In order to review the preparations for the much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025, a delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The delegation, which included key ICC officials, broadcasters and logistical staff, conducted a comprehensive review of the venue arrangements for the conference.
Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), gave a detailed briefing to the delegation, showcasing various facilities, media boxes, dressing rooms and other essential areas of the stadium.
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing major upgrades, which are expected to be completed this month.
The stadium is set to host three exciting matches during the Champions Trophy, marking a milestone for the venue in international cricket.
It is worth noting that the tournament, which includes eight teams and consists of 15 matches, will be held from February 19 to March 9, in three stadiums – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – in Pakistan and Dubai.
A day earlier, a six-member ICC team, comprising senior ICC officials, broadcasters and logistics staff, visited the National Bank Stadium in Karachi to comprehensively assess the arrangements.
The eight teams are divided into two groups. The first group includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while the second group includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi, while the showdown between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled to take place on February 23 in Dubai.
Champions Cup schedule:
- February 19, Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
- February 20, Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
- February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
- February 22: Australia vs. England, Lahore, Pakistan
- February 23, Pakistan vs India, Dubai
- February 24: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- February 25: Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- February 26: Afghanistan vs. England, Lahore, Pakistan
- February 27: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
- March 1: South Africa vs. England, Karachi, Pakistan
- March 2, New Zealand vs India, Dubai
- March 4, Semi-Final 1, Dubai
- March 5, Semi-Final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
- March 9, Final, Lahore (unless India qualifies, the match will be played in Dubai).
- March 10, Reserve Day
*All matches will be day and night matches