The visit is expected as part of the preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to visit Pakistan soon, with sources suggesting the visit could occur early next week.
However, the exact dates for the visit have yet to be finalized, and there has been no official communication between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the potential trip.
The visit is expected as part of the preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan is set to host. This will be the first major ICC event in the country since 1996, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s revival as a safe destination for international cricket.
In a related update, discussions between the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Champions Trophy are scheduled for today. These talks are expected to focus on India’s participation, which remains uncertain due to political tensions between the two nations. The outcome of these discussions could have a significant impact on the tournament’s planning and execution.
Tournament Director
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Mr. Sumair Ahmad Syed, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, to be held in Pakistan.
Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed stated, “I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans, and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council.
“Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including the last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success.
“I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions.”
Trophy Tour Continues
As part of Pakistan’s preparations to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the iconic trophy was unveiled at the National Stadium Karachi, captivating cricket enthusiasts and officials alike.
The event began with a special photo session, giving fans a chance to witness the gleaming silverware up close. After its display at the stadium, the trophy embarked on a citywide tour of Karachi, visiting iconic locations to build excitement among cricket fans.
In a spectacular display, the trophy was showcased at Burns Road Food Street on Wednesday night, a cultural hotspot known for its vibrant ambiance and rich culinary heritage. Under dazzling lights, fans gathered to celebrate the historic return of the ICC Champions Trophy to Pakistan.
This tournament represents a significant milestone for Pakistan, hosting the prestigious event for the first time since 2008.
The Karachi leg concludes the Pakistan tour of the trophy, which will remain in the city until November 25 before traveling to other participating nations, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and India, from December 2024 to January 2025.
The trophy’s global journey began with a grand launch at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad on Sunday. It then visited landmarks such as Faisal Mosque, Taxila, Khanpur, Abbottabad, Murree, and Nathiagali, before concluding its memorable Pakistan tour in Karachi.
As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan will compete in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B will feature England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The BCCI is awaiting consultations with the Indian government before confirming India’s participation in matches hosted in Pakistan.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Matches will be played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore hosting seven matches, including the final. Karachi’s National Stadium will stage the opening match and one semi-final, while Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the other semi-final. The semi-finals are planned for March 5 and 6, with the final scheduled for March 9 in Lahore.
