Mudassir Rizwan

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to return with high expectations, intense competition, and historic significance—especially for Pakistan, the host nation. The tournament, which kicks off on February 19, 2025, marks a monumental moment for Pakistani cricket, as the country hosts an ICC event for the first time since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. However, the journey to securing this tournament has been anything but smooth. With political, logistical, and diplomatic challenges, along with the usual high-voltage cricketing action, the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be one of the most dynamic editions in the tournament’s history.

For nearly three decades, Pakistan has struggled to regain its status as a safe and viable host for international cricket. Following the tragic terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, the country lost its right to host international tournaments. Since then, Pakistan has worked tirelessly to rebuild its reputation as a secure cricketing destination.

Between 2021 and 2022, top cricketing nations such as England, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand played full series in Pakistan, restoring confidence in the country’s security measures. Additionally, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which was initially held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), fully returned to Pakistan by 2022. These developments played a key role in convincing the International Cricket Council (ICC) to grant Pakistan the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025.

This victory was not just about cricket; it was about Pakistan’s resilience, its passion for the sport, and its determination to bring international cricket home.

The Champions Trophy is often referred to as a mini World Cup, featuring only the top eight cricketing nations. Unlike the World Cup, the tournament follows a more compact and competitive format, where a single loss can drastically impact a team’s chances.

The tournament will feature two groups of four teams each, followed by the semi-finals and the grand finale. With each match carrying enormous weight, fans can expect thrilling encounters, especially in Pakistan’s vibrant cricketing venues.

While Pakistan earned the right to host, one major challenge emerged—the participation of India on Pakistani soil. Given the tense political relations between the two nations, India’s participation was uncertain from the start.

Despite Pakistan traveling to India for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Instead of an official statement, the BCCI merely “verbally communicated” their decision to the ICC, which later informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) via email.

As a compromise, a hybrid model—later termed the “Fusion Model”—was introduced, allowing India to play all their matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan. This decision was heavily criticized, as it highlighted India’s disproportionate influence over ICC decisions.

As a reciprocal move, Pakistan was granted the right to opt-out of playing in India for the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, which India is set to host.

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Pakistan’s cricket administration has faced continuous instability over the past few years, impacting its preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025.

When the ICC awarded Pakistan the hosting rights in 2021, Ramiz Raja was the PCB chairman, having been appointed by then-Prime Minister Imran Khan. However, following Imran Khan’s ousting in April 2022, the PCB leadership kept changing hands, first to Najam Sethi, then to Zaka Ashraf, and finally to Mohsin Naqvi in 2024.

Due to political turmoil, preparations for the Champions Trophy were largely ignored until Naqvi assumed office. Realizing that Pakistan had less than a year to get things in order, he launched an ambitious stadium renovation plan, sending consultants to the United Kingdom for modern stadium designs.

Renovation work began in October 2024, and just a week before the tournament opener, Pakistan’s two major venues—National Bank Stadium (Karachi) and Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore)—will host grand inauguration ceremonies featuring light shows and musical events.

While off-field controversies dominate headlines, Pakistan’s on-field performance is another area of concern.

In recent years, the team has struggled with inconsistent performances, particularly due to frequent captaincy changes and administrative instability.

Under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan showed promise by winning ODI series against Australia (2-1), Zimbabwe (2-1), and South Africa (3-0). However, they were exposed during a recent tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa, suffering two heavy defeats against the Kiwis.

Adding to the concerns is Pakistan’s squad selection, which has been met with criticism. The inclusion of all-rounders Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, despite their poor performances over the past two years, has raised eyebrows. Fans and analysts believe more deserving players were overlooked.

Despite the India-Pakistan standoff regarding hosting rights, their on-field rivalry remains the highlight of the tournament.

The two arch-rivals will face off in Dubai on February 23, 2025, in a match that has already created massive excitement among cricket fans worldwide. Tickets for the highly anticipated Pakistan vs. India clash sold out within an hour of going online.

The last time Pakistan and India met in a Champions Trophy final (2017), Pakistan emerged victorious in a historic win, with Fakhar Zaman’s stunning century and Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell dismantling India.

However, much has changed since then. India dominated Pakistan in their recent meetings, including a one-sided victory in the 2023 World Cup. Pakistan will need to step up their game to reclaim their former glory.

Apart from Pakistan and India, several other teams will be strong contenders for the Champions Trophy 2025. New Zealand has developed a well-balanced squad suited for Asian conditions, with their formidable spin duo, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, expected to play a crucial role. India, still reeling from their 2023 World Cup final loss, will be eager to bounce back with a star-studded lineup featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. Meanwhile, England, despite recent struggles in white-ball cricket, remains a dangerous side, boasting a powerful batting order and the experienced Adil Rashid leading their spin attack. Afghanistan, known for its world-class spinners, will rely heavily on Rashid Khan, who has the ability to turn matches in their favor. However, Australia faces setbacks, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood injured and Mitchell Starc opting out due to personal reasons, which could weaken their bowling attack. With each team bringing unique strengths and challenges, the competition promises to be intense, making the Champions Trophy 2025 an event to watch.

As Pakistan prepares to host its biggest cricketing event in decades, the stakes could not be higher.

Beyond the competition on the field, this is a test of Pakistan’s ability to host a world-class tournament. Security arrangements, crowd management, and smooth logistics will be crucial factors in determining the success of the Champions Trophy 2025.

With the entire cricketing world watching, Pakistan has the chance to prove itself as a worthy host. Can Pakistan make the most of this golden opportunity, both on and off the field? Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to find out.