Pakistan’s bid to restore cricket glory as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 host
Pakistan is set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9, 2025 marking its first major cricket tournament since 1996. This event is seen as an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its passion for cricket and its ability to host global events despite political challenges.
This year’s Champions Trophy will feature the top eight ODI teams from the 2023 Cricket World Cup. The teams will face each other in a group stage and knockout format across venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has launched ample preparations, starting with National Stadium’s renovations in Karachi. It features an increased seating capacity and enhanced facilities to house the influx of global fans.
‘The return of global cricket is not just about hosting matches. It is about restoring pride...and giving back to [those] who stood by Pakistan cricket’, said PCB Chairman and Pakistan’s interior minister and security chief, Mohsin Naqvi.
Champions Trophy structure
Despite the growing excitement for the event, geopolitical tensions have impacted this year’s game structure. Due to an ongoing political dispute, India has opted to play its matches in the United Arab Emirates, with Dubai as the host.
This change has become a topic of discussion for India accuses the host country to be supporting militant groups. However, the PCB denied and worded that sports should transcend politics. Still, the Indian government expressed aversion to sending their team across the host country’s borders.
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi expressed disappointment over India’s absence from Pakistan. He noted that hosting India for this event would be a monumental achievement for the country. ‘I think that will be the big breakthrough’, he remarked.
Pakistan on security measures
In light of security concerns, mainly after the 2009 bus attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore, Pakistan has ensured the teams and global council of everyone's safety for this event.
Over 20,000 troops will be deployed along key routes. Stadiums, airports, and hotels will also be guarded to ease concerns and provide secure conditions for the tournament. Additionally, around 10,000 AI-powered facial recognition cameras have been installed across the host cities.
As the opening match approaches, Pakistan stays hopeful for this moment in its cricketing history. Successfully hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 would not only restore its reputation as a safe venue for global-scale sports events but also serve as proof of its commitment to fostering unity through sports.
Tickets for the opening match and other fixtures can be purchased through the official ICC website. For fans unable to attend in person, live broadcasts and updates will be available on various platforms; details for other regions can be found on the ICC’s official broadcasters page.
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