A five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) will visit Pakistan on Tuesday, September 19, 2024, to conduct an inspection ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy. The delegation will assess venue readiness, security, and logistical arrangements as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) prepares to host the prestigious tournament for the first time since 1996.
Venue Inspection and Tentative Schedule
The ICC delegation's visit aims to finalize a tentative schedule that the PCB had submitted earlier this year. Top officials from the ICC, including security manager David Mucker and new head of events (replacing Chris Tetley), will review key locations in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. The tour will conclude on September 21, 2024.
The delegation will inspect three major venues that will host Champions Trophy matches: National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Renovation at these stadiums is currently ongoing, with an effort to meet international standards. Although local media reports suggest delays in the construction work, PCB officials remain confident that everything will be completed before the tournament begins.
Security and Hybrid Model Considerations
Given the regional tensions, especially concerning India’s potential participation in Pakistan, the ICC is working on contingency plans. If India's team opts not to travel to Pakistan, the ICC and PCB may implement a hybrid model. In this case, India’s matches could be hosted in neutral venues such as the UAE or Sri Lanka. This strategy echoes last year’s Asia Cup, which adopted a similar format.
Security arrangements will be another key topic of discussion during the ICC's visit. Pakistan has steadily regained its status as a host for international cricket matches, but the ICC remains focused on ensuring player safety and crowd control.
Champions Trophy Schedule and Budget
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place between February 19 and March 9, with the event featuring eight international teams. The ICC has allocated a budget of $65 million for the tournament, which will cover the organization, venue upgrades, and broadcast enhancements.
ICC's Commitment to Pakistan
This visit underscores the ICC’s commitment to bringing major international tournaments back to Pakistan after years of being sidelined from hosting top-tier events. With continued focus on infrastructure, security, and scheduling, the 2025 Champions Trophy is expected to be a milestone event in Pakistan’s cricket history.
Conclusion
The ICC delegation’s inspection marks an important step toward finalizing preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Pakistan’s efforts to revamp its cricketing venues and provide a secure environment reflect the nation's determination to host this global tournament successfully. Fans and players alike are looking forward to a world-class cricketing experience.