Lahore was excluded from the ICC Champions Trophy tour in Pakistan. The reason for the exclusion has not been stated, however, it can assumed that the hazardous condition of ‘smog’ affecting Lahore might be the reason.
ICC Champions Trophy tour will kick start in Islamabad on November 16th, 2024 on Saturday. During its 100-day tour, the trophy will travel across eight participating nations.
“The popular landmarks where the trophy will be displayed on the opening day of its tour in Islamabad are Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument where it will be accompanied by Pakistan cricket icon Shoaib Akhtar,” the ICC mentioned in its statement.
“After Islamabad, the tour will head to iconic cities and venues in Pakistan such as Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila before leaving the land of defending champions to embark on an extensive international tour, where it will continue to showcase the vibrant cultures evident across competing nations,” the statement read.
The trophy will also visit scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza, and Muzaffarabad. By bringing the trophy to these destinations, Pakistan aims to highlight the tourism potential of these regions.
Pakistan is set to host the tournament in the February- March window next year. Despite the refusal of India to visit Pakistan for the tournament, the trophy tour has kicked off in Pakistan.
Pakistan is expected to adopt a tough stance following India’s official refusal to send its cricket team to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 next year. Pakistan’s government has decided to take a firm stance on the issue.
Read more: Pakistan reacts strongly following India’s boycott of Champions Trophy
Reliable sources within the government have confirmed that Pakistan may not play against India in any international event unless India reciprocates visiting Pakistan for any ICC event.
Instead of accommodating India, Pakistan is considering a strict stance on India’s attempt to politicize sports. PCB has received a letter from the International Cricket Council informing PCB of India’s formal refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing security reasons. Consequently, the ICC has announced that it will delay finalizing the schedule for the Champions Trophy.