ICC delegation to visit Pakistan to assess Champions Trophy preparations

Six-member delegation's four-day visit begins in Karachi with inspection of facilities at the National Bank Stadium.

A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to arrive in Pakistan tonight for a four-day visit to assess preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

The six-member delegation will land in Karachi and begin by inspecting the facilities at National Bank Stadium.

According to sources, the delegation will evaluate the arrangements at the stadium, including proposed training facilities for participating teams.

The group will also meet with hotel management to discuss accommodations and amenities for the teams.

Security arrangements will be a key focus during the visit, with briefings scheduled with local security officials to ensure the safety of players and spectators.

After Karachi, the ICC delegation will proceed to Islamabad and Lahore in the second phase of the visit to inspect facilities in those cities as well.

This marks the fourth visit by an ICC delegation to Pakistan in preparation for the Champions Trophy, as the country gears up to host one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments.

There were rumours that the series could be moved out of Pakistan, however, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi denied the claims, saying that the series would be played in Pakistan.

Additionally, the ICC's Chief Executive Geoff Allardice has also confirmed that "there are currently no plans to relocate the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from Pakistan" and assured that no team has expressed reluctance to play in the tournament.

As per a report, the PCB is not yet sure where the first match of the series will be played.

India's participation still 'doubtful'

Former cricketer-turned-analyst Aakash Chopra has recently raised doubts over the prospect of India visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Aakash Chopra, during an appearance in a podcast on Raj Shamani’s YouTube channel, opined that the chances of India visiting Pakistan are low considering the current political situation between the two countries.

“The chances [of India visiting Pakistan] are very slim, to be honest. While cricket is back in Pakistan and the Asia Cup was held there, the hybrid model worked before with matches in Sri Lanka,” Chopra said.