The First ICC Event in Pakistan Since 1996

Pakistan has suggested three cities Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi as hosts the 2025 Champions Trophy. This will be the first major cricket event in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup, which was co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka. A big question remains: Will India participate?

Proposed Cities and Preparation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi to host the tournament in February 2025. These cities are important for their cricket history and infrastructure but need upgrades to meet international standards.

• Lahore: Home to Gaddafi Stadium, a historic venue.
• Karachi: Features the National Stadium, a key cricket hub.
• Rawalpindi: Offers the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, providing a good geographical spread.

The PCB is working hard to improve these venues. This is important since it’s the first ICC event in Pakistan in nearly 30 years. “We’ve sent the match schedule to the ICC,” said PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “The ICC’s security team visited, and we had a good meeting. We’ll also share our stadium upgrade plans with them. We’re in constant touch with the ICC to ensure a great tournament.”

Pakistan: The Defending Champions

Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy in 2017 by defeating India in the final. The ICC has decided to revive the tournament and chose Pakistan as the host for 2025, showing confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host international events again.

Tournament Structure and Timeline

The 2025 Champions Trophy will have eight teams playing over two weeks. The exact dates are still being finalized. The ICC reviewed the venues and schedule to ensure security and logistical standards.

“We’ve sent the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan,” reiterated Naqvi. “The ICC’s security team had a good meeting here, and we will share our stadium upgrade plans with them. We are committed to hosting a successful tournament.”

India’s Participation: A Major Concern

A big question is whether India will participate. The draft schedule includes games involving India in Pakistan. However, India’s participation depends on the political situation between India and Pakistan and whether the Indian government allows the team to go to Pakistan.

India has not toured Pakistan since 2008 due to political tensions. The PCB had to use a hybrid model for the 2023 Asia Cup, holding some games in Pakistan and others in Sri Lanka.

The decision will likely be discussed at the next ICC meeting in July.

Historical Context and Security Challenges

The last major ICC event in Pakistan was the 1996 World Cup. Security concerns, especially after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, stopped international teams from visiting Pakistan for years. Recently, improved security has allowed international cricket to return to Pakistan.

Other Upcoming Events and Scheduling Challenges

Besides the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will host South Africa and New Zealand for an ODI series and other teams like Bangladesh and England. This busy schedule creates challenges for finding a suitable window for the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Stadium Upgrades: A Critical Task

Upgrading the stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi is essential. “Gaddafi Stadium needs a better viewing experience,” said Naqvi. “The National Stadium in Karachi is in bad shape. We will finalize bids from international companies to help us upgrade. We are late, but we need to complete these upgrades in four-five months. It will be tough, but we can do it.”

Conclusion

The 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan is a major milestone, marking the return of a big ICC event after nearly 30 years. The success of this event depends on completing stadium upgrades, effective security, and whether India decides to participate. The political situation between India and Pakistan will be crucial in this decision.

For cricket fans, the 2025 Champions Trophy promises to be an exciting event with high-stakes matches and memorable moments. The PCB’s commitment and the enthusiasm of cricket fans set the stage for a historic return of international cricket to Pakistan.