Image Source : Getty
As excitement builds for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes are on Pakistan, which is set to host the prestigious tournament from February 19 to March 9. This will be the first major ICC event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades, making it a significant occasion for both the country and global cricket. However, before the final nod is given, a critical assessment by the International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is underway to ensure that Pakistan is ready to host the event according to international standards.
The five-member ICC team, comprising senior officials from various departments, arrived in Pakistan on September 17, 2024. The delegation will conduct a four-day inspection of the country’s key facilities, including stadiums, practice grounds, hotels, and security protocols in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The visit aims to ensure that the venues meet global requirements for player safety, media coverage, and fan experiences.
Pakistan’s Venues Under Scrutiny
The venues selected for the tournament include Karachi’s National Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium. These locations are undergoing significant renovation to meet ICC standards. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been working against tight deadlines, especially as some of the renovation projects have reportedly faced delays. However, PCB officials remain confident that the upgrades will be completed on time.
The ICC’s inspection will focus not only on the playing facilities but also on adjacent areas, such as practice grounds and accommodations for teams and officials. Security remains a top concern, especially given Pakistan’s history with hosting international cricket following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team. Since then, Pakistan has worked diligently to rebuild its image as a safe cricketing destination, hosting several international series successfully over the last few years.
ICC’s Role in Overseeing the Preparations
The ICC delegation includes key figures like the senior events manager, a security manager, and the general manager for cricket, who will provide insights into the country’s readiness. Their task is to ensure that all aspects, from player facilities to logistics for broadcasting, meet the high standards expected of an ICC tournament. Over the four-day period, the team will evaluate progress at the three key venues, beginning in Karachi and concluding in Lahore.
Previous visits by ICC officials to Pakistan this year have indicated that the country is on track to meet the requirements, but this current visit is viewed as one of the final steps in approving Pakistan’s preparations for the tournament. Security is a particularly sensitive issue, with the ICC expected to provide specific recommendations regarding protocols for team movements, public access, and emergency measures.
The Importance of the Champions Trophy for Pakistan
For Pakistan, successfully hosting the Champions Trophy will be a watershed moment. It will mark their first ICC event since 1996 and serve as an opportunity to restore Pakistan’s status as a premier destination for international cricket. Pakistan was named the host for the 2025 Champions Trophy in a bid to spread major cricketing events across different countries. However, given regional tensions, especially with India, the participation of all teams, including India, remains uncertain.
If India opts out of traveling to Pakistan, there is speculation that a hybrid model could be adopted, where India’s matches would be played at a neutral venue. This arrangement, however, has not been confirmed yet, and much will depend on the political relations between the two nations in the coming months.
The ICC’s assessment visit is a critical step in ensuring that Pakistan is ready to host the 2025 Champions Trophy. The success of the inspection will not only reflect Pakistan’s readiness to host a world-class tournament but also restore confidence in its ability to safely host international cricket. With key upgrades being made to its cricketing infrastructure and a robust security plan in place, the outcome of this visit could shape the future of international cricket in Pakistan for years to come.
Should the inspection be successful, Pakistan will move one step closer to hosting a global cricketing spectacle that could reignite the passion of millions of fans across the country.