Despite lingering uncertainty about the Champions Trophy's schedule and format, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has sent the prestigious silverware to Pakistan for a nationwide trophy tour. The trophy arrived in Islamabad on November 14 and is set to journey across the country from November 16 to 24.
Unique Tour Itinerary
Sources revealed that the tour will cover scenic locations such as Murree, Hunza, Muzaffarabad, and Skardu. Notably, the trophy will also make its way to K2, the world’s second-highest peak, often referred to as the “Savage Mountain” due to its challenging climb. Interestingly, climbing K2 from the Pakistan side is considered safer compared to its treacherous Chinese side.
However, the tour will avoid the three host cities of the tournament—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—primarily due to heavy smog in these areas. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the government aim to use the tour to showcase the country’s tourism potential, highlighting less-travelled destinations.
Tournament Standoff
On the competition front, progress remains stalled. India’s refusal to visit Pakistan for the February 19 to March 9 event has left the tournament's schedule in limbo. The PCB, seeking clarity, rejected the hybrid model that would allow Pakistan to host while India plays its matches at a neutral venue.
Optimism persists that a resolution will be reached, enabling the 15-match championship to proceed as planned. However, the ICC has yet to announce any decisions, as negotiations with stakeholders continue.
Call for Diplomatic Intervention
Amid this impasse, a former PCB chairman has suggested initiating back-channel diplomacy to break the deadlock. He advocated for Nawaz Sharif to engage directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a fresh chapter in bilateral relations. The former official emphasised that Pakistan risks losing the most in this three-way standoff involving India, Pakistan, and the ICC.
For now, the Champions Trophy tour symbolises hope and resilience as Pakistan showcases its cultural and natural wonders, even as cricket’s governing bodies work toward resolving the tournament’s uncertainties.