Afghanistan |
| December 10 – 13 | Dhaka | Bangladesh |
| December 15 – 22 | Multiple Locations | South Africa |
| December 25 – Jan 5 | Multiple Locations | Australia |
| January 6 – 11 | Multiple Locations | New Zealand |
| January 12 – 14 | Multiple Locations | England |
| January 15 – 26 | Multiple Locations | India |
| January 27 | Tournament Begins | Pakistan |
Key Tour Features
- Cultural Engagements: Each country will host unique events to showcase the trophy, emphasizing cricket’s global appeal.
- Grand Exhibition in India: The trophy’s stay in India will coincide with Republic Day, likely featuring a high-profile exhibition.
- Promotional Outreach: The tour is expected to build anticipation for the Champions Trophy 2025, emphasizing cricket’s unifying spirit across borders.
With political sensitivities addressed and an exciting itinerary unveiled, the ICC Trophy Tour promises to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide ahead of the marquee tournament.
