COLOMBO: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally sanctioned the budget for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year.
The decision was reached during the ICC’s annual meeting in Sri Lanka, attended by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Media reported that the budget for the mega ICC tournament, scheduled for February and March 2025, has been collaboratively prepared by the ICC and the PCB.
The upcoming tournament marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy to Pakistan after a hiatus of seven years, with Pakistan also holding the distinction of defending champions following their victory in the previous edition.
According to the proposed schedule by the PCB, matches will be hosted across three key cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Lahore has been designated as the venue for all matches involving arch-rivals India, culminating in the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash scheduled for March 1 at Gaddafi Stadium.
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The ICC has unanimously approved the proposed schedule and venue arrangements, affirming its confidence in Pakistan’s capability to host a successful and safe tournament.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature top cricketing nations including Pakistan, India, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
This development underscores Pakistan’s growing prominence as a cricketing hub and marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to revive international cricket on home soil.
