Dr Bilawal Kamran

The much-anticipated 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has finally arrived, but with it comes an array of compromises and challenges that have left many questioning the integrity of the event. While Pakistan is the official host of the tournament, all matches not involving India will be played on home soil, while the Indian team’s games will be staged in Dubai. This division of the event, unprecedented in the history of international tournaments, is both frustrating and embarrassing for the host nation. It raises questions about the legitimacy of the “security concerns” often cited by India, which many feel are politically motivated, casting a shadow over the competition.

This is not the only awkward situation Pakistan has had to contend with in the lead-up to the event. In a highly unusual move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seemed initially determined to refuse to have the name of the host country, Pakistan, printed on their jerseys—a clear violation of ICC regulations. Fortunately, this contentious issue appears to have been resolved after considerable pressure, but the tension surrounding it only highlights the friction between the two cricketing giants. Meanwhile, the opening ceremony on February 16, held at the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, was marred by the conspicuous absence of the teams participating in the tournament. With four teams stationed in Karachi, India and Bangladesh in Dubai, and the England and Australia teams arriving late for their scheduled game on February 22, the ceremony felt more like a token gesture than a true celebration of the event.

Despite these setbacks, it is crucial not to lose sight of the bigger picture. This tournament marks the first major international cricket competition to be held on Pakistani soil in over a decade. For an entire generation of Pakistani cricket fans who have never experienced the excitement of a home tournament, this event is nothing short of historic. Although there have been sacrifices, compromises, and hurdles along the way, the fact that the Champions Trophy is finally here should be cause for celebration. Cricket remains Pakistan’s most beloved sport, and the tournament provides an invaluable opportunity to revive the game’s fortunes at home, inspiring both players and fans alike. It also offers a much-needed boost to the local cricket scene, which has been struggling to regain its former glory.

On a broader scale, the 2025 Champions Trophy holds significance for the international cricket community as well. This is the first edition of the tournament since 2017, when Pakistan triumphed over India in a memorable final to claim the trophy in England. Since then, the one-day international (ODI) format has seen a decline in popularity, largely overshadowed by the explosive growth of T20 cricket and the rise of lucrative private leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan’s own PSL. In this context, the return of the Champions Trophy and the revival of the ODI format is a welcome development for the sport, signaling that the 50-over game is far from obsolete and remains a vital part of the cricketing calendar.

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However, as Pakistan takes its place as the host nation, expectations are tempered by the team’s recent performances and the challenges they face on the field. The opening match will see Pakistan, the defending champions, face off against New Zealand— a team that handed them a crushing defeat in the final of the 2024-25 Pakistan Tri-Nation Series just days ago. If Pakistan’s performance in that match is any indicator, the Champions Trophy could start on a disheartening note for local fans. The team’s recent form, coupled with internal struggles, has led to growing concerns about how far Pakistan can go in the tournament.

A key figure in Pakistan’s struggles is Babar Azam, the team’s captain and a stalwart of their batting lineup. Azam has been in a prolonged slump, a period that began around the time he stepped down from the limited-overs captaincy. His dip in form has raised questions about his ability to lead the team to glory, particularly with the added pressure of the tournament taking place on home soil. The team’s bowling attack is also a point of concern, particularly the fitness of Haris Rauf, widely regarded as Pakistan’s best ODI bowler. With Rauf struggling with injuries, the team’s ability to challenge formidable opponents in the Champions Trophy is uncertain.

Compounding these issues is the fact that Pakistan’s recent cricketing performance has been marred by instability in the coaching staff. Gary Kirsten, the previous head coach, resigned in October, and the team’s new head coach, Aqib Javed, has had limited time to implement his strategies ahead of the Champions Trophy. The lack of a coherent long-term plan has left the team vulnerable, particularly given the enormity of the event they are about to face. This uncertainty is amplified by the fact that Pakistan’s players are notorious for crumbling under pressure, and with the weight of a home tournament on their shoulders, it remains to be seen whether they can rise to the occasion.

While the challenges facing Pakistan’s national team are undeniable, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is still a momentous occasion, not just for the players but for the entire nation. This is a time to come together and support the team, regardless of the external controversies and internal struggles. The tournament is not just an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its cricketing talent on the world stage but also a chance to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.

In the grand scheme of things, the most significant impact of the 2025 Champions Trophy may not be the outcome on the field, but rather what it does for the game of cricket off the pitch. For Pakistani fans, it marks the return of international cricket to the country, offering a platform to re-engage with the sport they love. With millions of passionate supporters eagerly anticipating the tournament, the event has the potential to rekindle a renewed sense of excitement around cricket, reigniting local interest in the game and inspiring future generations of cricketers.

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is a landmark event for both Pakistan and the world of cricket. While it may be fraught with complications and compromises, it is ultimately an opportunity to celebrate the sport, overcome the challenges, and restore Pakistan’s place in the international cricketing community.