Pakistan Hosts ICC Champions Trophy After Years of Isolation

KARACHI, Pakistan — The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy cricket tournament opened on February 19, 2025, in a packed National Stadium in Karachi, marking a major return for international cricket in Pakistan after years of isolation due to security concerns.

Jet fighters roared overhead, painting the sky with the green and white of the national flag, as the heavily anticipated tournament began. Cricket-obsessed Pakistan hopes this event will signal its rehabilitation in the cricketing world following decades of turmoil.

Pakistani fans filled the stadium, marking the first time in nearly three decades that the country is hosting an international tournament. Previously, security threats related to terrorism, including an attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team in 2009, led to the suspension of international matches.

“It’s a surreal experience seeing the opening game of the tournament,” said Farah Qadri, who waited in long security lines to enter the stadium. “This is a huge positive for the entire country,” added Basit Ali, a cricket fan from Peshawar, stating his hope for the national team to defend its title.

The tournament features powerhouse teams such as Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa, all arriving in Karachi for three weeks of intense cricket. Authorities took substantial security measures, deploying snipers and commandos to ensure the safety of players and fans alike.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a cricket legend, currently sits in jail for corruption charges—an ongoing political controversy that hangs over the event. Pakistan’s economy relies heavily on International Monetary Fund bailouts, and the nation continues to wrestle with a Taliban insurgency and internal violence.

Hosting the Champions Trophy is viewed as a significant milestone. Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), called it an “opportunity to reaffirm Pakistan’s status as one of the most passionate and influential cricketing nations,” signaling the nation’s ability to host large international events.

However, the absence of India, the top-ranked cricket team and Pakistan’s historical rival, has left some fans disappointed. Citing security concerns, India has chosen to play its matches in the United Arab Emirates. “India’s absence is a loss for spectators and the tournament itself,” Naqvi remarked.

Despite these challenges, the excitement in Pakistan is palpable. Cricket matches are an integral part of the nation’s culture, drawing passionate crowds, and amid the festive atmosphere, locals express their deep yearning for a successful tournament.

As Farees Shah, a cricket podcast host, summed it up, “It’s like hosting a party after ages; you just want everything to go smoothly.” With the global cricketing community’s eyes on Pakistan, fans eagerly await what the Champions Trophy will bring.