The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy has arrived in Islamabad, marking the beginning of a historic journey as Pakistan prepares to host the prestigious tournament in 2025. The coveted silverware arrived in the capital city as part of its nationwide tour, igniting excitement among cricket fans and symbolizing the anticipation surrounding the tournament.
The Champions Trophy tour kicked off on November 16, 2024, with the first stop in the picturesque Skardu Valley. From there, the trophy will visit several key locations across the country. The journey will culminate on November 24, 2024, generating widespread enthusiasm for the upcoming event scheduled for February 19 – March 9, 2025.
One of the most symbolic moments of the tour will be the trophy’s visit to the Base Camp of K2, a location that holds great significance both for Pakistan and its cricketing aspirations. This stop is a metaphor for the country’s lofty goals in the sport and the enduring spirit of the Champions Trophy itself.
However, this year’s trophy tour is shrouded in uncertainty, as it is taking place without the usual announcement of the official tournament schedule. This delay, caused by ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, has raised questions across the cricketing world. The Indian team’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan has left the International Cricket Council (ICC) unable to finalize the schedule, which is typically released months in advance.
While the ICC had initially planned to unveil the schedule on November 11, 2024, in Lahore, those plans were disrupted, leading to a delay in the official announcement. As it stands, the road to the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain, with fans and stakeholders eager for clarity.
Despite the scheduling challenges, the trophy tour is expected to be a major event, with stops planned in several iconic Pakistani locations. The schedule is as follows:
Trophy Tour Schedule
- Start Date: November 16, 2024
- End Date: November 24, 2024
- First Stop: Skardu Valley
- Other Stops:
- Murree
- Hunza
- Muzaffarabad
- Symbolic stop at K2 Base Camp
As the trophy continues its tour across Pakistan, the excitement for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy builds, even as challenges remain in finalizing the event’s full schedule. The tournament, which will bring together some of the world’s top cricketing nations, promises to be a landmark event for Pakistan and the sport itself.
