The International Cricket Council (ICC) finds itself in a challenging situation following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025, coupled with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) resistance to a hybrid hosting model. Tensions escalated after BCCI Secretary Jay Shah raised strong objections to PCB’s plan to include Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the Champions Trophy tour itinerary.

The PCB initially announced that the Champions Trophy trophy would tour three areas of PoK, sparking immediate protests from the BCCI. Shah, representing the BCCI, formally objected to the ICC, asserting that it was unacceptable for PCB to host any part of the tournament in the disputed region. In response, the PCB canceled the PoK segment of the tour, restricting the trophy’s travel to Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

“BCCI secretary Shah has objected to the PCB’s idea to hold a Champions Trophy tour in PoK. The BCCI has no problem if the tour is conducted in any other city of Pakistan or even in a stadium outside PoK or in a mall. But they cannot hold it in PoK,” a BCCI official told the press.

In its defense, the PCB clarified that the trophy tour had been planned in consultation with the ICC, and no decisions were made unilaterally. A PCB source told The Indian Express, "PCB is already in discussions with the ICC on how to proceed with the trophy tour to ensure the Champions Trophy continues to be promoted in Pakistan."

Additionally, the BCCI has expressed concerns over the security situation in Pakistan, insisting that India’s matches be held in Dubai instead. However, the PCB remains firm in its stance, refusing to accommodate India’s request, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.