Pakistan Secures Champions Trophy
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, Pakistan is taking extensive measures to ensure the security and success of the tournament, deploying over 12,000 security personnel and utilizing advanced surveillance systems to safeguard the event.
The security personnel, comprising of army, rangers, and police officers, will be stationed across three venues in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, with additional support from the Special Branch. Aerial surveillance and Safe City cameras will also be employed to monitor the routes leading to the stadiums, providing an additional layer of security for the players, officials, and spectators. The tournament, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, will feature 15 matches, including some in Dubai, where the Indian team will play all their matches due to strained relations between India and Pakistan.
In preparation for the tournament, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been working tirelessly to renovate and upgrade the stadiums. The National Stadium in Karachi is undergoing significant reconstruction, with the addition of two new VIP enclosures and the renaming of enclosures after former cricket captains Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan. The stadium's capacity has been increased, and hospitality areas have been built to enhance the spectators' experience. Similarly, renovation work at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is nearing completion, with the venue expected to be handed over to the PCB by the end of the month.
The PCB has allayed fears about the readiness of the venues, assuring that all necessary preparations are being made to ensure a successful tournament. With Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy for the first time in 28 years, the country is keen to showcase its ability to host high-profile international events, despite the challenges posed by the absence of the Indian team from the Pakistani leg of the tournament.
As the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins, Pakistan is gearing up to host a memorable and secure event, with the cricket community eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament. With its rich cricketing history and passionate fans, Pakistan is poised to make the most of this opportunity, showcasing its hospitality and enthusiasm for the sport.