The wait is finally over! After nearly three decades, Pakistan is all set to roll out the red carpet for the cricketing world as it hosts the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This tournament was in a haywire, with India’s denial to come to Pakistan. Nonetheless, hosting the upcoming is more like a festival for them. The ICC Champions Trophy is more than just a tournament – it’s a beacon of hope, a symbol of Pakistan’s love and passion for the sport. For a nation that has faced its fair share of challenges both on cricketing front and socio-economically, the next 18 days would be nothing less than a celebration in the country.
Pakistan & their journey of hosting
Pakistan last co-hosted an ICC event in 1996 when it staged the World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. However, following the harrowing 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, international cricket largely abandoned Pakistan. For years, the country faced an uphill battle, convincing teams and boards of its improved security landscape. It took small steps—a visit from Zimbabwe in 2015, the ICC-organized World XI tour in 2017, and eventually, full-fledged series against major teams like Australia and England. Now, with the Champions Trophy, Pakistan is ready to once again become the center of cricketing spectacle.
The tournament’s hybrid format—necessitated by India’s refusal to play in Pakistan—means 11 of the 15 ODIs will take place across Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with India playing their matches in Dubai. While the decision was due to a non-cricketing reason. Pakistan has invested a whopping 17 billion rupees, backed by the government, to give its stadiums a major facelift and upgrade its infrastructure at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi Stadium and at the Rawalpindi Stadium.
Age of current Pakistan players the last time Pakistan hosted an ICC event
| Player | Date of Birth | Age in 1996 |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan | 1 June 1992 | 4 |
| Salman Ali Agha | 23 November 1993 | 3 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 6 April 2000 | Not born yet |
| Abrar Ahmed | 11 September 1998 | Not born yet (would be -2) |
| Faheem Ashraf | 16 January 1994 | 2 |
| Babar Azam | 15 October 1994 | 2 |
| Kamran Ghulam | 10 October 1995 | 1 |
| Mohammad Hasnain | 5 April 2000 | Not born yet |
| Usman Khan | 10 May 1995 | 1 |
| Haris Rauf | 7 November 1993 | 3 |
| Khushdil Shah | 7 February 1995 | 1 |
| Naseem Shah | 15 February 2003 | Not born yet |
| Saud Shakeel | 5 September 1995 | 1 |
| Tayyab Tahir | 26 July 1993 | 3 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 10 April 1990 | 6 |
Pakistan is gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and security is a top priority as well. A massive contingent of 18,556 personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans. Here’s the breakdown:
- Rawalpindi: 5,000 officers, including 6 senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, 500 upper subordinates, 4,000 constables, and approximately 100 female personnel.
- Lahore: 8,000 officers, including 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors, 700 upper subordinates, 6,673 constables, and 129 lady constables.
The IG Punjab Police has assured that full security will be provided, with search, sweep, combing, and intelligence-based operations already underway around players’ residences, routes, and stadiums. The tournament kicks off on February 19 in Karachi, with hosts Pakistan playing against New Zealand.
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