New Delhi: Pakistan have expressed satisfaction at the way the Champions Trophy hosting row was resolved by the International Cricket Council, terming it as a “significant milestone” for them.
The ICC has decided to host the mega tournament in a ‘hybrid model’, clearing the decks for Pakistan to host a big-ticket event after 28 years, having last co-hosted the 1996 ODI World Cup.
They were supposed to host the tournament in its entirety but India’s refusal to tour citing security concerns stemming from long-standing geo-political differences meant their matches were shifted to Dubai.
‘Great occasion’
Pakistan white-ball skipper Mohammed Rizwan said as defending champions they have a responsibility to play well in front of home crowd.
“As a cricket loving country, we are all very excited to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is a great occasion as Pakistan welcomes the first ICC event to its shores in 28 years and especially as we are the defending champions,” Rizwan said in a PCB media press release.
“We eagerly look forward to playing in front of our home crowd,” he added.
The hybrid model allows India to play all their matches in Dubai with the headline-grabbing battle against Pakistan set for February 23.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi was glad that finally Pakistan would host a showpiece ICC event after years of isolation.
“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport,” Naqvi said in a statement.
‘Milestone moment’
The tournament begins in Karachi on February 19 with Pakistan taking in New Zealand. The tournament final is set to be played on March 9, allowing Pakistan to host 10 of the 15 matches on home soil of the 50-over event that was last played in 2017.
Apart Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore are the three hosting venues on which PCB spent heavily to refurbish them.
“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organiser,” Naqvi noted.
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution.”
New ICC chairman Jay Shah expressed excitement to finally set the ball rolling for the Champions Trophy.
“Very excited for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy to start in February,” former BCCI secretary Shah said on social media platform X.
The ICC has decided to stage the Champions Trophy in a ‘hybrid model’, clearing the decks for Pakistan to host a big-ticket event after 28 years, having last co-hosted the 1996 ODI World Cup. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
