The ICC delegation visited the National Stadium in Karachi to assess the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.
The delegation, led by ICC events manager Aun Zaidi, included members from broadcasting, marketing and several other departments.
The visit focused on reviewing the works on the new building under development at the stadium.
National Stadium General Manager Arshad Khan, Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla and other PCB officials were also present.
The delegation spent approximately 30 minutes inspecting the interior of the new building and other areas of the stadium.
A full briefing was given, highlighting the extensive upgrades and preparations underway to ensure the venue meets international standards for the prestigious tournament.
After the inspection in Karachi, the ICC delegation is expected to visit Lahore to continue the assessment of the tournament preparations.
The men of the ICC The 2025 Champions Trophy will be played in hosts Pakistan and at a neutral venueconfirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This decision is part of a broader agreement under which matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at neutral venues, ensuring logistical and security viability.
The ‘merger formula’ will apply to major ICC tournaments after the Champions Trophy, including the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup (hosted in India) and the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka).
According to this formula, the knockout stage matches, including the final, will be played at a neutral venue if India and Pakistan qualify.
The PCB has also been awarded hosting rights for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028.
Sources indicate that this agreement is part of compensation to Pakistan for financial losses due to India’s refusal to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy on Pakistani soil.
Atique ur Rehman is a senior reporter at Geo News.
