Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s national carrier, has announced that it will offer exclusive travel services for the international teams competing in the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan. In partnership with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), PIA has arranged special chartered flights for the domestic travel of the teams during the tournament.
According to PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan, these flights will ensure seamless transportation for the teams within Pakistan. “PIA will operate special chartered flights for the domestic transportation of cricket teams during the Champions Trophy,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Khan further mentioned that efforts would be made to introduce the guest teams to Pakistani culture during their flights, adding a special touch to the experience for the international cricketers.
The ICC Champions Trophy will mark Pakistan’s first major multi-country cricket tournament in nearly 30 years, set to begin on Wednesday, February 19. The PCB is optimistic that hosting such a prestigious event will pave the way for more international tournaments to be held in Pakistan in the future.
The Champions Trophy features the top eight teams in One Day International (ODI) cricket, and the last edition of the tournament was held in 2017, when Pakistan defeated India in the final. Although political tensions mean that India will play all their matches, including the final (should they qualify) on March 9, in Dubai, Pakistan will hold the title as both hosts and defending champions.
Ahead of the event, the PCB has invested in upgrading key cricket grounds in Karachi and Lahore, ensuring they are ready for the international spectacle.
