Chandigarh, December 21, 2024: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has dispatched a delegation to Pakistan to assess preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in the country next year. The delegation visited several venues, including the National Stadium in Karachi, before continuing their tour to Lahore and Rawalpindi. A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official confirmed that such visits are routine before any major international cricket tournament.
In addition to the ICC team, representatives from New Zealand Cricket have also visited Pakistan to evaluate the ongoing renovations and other infrastructure work at the stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The PCB is investing Rs 12 billion to upgrade the facilities in time for the tournament.
The ICC has approved a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, where some matches may be played at neutral venues. As part of this review, the ICC also focused on the security arrangements for the event. This comes amid growing concerns about safety and logistics, particularly with the high-profile nature of the tournament.
READ More about ICC’s Hybrid Model for India-Pakistan Matches
Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket has also sent a team to Pakistan ahead of the upcoming triangular series in January, which will feature host nation Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. The New Zealand delegation includes security expert Reg Dickason and Brad Roden from the New Zealand Players Association, who are tasked with reviewing security and other logistical preparations for the series.
The ICC has made it clear that matches between India and Pakistan during the Champions Trophy will be played at neutral venues, meaning the two teams will not play in each other’s countries. This rule, which will apply through the 2024-2027 cycle, ensures that all India-Pakistan matches will take place at locations outside both nations. This decision further solidifies the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, confirming that some games will be held outside Pakistan.
The upcoming inspections and developments signal a crucial step in ensuring that the 2025 Champions Trophy runs smoothly, with a focus on both security and infrastructure.
