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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has dealt a blow to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) by canceling the Champions Trophy trophy tour in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The tour was initially scheduled to commence on November 16 in Islamabad, with stops planned for Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. However, the ICC's decision stems from a scheduling dispute and India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
The PCB had prematurely announced the trophy tour schedule, generating excitement and anticipation among fans. The announcement on Thursday detailed the itinerary, including the trophy's arrival in Pakistan on November 16 and its visits to various scenic locations. However, the ICC, which is yet to finalize the Champions Trophy schedule, expressed its disapproval of the PCB's premature announcement.
The current impasse revolves around India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. To address this situation, the ICC has proposed a hybrid model for hosting the Champions Trophy, which would potentially involve matches in a neutral country. The ICC is now seeking a response from the PCB regarding the proposed model. The cancellation of the trophy tour highlights the complexities surrounding the tournament and the delicate political situation between India and Pakistan. The future of the Champions Trophy remains uncertain, with the ICC's decision to seek a response from the PCB suggesting that negotiations are ongoing.
The PCB faces a challenging task in navigating the complexities of hosting the Champions Trophy while ensuring the participation of all participating nations. The ICC's decision to cancel the trophy tour in PoK underscores the sensitive nature of the situation and the need for a negotiated solution. The upcoming response from the PCB will be crucial in determining the path forward for the tournament and potentially setting the stage for future cricketing exchanges between India and Pakistan.