Pakistan is hosting the International Men’s Champion Trophy (ICC) 2025 event after 29 years. In 1996, Pakistan hosted the ICC tournament later the doors of cricket became closed for Pakistan for several years. It was definitely a hard journey for Pakistan to struggle to reconstruct its identity in cricket. Almost three decades later, Pakistan got a chance to prove its strength in sports and can host such a big event as the ICC.
This time, the Pakistan Cricket Board took a stand for the country’s cricket and asked to host the entire tournament in Pakistan. After lots of arguments, struggles, and fights, we are finally hosting this major event. This tournament will take place in major cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
The ICC tournament has already begun on 19th February 2025. Matches are held in different major cities. The government and PCB ensure foolproof security systems for these matches so that the international players can relax and focus on their game.
However, India will not come to Pakistan for the ICC event. Matches of other teams with India will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE.
Remark of ICC on Pakistan Host ICC Event 2025
The chairperson of ICC, Jay Shah has said that the fifteen matches are unmissable and it would be a thrilling and captivating competition between eight teams and the winning team will claim the iconic white jacket.
Furthermore, he declared that the matches would take place in Pakistan and Dubai. The audience will get to see the best cricket with modernity and heritage.
The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi give his heartfelt remarks on hosting this major event. He thanked the ICC members who played an important role in promoting international cricket in Pakistan.
PCB to Host ICC Event 2025
Hosting such a big event is a milestone for Pakistan. This tournament will help in reshaping the face of Pakistan to the world by promoting cricket. This event will also showcase the capability of the country to host international tournaments in the future as well. Pakistan welcomed its guests for the Champion Trophy and is delighted to have cricket teams in our country, He added.
Renovations Before This Tournament
Various renovations have been made in the stadiums of major cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Various renovations can be done in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore including seating, lighting, and overall look. PCB enhances the overall look of the stadiums for international cricket to regain the trust and our cricket’s identity.
Final Teams of ICC 2025 Event
This tournament starts on 19th February 2025 and lasts till 9th March 2025. A total of eight teams are playing in this event which were the top qualified teams from the 2017 ICC tournament. These teams are divided into two groups called groups A and B. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand are playing from Group A. On the other side, Australia, South Africa, England, and Afghanistan are playing from Group B. A total of fifteen matches will be played between these teams, during this event. Also, the pre-booking of tickets is available for these matches.
Match Schedules
- The first match was played between Pakistan and New Zealand on 19th February, in Karachi, and won by New Zealand.
- The second match was played between Bangladesh and India in Dubai. India leads this match by six wickets.
- On 21st February, South Africa defeated Afghanistan at Karachi Stadium.
- The great rivals England and Australia played a great match on 22nd February, in Lahore Stadium.
- The second rival teams Pakistan and India, also played a match on 23rd February in Dubai. In this match, India again won by six wickets.
- Bangladesh and New Zealand came to battle and New Zealand won the match on 24th February in Rawalpindi Stadium, Pakistan.
- The match on 25th February was canceled due to rain and both teams got one point. This match was held between South Africa and Australia at Rawalpindi Stadium.
- On 26th February, England and Afghanistan were played the match. Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss and won the game by eight runs.
Also Read: Highlights of the Renovation in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
Further Future Match Schedule for ICC 2025
- Pakistan will be playing against Bangladesh on 27th February at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
- Lahore will host the match between Australia and Afghanistan in Gaddafi Stadium on 28th
- On 1st March South Africa and England will play the battle at National Stadium Karachi.
- The match of 2nd March will be between India and New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
- Similarly, other matches took place according to their schedules. The first semifinal is scheduled for 4th March in Dubai Stadium and the second semi-final is scheduled for 5th March in Lahore.
- The final match will be hosted in Lahore. However, if India makes it to the finals, the match will be played in Dubai, and the winning team will claim the white jackets.
Pakistan hosts the ICC 2025 event with grace and power. PCB ensures that the audience will witness the best matches ever. This tournament will be exciting and memorable for fans, and international and national players. Till the finals let’s enjoy the matches and may the best team wins. Get daily cricket updates from here!
Let us know in the comments, which is your favorite team!