ICC delegation to visit Pak soon

A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to visit Pakistan soon, with sources indicating the visit could take place early next week.

However, the exact dates for the visit have not yet been finalized, and no official communication has been made between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the potential trip.

The visit is anticipated as part of the preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted by Pakistan. This will mark the first major ICC event in the country since 1996, highlighting Pakistan's resurgence as a safe venue for international cricket.

In a related development, discussions between the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Champions Trophy are expected to take place today. These talks are likely to focus on India's participation, which remains uncertain due to political tensions between the two nations. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the tournament's planning and execution.

Tournament director

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Sumair Ahmad Syed, Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan.

Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed said, "I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council.

"Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament's success.

"I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions."

Trophy tour continues

As part of Pakistan's preparations for hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the iconic trophy was unveiled at the National Stadium Karachi, captivating cricket enthusiasts and officials.

The event commenced with a special photo session, allowing fans to witness the gleaming silverware up close. Following its stadium display, the trophy embarked on a citywide tour of Karachi, visiting iconic locations to build excitement among cricket lovers.

In a stunning showcase, the trophy was presented at Burns Road Food Street on Wednesday night, a cultural hotspot celebrated for its rich culinary heritage and vibrant ambiance. Under dazzling lights, fans thronged the area to celebrate the historic return of the ICC Champions Trophy to Pakistan.

This tournament marks a pivotal milestone for Pakistan, hosting the prestigious event for the first time since 2008.

The Karachi leg concludes the Pakistan tour of the trophy, which will remain in the city until November 25 before journeying to other participating nations, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England, and India, from December 2024 to January 2025.

The trophy's global tour began with a grand launch at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad on Sunday. It then visited landmarks like Faisal Mosque, Taxila, Khanpur, Abbottabad, Murree, and Nathiagali before culminating its memorable Pakistan journey in Karachi.

As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan will be placed in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B consists of England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. The BCCI is awaiting consultations with the Indian government before confirming participation in matches hosted in Pakistan.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. Matches will be played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with Lahore hosting seven matches, including the final. Karachi's National Stadium will stage the opening match and one semi-final, while Rawalpindi will host five matches, including the other semi-final. The semi-finals are set for March 5 and 6, with the final taking place in Lahore on March 9.