November 16, 2024: The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the global Trophy Tour for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan. The highly anticipated tour kicked off on November 16 in Islamabad, marking the beginning of an international journey that will bring the coveted trophy closer to cricket fans around the world.
The announcement comes amid some controversy, as the ICC had initially planned for the Trophy Tour to visit cities in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), specifically Skardu, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. However, India’s Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) strongly objected to the inclusion of these disputed areas, which led to the ICC halting the tour’s visit to PoK and releasing a new schedule that excludes these cities.
Trophy Tour Highlights
- The ICC Trophy will be showcased across iconic landmarks in Islamabad, including Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument, where former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar will join the event’s celebrations.
- Following Islamabad, the Trophy will visit prominent cities within Pakistan, including Karachi, Abbottabad, Taxila, and Murree.
- Karachi will host the trophy from November 22 to 25, after which the tour will move on to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and finally, India, before returning to Pakistan for the start of the event in 2025.
Fan Engagement and Global Participation
The Trophy Tour promises to be an exciting and dynamic experience for fans globally, with a series of physical and digital events. The ICC has partnered with DP World to ensure a memorable and immersive experience, bringing fans closer to the trophy with special engagements that highlight the cultural vibrancy of each nation and the passion for cricket.
Additionally, a content series titled “Champion on Tour” will document the journey of the trophy across various countries, offering a unique perspective through the lenses of food, music, and cricket, showcasing the diverse cultures and cricketing histories in each host nation.
Key Dates for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour:
- November 16 – Islamabad, Pakistan
- November 17 – Taxila and Khanpur, Pakistan
- November 18 – Abbottabad, Pakistan
- November 19 – Murree, Pakistan
- November 20 – Nathia Gali, Pakistan
- November 22–25 – Karachi, Pakistan
- November 26–28 – Afghanistan
- December 10–13 – Bangladesh
- December 15–22 – South Africa
- December 25–January 5 – Australia
- January 6–11 – New Zealand
- January 12–14 – England
- January 15–26 – India
- January 27 – Event start in Pakistan
Anurag Dahiya, ICC Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his excitement about the launch, saying, “We are delighted to launch the Trophy Tour with DP World ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, offering fans across the world an unforgettable experience. The silverware will be showcased across all participating nations, and we look forward to the joy it will bring to cricket fans worldwide.”
The Trophy Tour will serve as a build-up to the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan. Fans across the globe will have the chance to see the Champions Trophy up close, connecting with the rich history of the tournament and the passion that fuels cricket in each of the host countries.
