A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Thursday to review the ongoing preparations for the much-awaited 2025 Champions Trophy.
The six-member delegation, which included key ICC officials, broadcasters and logistical staff, carefully assessed the arrangements.
The purpose of the visit was to ensure that all necessary facilities were available for the tournament, which is scheduled to start on February 19, 2025.
Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), gave the delegation an in-depth explanation of the development work currently underway at the stadium.
The deadline for completing the required development works at National Bank Stadium has been set for 25 January 2025, ensuring everything is ready before the start of the Champions Cup.
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.
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