The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan as it prepares to host a major global cricket event after nearly two decades. Announced in November 2021, Pakistan won the right to host this prestigious tournament, overcoming numerous challenges and rekindling hopes among cricket enthusiasts. The tournament will feature at least seven of the world's top teams, offering a golden opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its capability as a sporting host.
Pakistan's last major triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy came in 2017 when they emerged victorious. Hosting the tournament now holds immense significance, both economically and for reigniting the passion of cricket fans across the nation. This event is seen as a critical moment for Pakistan to prove its mettle, not just on the field but also in terms of organizational prowess and security measures.
The journey to hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been fraught with challenges. It took countless hours of lobbying, convincing, and overcoming various hurdles. A senior official from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) emphasized the effort involved:
“People do not realise what an incredible challenge this was.” – A senior PCB official
The importance of this tournament extends beyond mere economic benefits. It's an opportunity for Pakistan to rebuild its reputation as a viable and secure sporting destination, a status that suffered significantly after the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team. These attacks dealt a heavy blow to Pakistan's standing as a host nation, leading to an exodus of international cricket from its grounds.
Over the years, Pakistan has been gradually rebuilding its reputation by hosting international cricketing teams and organizing successful events like the Pakistan Super League (PSL). A PCB official commented on the progress made:
“Security concerns were no longer a real worry, pointing to the successful hosting of international cricketing teams in recent years and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).”
Despite these efforts, security remains a pivotal concern for the upcoming tournament. Ali Khan, a notable commentator, highlighted the importance of ensuring safety during the event:
“Security remains the key issue during the event, so the government needs to pull out all the stops to ensure it is held safely for both fans and teams.” – Ali Khan
Pakistan's ability to host such a significant event is not only a matter of national pride but also essential in its geopolitical context. Unlike in previous decades, Pakistan will not travel to India for cricket matches until at least 2027, underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. Andrew Fidel Fernando pointed out that geopolitics often overshadow security concerns:
“Security is unlikely to be the real reason. This is more about geopolitics and its implications.” – Andrew Fidel Fernando
The strained relations between India and Pakistan have also impacted cricketing ties, with Ali Khan noting:
“Indian financial strength, especially in cricket is unmatched, but the Modi-led Indian government perhaps also seemingly wants to isolate Pakistan in every sphere.” – Ali Khan
Despite these challenges, Pakistan aims to deliver an exemplary tournament. Ali Khan expressed concerns about logistics but remained hopeful:
“We have shown that the stadium can be built rapidly, and I really hope we are able to pull off the tournament with aplomb. But logistics still concern me. Ticketing issues for fans remain. There is barely any advertisement or promotion about the tournament.” – Ali Khan
On an optimistic note, every Test-playing nation except India has visited Pakistan since 2019, including prominent teams like England and Australia. This indicates growing confidence in Pakistan's capability as a host.
