Pakistan Ready to Host the Champions Trophy, Says PCB Chairman
Pakistan is fully prepared to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, according to Mohsin Naqvi, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Naqvi confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the country’s security plans and protocols for the highly anticipated eight-team global event. With the ICC’s endorsement, Naqvi assured that Pakistan is set to deliver a safe and seamless experience for players, officials, spectators, and commercial partners alike.
Security Plan Approval: A Key Milestone
In a statement shared with Cricbuzz, Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan’s readiness to host the prestigious event was contingent upon a comprehensive and thorough security plan. “As with any ICC event, the host nation must submit a comprehensive security plan for review by ICC security experts and representatives from participating countries,” Naqvi said. The security plan was presented to the ICC Board in October 2024 and was met with unanimous approval, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all involved parties.
Naqvi assured that the plan addresses all necessary protocols to ensure a smooth event, showcasing the country’s capacity to provide a world-class experience for everyone involved. This event will mark the first time since 1996 that Pakistan will host an ICC tournament, underscoring the importance of this milestone in the country’s cricketing history.
The Role of Pakistan Super League (PSL)
Naqvi credited the success of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for playing a crucial role in reintegrating international cricket into Pakistan. The PSL, which has grown into one of the most successful T20 leagues globally, provided a platform for foreign players to experience Pakistan’s hospitality, security arrangements, and cricketing passion firsthand. “The PSL played a pivotal role in alleviating security concerns for foreign teams,” Naqvi stated.
The league’s success and the hosting of international series have allowed Pakistan to demonstrate its ability to stage international cricket events. As a result, the ICC recognized Pakistan’s progress and its readiness to host a global event. Naqvi pointed out that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is the culmination of years of effort, and its successful staging will bolster Pakistan’s position as a credible contender for future ICC tournaments.
A New Era for Pakistan Cricket
With the successful hosting of international series and consistent delivery of PSL editions, Pakistan has positioned itself as a strong contender for more ICC events in the future. Naqvi emphasized that the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is not just an event, but a step toward further solidifying Pakistan’s standing on the global cricketing stage. The successful execution of the event will not only showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class tournaments but will also strengthen the country’s credentials for future cricketing events.
Naqvi’s statements reflect the PCB’s broader vision of elevating Pakistan’s profile in international cricket, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is poised to be a landmark event in this journey.
