ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated trophy tour of one of the International Cricket Council’s most prestigious tournaments, scheduled to be played in Pakistan next year, kicked off in Islamabad on Saturday, with the coveted silverware set to visit seven cities across the country until November 25.
Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9. However, political tensions with India have already cast a shadow over the tournament, as Indian authorities have refused to allow their team to play in Pakistan.
Last week, the ICC informed Pakistan of India’s decision, prompting the country’s cricket board to seek clarification. Pakistan has already ruled out a hybrid hosting model for the tournament, unlike last year’s Asia Cup, where all of India’s games were played in Sri Lanka.
The situation created uncertainty and tension until the ICC released the tournament promo, visually reaffirming that Pakistan will host the championship.
“The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour delivered with DP World will start in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday,” the ICC said in a statement. “The prestigious silverware will journey across the eight participating nations during the Tour, providing unique experiences for fans.”
The trophy was displayed in Islamabad on the opening day of the tour and is set to travel to Taxila and Khanpur on November 17, Abbottabad on November 18, Murree on November 19, Nathia Gali on November 20 and Karachi from November 22 to 25.
Following its journey across Pakistan, the trophy will embark on an international tour, visiting Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England and India.
“A series of physical and digital engagements traversing iconic destinations, sporting events, and key battles in the international cricket calendar form the Trophy Tour schedule,” the ICC added. “Fans will be treated to a content series titled ‘Champion on Tour’ that will document the Trophy Tour’s journey around the world through the unique lens of food, music, and cricket,” it continued.
ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya expressed pleasure at the launch of the trophy tour as well.
“The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport’s passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy,” he said.
The men’s Champions Trophy is making a comeback in 2025 after an eight-year hiatus. Pakistan, the reigning champion, claimed the title in the 2017 final against India. The last edition of the tournament was held in England.
ICC Champions Trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad ahead of 2025 tournament in Pakistan
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ICC Champions Trophy tour kicks off in Islamabad ahead of 2025 tournament in Pakistan
- People in Islamabad, Karachi, Abbottabad, Murree, Nathia Gali and Taxila will get a glimpse of the trophy
- The ICC Champions Trophy, returning after an eight-year gap, will be organized from February 19 to March 9
Pakistan condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calls it detrimental to peace in East Africa
- The foreign office reaffirms support for Somalia’s sovereignty, calling Israel’s move illegal and destabilizing for the region
- Islamabad rejects forced displacement of Palestinians amid reports of Israeli outreach to East African states over Gaza
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway African region, calling it a violation of international law and reaffirming its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, the foreign office said.
Israel this week announced it had recognized Somaliland — a self-declared region that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has not previously been recognized by any United Nations member state — triggering condemnation from Somalia and criticism from regional bodies.
“Pakistan strongly condemns any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, and rejects, in this regard, the announcement made by Israel recognising the independence of the so-called Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“Such illegal and provocative actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and not only threaten the peace and stability of the brotherly country of Somalia, but also that of the entire region,” it continued. “The international community must step in to reject any such actions, and prevent and deter Israel from undermining the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the broader region.”
The statement also linked the issue to the wider Middle East conflict, with Pakistan reiterating its opposition to any attempts at the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The foreign office’s reference to the issue came in the context of international media reports earlier this year in March, saying Israel and the United States had reached out to East African states, including Somaliland, to take in Palestinians from Gaza.
“Pakistan reiterates its unequivocal rejection of any steps aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land under any circumstances,” the statement said, reaffirming support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and for an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Somalia’s government has said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland violates its sovereignty, while the African Union has opposed unilateral recognition of breakaway regions on the continent.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday his country had recognized Somaliland “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” referring to US-brokered deals that helped establish ties between Israel and Arab states.
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