In a historic move for Pakistan’s cricketing journey, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has brought the prestigious Champions Trophy to Islamabad, ahead of the nation’s hosting of the 2025 edition. The silverware, a symbol of cricketing excellence, will embark on a tour starting November 16, with Skardu Valley marking its first destination. Over the course of the tour, the trophy will make stops in several iconic cities across Pakistan, including those slated to host the tournament matches.
A particularly symbolic moment of the tour will see the trophy transported to the Base Camp of K2, a striking metaphor for both Pakistan’s cricketing aspirations and the enduring spirit of the Champions Trophy itself. The trophy’s journey will culminate on November 24, creating excitement as anticipation builds for the tournament, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
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However, this year’s trophy tour is clouded by uncertainty. In a break from tradition, the ICC has launched the tour without an official tournament schedule—a stark contrast to past events like the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, whose schedules were released months in advance. The delay is primarily due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which have prevented the Indian team from committing to travel to Pakistan. As a result, the ICC is unable to finalize or announce the full schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, leaving many in the cricketing world waiting for clarity.
Despite these challenges, the Champions Trophy’s tour across Pakistan is a monumental moment for the sport in the country, signaling the beginning of a new era for Pakistan as a host nation, even as logistical and political hurdles continue to impact the tournament’s planning.
