In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially secured the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy by signing an agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 15. The signing ceremony took place at the ICC headquarters in Dubai, with PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and ICC General Counsel Jonathan Hall in attendance.
The decision to award Pakistan the hosting rights had been clouded by earlier speculations regarding potential security concerns. Rumors intensified due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) initial reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan, sparking discussions about relocating the prestigious tournament.
Addressing these concerns, the PCB has assured comprehensive security measures and communicated with the government to ensure the safety of visiting international teams. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar expressed full cooperation from security agencies to guarantee the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The announcement of Pakistan hosting the tournament was made on November 16, 2021, but uncertainty still lingers. The ICC may consider alternative options such as relocating the event or adopting a hybrid model similar to the Asia Cup 2023.
As defending champions from the 2017 edition, where they clinched victory by defeating India in a thrilling final at The Oval, Pakistan is poised to enter the 2025 Champions Trophy as favorites. The memorable final saw Fakhar Zaman’s century and a stellar bowling performance by Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali, solidifying Pakistan’s triumph in the prestigious tournament. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the upcoming championship, hoping for a successful and secure event in Pakistan.
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