KARACHI: The administration in Karachi, set to host the inaugural match of the ICC Champions Trophy next month, announced on Friday a series of special measures to ensure the tournament's success and provide a memorable experience for spectators.
Pakistan will host the tournament from February 19 to March 9 across venues in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi. A hybrid model has been adopted for the event, as India’s matches will be played in Dubai after it showed reluctance to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns.
A meeting to review the arrangements was held under the chairmanship of Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi.
“It was decided that foolproof security would be provided during the event,” said an official statement from the commissioner’s office.
“The stadium’s surroundings and routes leading to it would be decorated,” it continued. “Special parking arrangements would be made, and a shuttle service would be provided from parking spots to the stadium.”
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the police, Rangers and other relevant institutions.
Among the participants were also the director-general of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and representatives of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
PCB’s General Manager of the National Stadium Arshad Khan provided a detailed briefing on the tournament schedule.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B comprises South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan and England.
The opening match of the tournament will see Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
The event is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s international cricket profile, particularly as it works to meet public expectations for hosting such a major championship.
Karachi gears up for Champions Trophy with special arrangements
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Karachi gears up for Champions Trophy with special arrangements
- Security for the tournament was discussed among senior police, Rangers and administration officials
- The authorities will run a special shuttle service between designated parking spots and the stadium
Pakistan beat UAE to secure semifinal berth in U-19 Asia Cup
- Pakistan scored a total of 241 runs, dismiss UAE for 171 in 37.5 overs
- Final match of ACC Men’s U19 tournament will be played on Dec. 21
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team advanced to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s semifinals on Tuesday after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 70 runs in Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 241 for the loss of nine wickets after opting to bat first at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy Ground.
Ahmed Hussain, in his 65-run knock, smashed four boundaries while Sameer Minhas scored 44. Wicketkeeper-batter Hamza made 42 runs to help Pakistan score 241-9 after 50 overs.
“Today’s win secured Pakistan U19 a place in the semifinals of the tournament after winning two of their group matches,” the PCB said in a statement.
“They will face the top side of Group ‘B’ on Friday, 19 December.”
UAE’s Yug Sharma picked three wickets while Naseem Khan bagged two. UAE were dismissed by 171 in 37.5 overs despite a half-century by Ayaan Misbah, who scored 77 off 74 balls that included four boundaries.
Pakistan’s right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan, who was awarded the Player of the Match award, led the bowling attack and clinched four wickets for 31.
Right-arm leg spinner Ahmed, Mohammad Sayyam and Momin Qamar picked a wicket each.
The tournament underway from Dec. 12 features eight teams competing in a 50‑over format across group and knockout stages.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi‑finals on Dec. 19.
The final will be played on Dec. 21.
