Islamabad, Feb 15: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is optimistic that a successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will pave the way for more international cricket tournaments in the country. The event, set to begin on February 19, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, which is hosting a major ICC event after nearly three decades.
A Historic Moment for Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan has worked tirelessly to rebuild its reputation as a top cricketing destination. Since the unfortunate 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, the country had to host home matches in the UAE due to security concerns. However, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which began holding matches on home soil in 2017, played a crucial role in restoring confidence among international teams.
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Hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 is a major achievement for the PCB, demonstrating its ability to organize high-profile international tournaments. Naqvi believes this event could be a turning point, stating, “This tournament is the result of years of effort. A successful event will strengthen our case for hosting more ICC tournaments in the future.”
Overcoming Logistical Challenges
Although Pakistan has successfully hosted bilateral series in recent years, organizing a multi-nation ICC event presents greater operational and logistical challenges. Naqvi admitted that the tight timeframe made preparations demanding. “Our stadiums have not seen major upgrades since the 1996 World Cup, and cricketing standards have changed significantly since then,” he noted.
Despite these challenges, the PCB has fast-tracked stadium renovations in Lahore and Karachi to ensure world-class facilities for players and fans. These upgrades aim to meet modern international cricket standards, further solidifying Pakistan’s place on the global cricketing map.
A Stepping Stone for Future ICC Events
As the countdown to the Champions Trophy 2025 begins, Pakistan is keen to prove itself as a reliable host for major ICC tournaments. A successful event could open the doors for even bigger competitions, such as the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup, to return to Pakistani soil.
With a renewed commitment to top-tier cricketing infrastructure and security, Pakistan is ready to reclaim its status as a premier host for global cricket events.
