Pakistan Hosts First Major Cricket Tournament in Almost 30 Years

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan is set to host its first major cricket tournament in nearly three decades with the start of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Wednesday. The tournament, featuring the world’s top eight One Day International (ODI) teams, marks a crucial opportunity for the nation to showcase its organizational capabilities and security measures as it strives to improve its international reputation.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja highlighted the event’s significance, stating, “This Champions Trophy is a crucial step toward normalizing Pakistan’s standing in the global cricket community. It’s about national pride and sending a strong message about resilience and determination.”

The Champions Trophy matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi over the next two-and-a-half weeks. However, preparations have faced challenges, particularly the absence of India, a decision influenced by ongoing political tensions between the two nations. While India will compete in a parallel tournament in Dubai, the remaining seven countries will base their operations in Pakistan.

Security has been significantly heightened in the host cities to ensure the safety of players and fans. Recent visits by teams including Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa have bolstered Pakistan’s claim to host the event, reflecting improvements in the country’s security situation in recent years.

Inzamam Ul Haq, a former captain of the Pakistan national team, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “Right now, everyone is talking about the Champions Trophy, in schools, houses, markets, offices, everywhere.” The enthusiasm resonates broadly, marking a resurgence in interest in cricket within the country.

Pakistan had faced a decade-long isolation from international cricket after a 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore that left six players wounded. This incident led to major teams shunning Pakistan, forcing the national team to play ‘home’ games in the United Arab Emirates for several years. The return of international matches to Pakistan began in 2018, and the Champions Trophy represents a watershed moment for the sport in the region.

While excitement builds, former captain Aamer Sohail noted the emotional significance of the rivalry with India. He remarked, “A Pakistan-India match is not just a game of cricket; it’s a game of expectations, of emotions.” The hope is that as Pakistan rekindles its love for cricket, the event will pave the way for greater stability and international engagement in the future.

Pakistan’s cricketing community eagerly anticipates the tournament, garnering support from fans across the country. As national pride hangs in the balance, the stakes are considerably high for a nation ready to celebrate its cricketing heritage once more.