The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the Champions Trophy tour, which kicks off today in Islamabad.

Cricket enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view the coveted trophy at iconic locations, including Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Masjid, and the Pakistan Monument.

Get ready, Pakistan!

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad on 16 November, also visiting scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad. Catch a glimpse of the trophy which Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted in 2017 at The Oval, from 16-24…

The unveiling ceremony will be led by former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. The trophy tour will continue its journey tomorrow, visiting Taxila and Khanpur, followed by Abbottabad on November 18, Murree on November 19, and Nathia Gali on November 20.

From November 22 to 25, the trophy will be showcased in Karachi. Notably, Lahore is missing from the ICC trophy tour schedule, a decision that has sparked disappointment among cricket enthusiasts in the city.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan government has decided to issue visas to Indian fans for the forthcoming highly anticipated Champions Trophy, slated to happen in Pakistan in February next year.

Sources divulged that a large number of Indian fans will get the visas to witness the all-important Champions Trophy.

Pakistan has officially informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the relaxation of border regulations in light of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally requested written reasons from the Indian Cricket Board regarding its decision not to travel to Pakistan, sources report following a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for official documentation of India’s decision.

Sources indicate that the Indian Cricket Board initially informed the ICC verbally of their intention not to participate in the Pakistan leg of the tournament.

The ICC now requires India’s decision in writing, potentially enabling Pakistan to demand substantial evidence supporting India’s withdrawal.

 

If India’s reasons are deemed insufficient, the ICC may insist that the Indian team participate in Pakistan, sources suggest.

Sources indicate significant financial impacts if India pulls out, with the ICC facing potential losses of up to $500 million from broadcast rights, advertisements, and sponsorships. The absence of India-Pakistan matches alone could cost the Indian board approximately $100 million.

The ICC is expected to review India’s written response and make a final decision on the matter.

The International Cricket Council has revealed a new visual identity for the upcoming men’s and women’s Champions Trophy events, marking the return of the prestigious tournament after a six-year gap.

The new identity, showcased in a launch video, includes a new unconventional typographic logo and design elements, which, according to the ICC, is inspired by cricket’s unique language and culture.

The video also highlights the logo of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan.

“The newly created visual identity is a digital-first vibrant expression, deliberately challenging the status quo, with an unconventional typographic logo which sets the tone for the look – bold and loud, confident and fun,” said an ICC statement.

“It has been designed to be agile, distinctive, and expressive, it’s inspired by the language of cricket; from the unique and integral words that describe the game, to the shouts when a wicket falls, to the name of each superstar that appears on the back of their kit. Both the verbal and written words are an integral part of the sport and that is celebrated through the brand,” the statement added.

It also features Pakistan’s iconic truck art, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage as it prepares to host the men’s event in 2025.

The men’s ICC Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan next year, the first edition since 2017. The women’s Champions Trophy, in a T20 format, will debut in 2027, hosted by Sri Lanka.

The development came when the apex cricketing body is in a ‘catch-22’ situation after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sought explanations over the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to send its team to the host country.

Sources claimed that if India indeed refuses to send its cricket team to Pakistan and the ICC accepts this refusal, the PCB will categorically refuse to play any matches against the Indian cricket team during the Champions Trophy under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, contrary to the reports in the Indian media that suggested that the ICC could move the event outside of Pakistan, the sources said that there’s no such development.