KARACHI: The ICC Champions Trophy concluded its three-day tour in Karachi on Friday, visiting several famous sites, educational institutions and the Public Gallery at Port Grand.
The Cup is now heading to Lahore, although no stopover activities are currently planned there.
The Trophy Tour began in Karachi on Wednesday at the historic Burns Road food street and ended with a final public display in Port Grand.
On Friday, the trophy was taken to colleges, Quaid-e-Azam Shrine, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) headquarters, Mohatta Palace and National Stadium.
Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfraz Ahmed attended a Trophy Tour event at a local college earlier in the day, where he was given a hero’s welcome by students and staff.
Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to its first Champions Trophy title in 2017, recalled his memories of Pakistan’s historic victory.
“All our players will remember every moment of this event. It was a historic achievement for us,” Sarfaraz told the students.
The former captain took a souvenir photo with the Champions Trophy alongside the college students, adding excitement to the event.
At the KMC headquarters, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab welcomed the trophy and described its arrival as a proud moment for the city.
“Having the Champions Trophy visit KMC and being able to retain it is a very proud moment for us,” Wahab said. He thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for choosing Karachi as part of the tour and affirmed the city’s readiness to host the tournament matches.
“It will be a great honor for Karachi to host the Champions Trophy matches. The city administration will provide all necessary support,” he added.
Looking at the tournament, the city mayor expressed optimism about Pakistan’s performance.
“Next year, Pakistan will create history by hosting the Champions Trophy. I hope cricket fans will witness some excellent cricket and I pray that Pakistan will lift the trophy again. Cricket unites us and transcends all divisions,” he noted.
He also called for separating politics from sports. Just as Pakistan recently sent its team to India to participate in the Cricket World Cup, I hope that the Indian government will rise above politics and allow its team to visit Pakistan. If the Indian team comes, we will ensure them the best possible hospitality.”
Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Maher also joined the celebrations at the National Stadium. Accompanied by Sports Minister Abdel Aleem Lashari, Maher picked up the trophy and toured the stadium.
The Minister said that it is a matter of great pleasure for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan.
“Pakistan is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy. International teams will come here to experience our unparalleled hospitality,” he added.
The trophy tour also included a visit to the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum to click pictures, followed by a visit to Mohatta Palace, where Sindh Culture Minister Zulfikar Ali Shah posed for a photo with the trophy.
The grand final was held in Port Grand, where the trophy was displayed to the public. Fans gathered in large numbers to view the famous silverware and make memories with it.
The Champions Trophy, which arrived in Karachi two days ahead of schedule, will leave for Lahore on Saturday, although there are no events planned in Lahore yet.
The next international destination for the cup tour, according to the announced schedule, is Afghanistan.