Champions Trophy 2025: ICC Evaluation Set to
Begin in Pakistan
A five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) will arrive in Karachi on Tuesday night to evaluate Pakistan’s preparations for next year’s Champions Trophy. The four-day visit, which will conclude with an inspection in Lahore, will end on September 21.
During their stay, the ICC team will inspect stadiums, practice facilities, and hotels in Pakistan. They will also consult with hotel management (where teams and officials will stay) to ensure that the arrangements meet the expected standards.
The inspection will begin in Karachi, after which the ICC officials will head to Islamabad on September 20 and conclude their tour in Lahore over the weekend. The delegation will depart for Dubai on September 21. The delegation includes senior ICC officials, such as the Senior Event Manager, Event Manager, Security Manager, General Manager of Cricket, and Production Manager.
ICC Security Manager David Mucker, Event Head Chris Tetley, and ICC Pitch Advisor Andy Atkinson have already visited Pakistan three times since April. However, following the recent resignations of some senior ICC officials, there will be some personnel changes in the current delegation.
While the ICC tour is scheduled, it is taking place amid local media reports suggesting that renovation work at Karachi’s National Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is behind schedule. However, the PCB remains confident that the work will be completed on time.
“Redevelopment at the stadiums in Karachi and Lahore is progressing swiftly, and the PCB is confident that the construction companies will meet their targets on time. These upgrades are not only essential but are also a significant step in enhancing our venues to meet modern sporting expectations,” said a PCB spokesperson.
“Both stadiums needed significant upgrades to provide world-class facilities and a better experience for fans, players, officials, and broadcasters. The PCB is fully committed to showcasing its venues as world-class locations, adhering to the highest international standards, and strengthening its position on the global sporting stage,” the spokesperson told this website.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled from February 19 to March 9, and the ICC has approved a budget of 65 million for the global event featuring eight teams. The PCB has also submitted a draft schedule for the Champions Trophy, which is awaiting ICC approval. The delay is mainly due to uncertainty regarding India’s participation. If India withdraws, the ICC and PCB may have to adopt a hybrid model similar to last year’s Asia Cup, where Indian matches were held outside Pakistan. The ICC’s approval includes a contingency plan to host some games outside Pakistan if necessary.
Sumod Damodar has been elected to the ICC’s Chief Executive Committee (CEC). Damodar, who had been a member of the CEC since 2008 and from 2017 to 2023, won the election with 20 votes from 45 associate boards in a three-way competition. Richard Don of Papua New Guinea came in second with 19 votes, while Vignesh Shankaran of Germany placed third. Damodar will replace Muibashir Usmani, who was elected to the ICC board in July. The term for the Botswana cricket chief will last for one year within the current two-year tenure, which ends next July. The elections started on September 12.