ICC delegation visited the National Stadium in Karachi to assess the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. p>
The delegation, led by ICC Event Manager Aun Zaidi, included members from broadcasting, marketing, and various other departments. p>
The visit focused on reviewing the construction work of the new building currently under development at the stadium.p>
The General Manager of National Stadium Arshad Khan, Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla and other PCB officials were also in attendance.p>
The delegation spent approximately 30 minutes inspecting the new building's interior and other areas of the stadium.
A full briefing was given, highlighting the extensive upgrades and preparations underway to ensure the venue meets international standards for the prestigious tournament.
Following the inspection in Karachi, the ICC delegation is set to visit Lahore to continue their evaluation of the tournament's preparations.p>
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across hosts Pakistan and neutral venue, confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.p>
This decision is part of a broader arrangement where matches between India and Pakistan at ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral locations, ensuring logistical and security feasibility.p>
The ‘fusion formula’ will apply to major ICC tournaments after Champions Trophy, including the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (to be hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
Under this formula, the knockout stage matches, including the final, will be played at neutral venue if India and Pakistan qualify.p>
The PCB has also been awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028.
Sources indicate that this agreement is part of a compensation to Pakistan for financial losses due to India’s refusal to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Pakistani soil.
Atique ur Rehman Atique ur Rehman is a senior reporter for Geo News.