An International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is expected to visit Pakistan soon, likely early next week, although the exact dates have yet to be confirmed. The visit is seen as a preparatory step for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host, marking the country’s return as a venue for major ICC events after nearly three decades. This event is of great significance as it will be the first major ICC tournament held in Pakistan since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
Discussions regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy are also expected to take place soon, especially given the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. The participation of India, the world’s most cricket-mad nation, remains uncertain, and these talks could significantly impact the overall planning for the tournament.
Also Read: Sumair Ahmad Appointed ICC Champions Trophy Tournament Director
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Sumair Ahmad Syed, the Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the Champions Trophy 2025. Syed expressed his excitement about the role, emphasizing the ongoing preparations, including stadium upgrades and the involvement of the PCB’s experienced events team, which has successfully managed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in recent years.
As part of the preparations, the ICC Champions Trophy Trophy Tour has been making its way across Pakistan to build excitement. The trophy was unveiled at National Stadium Karachi, and has visited various iconic locations in Karachi, including Burns Road Food Street, a popular cultural hub. This city tour is part of a broader initiative to generate excitement for the tournament, which will be hosted across three cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
The Champions Trophy will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with Lahore set to host the final. The proposed groupings for the tournament are as follows:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand
- Group B: England, South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan
India’s participation, however, hinges on approval from the Indian government.
This tournament represents a key moment for Pakistan, symbolizing its return to hosting international cricket events after years of being sidelined due to security concerns. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 could mark a significant milestone in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
