New Delhi: Pakistan’s 29-year-long wait for hosting an ICC event ends as the hosts will face New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi. The defending champions Pakistan is placed in Group A along with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh while England, Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa are placed in Group B.
Security has been one of the main concerns when it comes to international cricket in Pakistan. Especially, after what happened with the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009. The Indian cricket team has refused to travel to Pakistan for the eight-team event but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has put in extra measures to ensure full security for the players, guests and fans.
12,000 police officers and 9 PIA charter flights
According to a report from local media, a whopping 12,000 police officers and security personnel will be deployed to Lahore and Karachi during matches which will include 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, 1200 upper subordinates, 10,556 constables and more than 200 female police officers.
The PCB has also arranged 9 special Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) chartered flights for the fans and the participating teams. These flights will operate between three hosting cities Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore to ensure smooth transportation for the players and other guests throughout the tournament.
The fans in Pakistan are eagerly waiting for the tournament to begin on Wednesday with Rizwan and Co. taking on the Kiwis in the tournament opener. Both teams have recently faced each other in the ODI tri-series final where the Blackcaps beat the hosts by five wickets. However, many Pakistan fans are disappointed that the Men in Blue are not playing their matches in the country.
“It is disappointing because generally there is so much admiration for the Indian team and players, especially Virat Kohli, in our country. He definitely has a big fan following in Pakistan” said shopkeeper Moiz Ahmed at the famous Zainab Market in the heart of Karachi.
Pakistan host their first ICC event in 29 years, with the opening match against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
