A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to arrive in Pakistan on March 25 to assess the country’s preparations for hosting the Champions Trophy next year. The visit, which includes a security expert, will focus on inspecting proposed venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
This marks Pakistan’s first hosting of an ICC event since the 1996 World Cup, where it co-hosted with India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, expressed optimism about hosting the prestigious tournament and highlighted ongoing preparations for the event.
During the visit, the delegation will receive briefings on the preparations and conduct on-site inspections of the venues. The PCB aims to showcase the upgradation work being carried out to ensure the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy.
Despite recent concerns over team tours due to security reasons, Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the Champions Trophy as scheduled. He emphasized that discussions about alternative scenarios, such as tit-for-tat responses to potential team withdrawals, were unnecessary.
Previously, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) sent a delegation to Pakistan to inspect security and other arrangements for their team’s upcoming tour. The tour is scheduled to include five T20 Internationals in mid-April, demonstrating growing confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host international cricket events.
While India’s decision to skip the Asia Cup last year led to match rescheduling, Naqvi expressed confidence in the smooth hosting of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Discussions during the ICC meeting in Dubai also indicated no apparent obstacles to holding the event in the country.
As preparations for the Champions Trophy progress, Pakistan remains committed to ensuring a successful and secure tournament, further enhancing its stature as a cricketing destination on the global stage.
