ICC expresses confidence in PCB's readiness for 2025 Champions Trophy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed satisfaction with the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, according to sources reported by a local news channel.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi assured the ICC board members that renovation work at all three proposed venues will be completed before the tournament begins, as highlighted in his report presented on the final day of the meeting.

The board chief also invited ICC members to visit Pakistan and personally assess the preparations for the highly anticipated event, scheduled from February 19 to March 9 next year. The final is set for March 9, with a reserve day on March 10.

In addition to discussing the upcoming event, the ICC board considered adjusting the tenure of the ICC Chair and Independent Director positions to two to three-year terms, pending approval from the ICC membership.

New appointments were also made during the meeting. Scott Vennink was named as the Full Members’ representative on the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, while Scott Edwards was appointed as the Associate Members’ representative. Dr. John MacLean replaced Dr. Roger Hawkes on the ICC Medical Advisory Committee.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature eight teams. Pakistan will compete in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Group B includes England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan.

Matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Lahore will host seven games, including the final.

Karachi will stage the tournament opener and one semi-final, while Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the second semi-final.