Indian media outraged over Champions Trophy tour to Azad Kashmir

Indian media expressed outrage after the ICC Champions Trophy arrived in host country Pakistan, with plans to take the trophy on tour to destinations including Azad Kashmir.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the trophy tour ahead of the tournament, sparking criticism from Indian outlets due to its inclusion of Azad Kashmir.

Following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to send its cricket team to Punjab for the ICC Champions Trophy, tensions between the two countries have heightened. 

The PCB's rejection of a hybrid model proposed by the BCCI has further strained relations, and Indian media outlets have expressed anger at Pakistan’s stance.

The PCB released the trophy tour schedule, revealing that on November 16, the Champions Trophy will begin its journey from Skardu and travel to scenic areas like the Azad Kashmir valley, and the K2 base camp, the world's second-highest peak.

“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,” PCB’s post read on X.

x.com

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… pic.twitter.com/SmsV5uyzlL

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 14, 2024

Indian media reacted strongly, particularly to the trophy’s inclusion of Azad Kashmir, while India’s state violence in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) valley remains unaddressed.

Indian media outlets criticised the move, calling it a “provocation” in a “politically sensitive area,” and described the tour as controversial.

On the other hand, Pakistan has taken a firm stance, stating that if India refuses to play in Pakistan, the Pakistani team will boycott any matches against India in future tournaments.

 In response, ICC officials have begun discussions with India to resolve the situation, as broadcasters who invested $3 billion in broadcasting rights are reportedly pressuring the ICC due to uncertainty over Indo-Pak fixtures, which draw the tournament’s highest viewership.