Champions Trophy 2025: Five-member ICC delegation set to arrive in Karachi

A five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to arrive in Karachi tonight for a crucial four-day visit to review arrangements for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation will begin their assessment at the National Bank Stadium Karachi, evaluating the venue’s readiness and inspecting proposed training facilities for participating teams.

The visit will include meetings with hotel management teams to discuss accommodation and other facilities for the teams. Security briefings are also scheduled to ensure comprehensive planning for the safety of all involved.

Following their stay in Karachi, the delegation will proceed to Islamabad and Lahore in the second phase of their visit. This inspection marks the fourth time ICC representatives have traveled to Pakistan to evaluate preparations for the Champions Trophy. Previous visits have included ICC security teams, event management members, and pitch consultants.

The ICC Champions Trophy is slated to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already submitted the proposed schedule to the ICC, with an official announcement expected soon.

One of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament will be the clash between Pakistan and India, scheduled to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on March 1. The budget for the Champions Trophy has been approved at the ICC's annual meeting in Sri Lanka.

In preparation for the event, the PCB is overseeing renovation work at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with similar upgrades planned for Pindi Stadium. The PCB has set a completion deadline of December 31 for all construction work to ensure the venues are fully ready for the tournament.