ICC Set for Final Inspection of Champions Trophy Preparations

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is ready to visit Pakistan for a final inspection of the facilities used for the upcoming Champions Trophy cricket tournament. Moreover, this visit is crucial to ensure that the venues and infrastructure meet the high standards required for such a prestigious event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is sending a top-level delegation to Pakistan for a final inspection of the country’s preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The visit comes as Pakistan continues to enhance its infrastructure for the event, returning to the global cricketing stage after years of international isolation.

The inspection is set to take place over the span of five days. A six-member team from the ICC will conduct this, representing key departments such as pitch management, security, and event logistics. The delegation’s primary objective is to evaluate the readiness of Pakistan’s venues in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, which will host the tournament’s matches.

Moreover, the delegation will assess the progress of ongoing upgrades at key stadiums, as well as review logistical plans for team practices, security arrangements, and ticketing systems.

A significant part of the discussions between the ICC delegation and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will focus on finalizing the event’s schedule and addressing any concerns. With the PCB allocating over Rs. 12.8 billion to upgrade stadiums, the board aims to showcase its ability to host an international tournament of this magnitude successfully.

Lingering Concerns

However, geopolitical tensions linger, particularly concerning India’s participation in the tournament. While India’s involvement remains uncertain due to ongoing diplomatic issues, the PCB continues to engage with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the ICC to find solutions.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that discussions with the BCCI are ongoing. “We are in touch with the boards of the teams participating in the tournament,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by local News. 

The Champions Trophy 2025 is not just an opportunity for Pakistan to revive its international hosting status but also to strengthen its position within global cricket. Moreover, the ICC’s final approval will be a crucial step in this direction, and fans across the country are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the schedule and ticket sales.