A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to visit Pakistan in the coming days, likely early next week, as part of the preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the exact dates have not been finalized and no official communication has been made between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the visit marks a significant step in the buildup to Pakistan hosting its first major ICC event since 1996.
The Champions Trophy is a key moment for Pakistan, signaling its resurgence as a venue for international cricket, after years of security concerns. This will be the first ICC event held in Pakistan since the 2008 Champions Trophy was relocated due to safety issues.
Also Read: Sumair Ahmad has been Appointed as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy
In parallel, crucial discussions are set to take place between the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India’s participation in the tournament. Given the ongoing political tensions between Pakistan and India, the outcome of these talks will be critical for the tournament’s planning and execution. India’s participation remains uncertain, but decisions could soon emerge from the discussions.
In a related development, Sumair Ahmad Syed, the Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, has been appointed as the Tournament Director for the Champions Trophy. Syed expressed excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing the PCB’s commitment to delivering a high-quality event. The PCB has successfully managed multiple editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Syed noted that this experience will be key in planning the Champions Trophy.
As part of the preparations, the Champions Trophy tour in Pakistan has been underway, with the trophy unveiled at the National Stadium Karachi. After a citywide tour that included notable landmarks like Burns Road Food Street, the trophy will remain in Karachi until November 25 before continuing its global tour, which will include stops in participating nations such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and India from December 2024 to January 2025.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9, with matches set to take place across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Karachi will host the opening match and one semi-final, while Lahore will stage the final and several other key matches. The semi-finals are planned for March 5 and 6, and the final will take place in Lahore on March 9.
With Pakistan set to play in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, the tournament is already generating considerable excitement, particularly as it marks the return of a major ICC event to Pakistan.
