New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly set to send a delegation to Pakistan to review the preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to host the premier tournament which will be the first global tournament staged in the country since the 2009 terrorist attack on the bus of the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore.
As per a report in India Today, a delegation consisting of a few members of the ICC will be travelling to Pakistan in the next 10 days to assess the preparations for the multi-nation tournament which will feature the top cricketing nations from around the globe. The delegation’s visit comes at a time when major stadiums in Pakistan are being renovated ahead of the Champions Trophy.
The visit is an important one from Pakistan’s perspective as the official schedule of the tournament is likely to be confirmed soon after the delegation’s visit. The ticketing details will also be published after the review.
“Right after the ICC delegation’s visit, we are hopeful that the schedule and ticket details will be announced. The process has already been delayed, so we expect ICC to make the announcement soon,” a source was quoted as saying by India Today.
“We have the budget allocated, and the preparations are moving according to plan. Now, it’s up to the ICC to decide,” the source added.
Will BCCI send the Indian team to Pakistan?
There is no confirmation yet on whether BCCI has assured the PCB of Team India’s travel plans to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next year. BCCI is unlikely to change its stance and send the Indian team to Pakistan due to security reasons. The Indian cricket board has maintained that the final decision on India travelling across the border for the tournament will depend on the central government.
The official schedule can’t be confirmed unless BCCI gives the nod. Thus, it remains to be seen if the Indian cricket board will change it stance in the matter. The Asia Cup 2023 which was hosted by the PCB last year was played in a hybrid model after India refused to travel to Pakistan. India played all their matches in Sri Lanka in the tournament.
A delegation of ICC officials is likely to visit Pakistan in the coming days to review the preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025. Major stadiums in Pakistan are being renovated for the premier tournament. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
