Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 18, 2024, 02:20 PM
Champions Trophy 2025: Preparations are in full swing for the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan in February next year. To ensure the success of this mega event, a 5-member delegation of the International Cricket Council (ICC) arrived in Karachi on 17 September. This four-day tour is important to review Pakistan's cricket infrastructure and facilities.ICC team's visitThis tour of the ICC team will start from Karachi and end on 21 September via Islamabad and Lahore before returning to Dubai. During this, the delegation will inspect various stadiums, practice facilities and hotels. The main focus will be on the arrangements where the players and officials will be accommodated. Interaction will also be held with the hotel management to ensure that all the facilities are up to high standards.Level of preparationsAccording to a Cricbuzz report, the ICC team's recce will begin in Karachi, followed by a visit to Islamabad on 20 September and finally Lahore. The delegation includes key ICC officials, such as Senior Event Manager, Security Manager and General Manager Cricket. Some ICC officials have visited Pakistan in the past, but in recent times there has been a change in the delegation due to the resignation of some senior officials.Challenges of Pakistan Cricket BoardAccording to local media, the renovation work of the stadiums being carried out by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not being completed on time. However, the PCB has assured that all the work will be completed within the stipulated time frame. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held between February 19 and March 9, 2024, and a major aspect of the tournament's success is India's participation.Uncertainty of India's participationIt is not yet clear whether the Indian cricket team will come to Pakistan or not, or if they will play their matches in another country. This uncertainty has become the main reason for the delay in the tournament schedule. The PCB has submitted the draft schedule of the Champions Trophy, which is now awaiting approval from the ICC.ConclusionHosting the ICC Champions Trophy is an important opportunity for Pakistan, which will not only showcase the level of the game but will also serve as a means to test the country's hosting capability. All eyes will be on how the ICC team assesses Pakistan's preparations and whether the country is fully prepared to host its historic cricketing event.