Courtesy: PCB
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said Pakistan is all set to host the Champions Trophy 2025 smoothly as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is assured of security plans and protocols for the 50-over tournament to be played from February 19 to March 9, 2025. Pakistan is hosting its first ICC event after 29 years as the nation last conducted the 1996 World Cup, along with its neighbour India and Bangladesh.
After the 2009 terror attacks against Team Sri Lanka, most international cricket teams refused to travel to the country due to security concerns, but in the last few years, things have changed as the sub-continent nation has hosted teams successfully.
In a reply to Cricbuzz, Naqvi wrote, "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. Our security plan was presented to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board in October 2024 and received unanimous approval. This plan ensures that all necessary protocols are in place to provide a safe and seamless experience for teams, officials, and spectators alike. Pakistan is fully prepared to host the world's best cricketers, officials, foreign spectators and commercial partners."
PSL has helped eliminating security concerns related to foreign teams, says Naqvi
Discussing the preparation for the Champions Trophy, Naqvi also said that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) played a major role in solving security issues related to overseas players. He also added that the league helped in bringing international cricket back to the nation. Naqvi feels the league helped PCB win to foreign players’ confidence through Pakistan’s hospitality, security arrangements and unprecedented passion for the sport.
"Once we successfully staged home international series and consistently delivered PSL editions at world-class standards, the ICC accepted and recognised Pakistan's readiness to host a global event. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a culmination of those efforts. Our successful hosting of this event will further enhance Pakistan's credentials, positioning us as a strong contender for more ICC men's events in the next events cycle," said Naqvi.
