PCB Eyes More ICC Events After Champions Trophy

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence that the International Cricket Council (ICC) will consider the country for more international events following the 2025 Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19th.

Pakistan is set to host its first major multi-nation cricket tournament in nearly three decades, with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marking a significant milestone in the country’s long road to re-establishing itself as a premier international cricket destination. The return of a marquee ICC event to Pakistan is the result of years of effort to restore confidence among foreign teams.

Since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, Pakistan has been forced to stage home matches at neutral venues, primarily in the UAE. However, the successful hosting of Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches on home soil since 2017 has played a pivotal role in rebuilding trust.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi believes the ICC Champions Trophy could be a turning point for Pakistan cricket. “This tournament is the culmination of our efforts over the years,” Naqvi told Reuters. “A successful event will further strengthen our position as a strong contender for more ICC tournaments in the future.”

While Pakistan has successfully staged bilateral series in recent years, hosting a multi-team ICC event presents a greater logistical and operational challenge. “The Champions Trophy has required extensive planning within a tight timeframe,” Naqvi admitted. “Our stadiums have not seen major upgrades since the 1996 World Cup, and global cricketing standards have evolved tremendously since then.”

Despite the constraints, the PCB has managed to make all the necessary changes needed for staging a cherished ICC event. To ensure top-class facilities, the PCB has rushed to upgrade key venues in Karachi and Lahore, giving them a much-needed facelift ahead of the tournament.

With the Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, Pakistan is determined to showcase its ability to host major cricketing events, paving the way for even bigger tournaments in the years to come.