An important step has been made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) by sending the ICC Champions Trophy silverware to Pakistan for an official trophy tour. This action is taken in the midst of ambiguity about the tournament’s actual schedule and structure. The trophy will be on display throughout Pakistan for the next week after arriving in Islamabad on November 14.
As per Cricbuzz, the schedule for the trophy trip includes stops in Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. The summit of K2, the second-highest peak in the world, is one of the tour’s most ambitious destinations. Although this is a daring approach, it’s important to remember that climbing on the Pakistani side of K2 is thought to be safer than on the Chinese side.
Champions Trophy: Great news for Pakistan fans!
The trophy tour, from Nov 16 to Nov 24, itinerary is designed to showcase Pakistan’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It includes visits to:
- Murree: A popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and colonial-era architecture.
- Hunza Valley: A breathtaking valley in the Karakoram Mountains, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture.
- Muzaffarabad: The capital of Azad Kashmir, offering a glimpse into the region’s history and traditions.
- Skardu: A gateway to the Karakoram mountain range, including K2, the world’s second-highest peak.
More on Cricket
Smart strategy by PCB?
Interestingly, the trophy tour will bypass the three designated cities for the Champions Trophy – Lahore, Karachi, and Pindi. This decision is attributed to the prevailing smog in these areas. Additionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the government are aiming to promote tourism in the country by showcasing the trophy in diverse and unique locations. By taking the trophy to lesser-known but equally stunning destinations, the PCB hopes to attract tourists and of course this is part of their plan to force ICC to organize the entire Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
While the trophy tour is a positive development for Pakistan cricket, the uncertainty surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy persists. India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the tournament has led to a stalemate, with the PCB rejecting the proposed hybrid model. The PCB’s stance remains firm, insisting on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan. However, all this might prove to be nothing but false hopes for Pakistan as the ball is in BCCI’s court as of now.
Catch Exciting Cricket Videos
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Champions Trophy Schedule: IND vs PAK clash on Feb 23 as per tentative schedule - Report
Top Stories
Abhishek Porel emerges as contender for DC opening role, smashes 170 vs Delhi in Vijay Hazare Trophy
