In a significant milestone, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially sealed the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 through a formal agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai.
The signing ceremony, held at the ICC headquarters, saw the presence of PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf and ICC General Counsel Jonathan Hall. The PCB, through a released statement, emphasized the importance of robust security measures for the international teams visiting Pakistan during the prestigious Champions Trophy.
The PCB has diligently communicated the security requirements to the government, seeking assurance for cooperation from security agencies. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, in a recent meeting with the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, pledged full support to ensure the successful hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
This marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus since its last occurrence in 2017. Notably, some Test-playing nations like Sri Lanka and West Indies were absent from the global tournament, with Sri Lanka failing to secure a top-eight position in the ICC World Cup 2023 points table.
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will feature a total of eight teams following the One Day International (ODI) format. The qualification process involved the top seven teams from the ICC ODI World Cup group stage, in addition to the host nation, Pakistan, securing their positions for the upcoming tournament.
The confirmed teams for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy include Pakistan (hosts), India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh. Cricket enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate a thrilling competition as these teams vie for the coveted trophy in what promises to be a highly anticipated and competitive tournament.
