A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Thursday to assess the ongoing preparations for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025. The six-member team, which included ICC officials, broadcasters, and logistics experts, thoroughly reviewed the stadium’s readiness for the tournament. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that all necessary facilities and upgrades are in place ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on February 19.
Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), provided an extensive briefing on the development works taking place at the stadium. The deadline for completing these required upgrades at the National Bank Stadium is set for January 25, allowing enough time for final touches before the start of the tournament.
The Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, featuring eight teams competing in 15 matches. Matches will take place at three venues across Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, as well as in Dubai. The teams are split into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
The opening match of the tournament will take place in Karachi on February 19, where Pakistan will face New Zealand. A highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and India is set to take place on February 23 in Dubai, drawing significant attention from cricket fans worldwide.
This visit to Karachi underscores the importance of ensuring that all venues, including National Bank Stadium, meet international standards for the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy, with Karachi playing a pivotal role in the tournament’s proceedings.
