Pakistan is gearing up to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February and March, marking a significant milestone for the cricketing nation. This will be the first time since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team that Pakistan will be the sole host of a major ICC tournament.
ICC Delegation Begins Venue Assessments
To ensure a smooth tournament, an International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation arrived in Pakistan on March 25th, 2024. The delegation, led by Senior Manager Sarah Edgar and Manager Aoun Zaidi, began inspections at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. The stadium’s management will brief the delegation on their preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Security remains a key concern for the ICC and Pakistani authorities. The delegation is expected to meet with representatives from various law enforcement agencies to discuss security measures and ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans.
Lahore and Rawalpindi Next on the Itinerary
Following their inspection in Karachi, the ICC delegation will move on to visit Lahore and Rawalpindi, the two other cities designated to host matches. Chris Tetley, the ICC Head of Events, will join the delegation during their visit to Rawalpindi.
As the host nation, Pakistan has automatically secured a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy. They are also the defending champions, having triumphed in the 2017 edition. Joining Pakistan will be the seven highest-ranked teams from the group stage of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka Misses Out for the First Time
This edition of the Champions Trophy will witness a notable absence. Sri Lanka, the former champions, have failed to qualify for the first time due to their performance in the recent World Cup.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will follow the same format as previous editions. Eight teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
The arrival of the ICC delegation marks a crucial step towards a successful Champions Trophy in Pakistan. With dedicated efforts from Pakistani authorities and the ICC, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
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