Champions Trophy arrives in Pakistan for country-wide tour

Although the ICC has yet to announce the final schedule for the Champions Trophy, it flew the trophy to Pakistan on Thursday for a nationwide tour starting on November 16.

According to a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, the trophy tour will begin in Skardu, a northern city in Pakistan.

"The tour will cover major Pakistani cities where the Champions Trophy matches are expected to be played," the official said.

The arrival of the trophy comes at a time when the International Cricket Council (ICC) is awaiting a response from the PCB regarding the possibility of hosting the prestigious event in a hybrid model, following India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

Originally, the trophy unveiling was scheduled to take place in Lahore earlier this month. However, the ceremony was postponed after India informed the ICC that it would not be sending its team to Pakistan, compounded by the ongoing smog situation in the city. On Thursday, the trophy was finally transported to Islamabad from Dubai by ICC officials.

The tour, which will conclude on November 24, is part of the ICC’s effort to build excitement for the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9 next year.

The ICC has yet to make an official statement regarding India’s refusal to play in Pakistan or comment on the final tournament schedule.

Former Test captain Moin Khan questioned the timing of the trophy tour, stating, "What is the purpose of this trophy tour when no one really knows at which venues the tournament will be held, or whether Pakistan and India will play against each other?" He added, "Cricket fans are still waiting for the final schedule of the tournament. It’s strange to have a trophy tour without the schedule being announced."