Preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are accelerating as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a significant budget of nearly $70 million for the event, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from February to March next year.
The ICC has already dispatched the complete schedule, including match fixtures, warm-up matches, and other activities, to the cricket boards of the participating teams. The finalized schedule will also be shared with broadcasters after consultations with all involved parties.
Key highlights of the event:
- Opening Ceremony: Expected to be held in Karachi.
- Closing Ceremony: Likely to take place in Lahore.
- Support Period: February 12 to 18, 2025. This period will include warm-up matches, media activities, and promotional events.
- Champions Trophy Matches: February 19 to March 9, 2025.
- Final Reserve Day: March 10, 2025.
The ICC’s $70 million budget will cover all expenses related to the event, ensuring a comprehensive and well-organized tournament. During the support period, teams will be able to play a maximum of two warm-up matches across three cities: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively preparing for the tournament, with Rs12.80 billion allocated for upgrading key stadiums:
- Lahore: Gaddafi Stadium
- Karachi: National Bank Cricket Arena
- Rawalpindi: International Cricket Stadium
The return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus will be a significant event for cricket fans, especially given the last tournament in 2017 saw Pakistan emerge victorious against India in the final.