ICC Men’s Champions Trophy reaches Abbottabad

ISLAMABAD: The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour will make a dazzling stop in Abbottabad, where the prestigious silverware will be showcased at the Abbottabad Stadium on Monday.

Set against the breathtaking Thandiani Mountain Range, the trophy will offer cricket fans a mesmerizing view and an unforgettable experience.

The trophy’s journey to Abbottabad was marked by grandeur, having previously graced iconic locations like the Taxila Museum and Khanpur Dam. Welcomed warmly by fans at each stop, the trophy’s arrival in Abbottabad reflected the enthusiasm of cricket lovers across the region.

The tour was flagged off in Islamabad on Saturday, where the trophy was displayed at renowned landmarks in the capital city. This marked the beginning of an extensive journey across Pakistan, with stops planned in Abbottabad, Murree and Karachi during its opening leg.

Along its route, the trophy will visit schools, colleges and historical sites before embarking on a global tour featuring an array of vibrant activities.

Notably, the ICC had to revise its original itinerary for the trophy’s Pakistan leg following objections from India, which led to the exclusion of several northern cities. The controversy arose as India protested the inclusion of these cities despite its own political use of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour. Last year, the World Cup trophy was displayed near Pangong Tso Lake and Shanti Stupa in Leh, located in the disputed territory of Ladakh.

In contrast, Pakistan refrained from politicizing sports when its cricket team participated in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. A former PCB official highlighted this stark difference, stating: “We avoided turning sports into a political tool, even when we had the option to protest ICC’s plans during the World Cup in India. Unfortunately, India continues to exploit sports for political gains.”

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour continues to symbolize the unifying spirit of cricket, despite political tensions, as it brings fans closer to the game’s most coveted prize.