Overview

• Pakistan will host 11 out of 15 matches of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, its first major multi-nation cricket event since 1996, with India playing its matches in Dubai due to political tensions.
• The tournament features the top eight teams in the world, with Pakistan set to face New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi, and the final scheduled for March 9.
• Extensive security measures, including 20,000 police personnel and advanced surveillance systems, have been implemented to ensure player and fan safety at the three Pakistani venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
• India's refusal to play in Pakistan, citing government policy, highlights the ongoing geopolitical strain between the two nations, though their matches remain highly anticipated by fans globally.
• The event is seen as a significant opportunity for Pakistan to rebuild its image as a safe and viable host for international sports, following decades of isolation due to security concerns and political instability.