The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the initial draft schedule along with host venues for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The tournament, slated to be held in mid-February next year, marks a significant milestone as it will be the first ICC event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades. Pakistan last hosted an ICC event in 1996, when they were joint-hosts for the World Cup.
Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been handpicked as the venues for the prestigious event. The decision comes after meticulous inspections conducted by an ICC delegation.
Focus on Venue Upgrades for Champions Trophy 2025
With the tournament expected to span over two weeks, efforts are underway to finalize the exact dates, pending further revisions by the ICC.
All matches, including those featuring arch-rivals India, are slated to take place in the cities mentioned above in Pakistan. However, India’s participation is subjected to political considerations and government approvals.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated the board’s dedication to hosting a successful tournament, despite potential challenges stemming from diplomatic tensions.
“We’ve sent the schedule for the matches in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. We’re continuously in touch with the ICC. We are trying to ensure we host a very good tournament in Pakistan,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of venue infrastructure, Naqvi highlighted ongoing renovation projects aimed at enhancing stadium facilities across Pakistan.
“The stadium upgrading work is going on rapidly. Yes, there have been some delays but we are determined to get it done as soon as possible,” Naqvi said.
Rapid Progress Amidst Stadium Upgrades
While admitting minor delays in the renovation timeline, Naqvi assured stakeholders of the PCB’s unwavering commitment to completing the upgrades in a timely manner.
“We have a three-member committee that is exclusively working on that. There is a director infrastructure, director international cricket and the remaining is director domestic cricket,” Naqvi added.
International companies specializing in stadium renovations are set to visit Pakistan, collaborating with local consultants to expedite the process.
“On May 7, we have an international bid where top international companies who have expertise in upgrading stadiums will visit us.
“They will help us in designing and then we will collaborate with local consultants and try to get it done within four to five months.”
Anticipation Builds for Cricket Fans
The return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus has sparked excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Notably, Pakistan will enter the event as defending champions, having won the 2017 edition under Sarfaraz Ahmed.
As preparations gain momentum, the lineup for the ICC Champions Trophy promises thrilling clashes between cricketing giants.
Alongside hosts Pakistan, powerhouse teams including India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh are set to vie for glory on the global stage.
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