By Amjad Ali
Islamabad, Feb 18 (EFE).- After nearly three decades, cricket-crazed Pakistan is hosting an International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament, rekindling its cricketing ambitions despite tight security and a glaring absence of arch-rival India, which has opted for neutral venues.
The major international event marks a significant milestone for the cricket-obsessed nation even as it unfolds under heavy security, with thousands of personnel deployed to safeguard players, teams, and venues.
Pakistan last hosted a major ICC tournament in 1996, co-organizing the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Global teams have largely avoided playing in the country due to security concerns, particularly after the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, which left six players injured and turned Pakistan into a sporting pariah for nearly a decade.
International cricket returned in 2019 when Sri Lanka’s Test team visited Pakistan, paving the way for other teams to follow. Since then, Pakistan has made persistent efforts to host multinational tournaments, reaffirming its place in the global cricketing arena.
This year’s ICC Champions Trophy has reignited Pakistan’s cricketing aspirations, but the tournament has already been marred by India’s decision to play its matches in the United Arab Emirates.
The Indian team has not toured Pakistan since 2008, following the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. India blamed Pakistan and its intelligence agency, ISI, for the attack, leading to a prolonged freeze in bilateral diplomatic and cricket ties. Since then, the two nations have only faced off in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments at neutral venues.
Pakistan ended the freeze by traveling to India for the 2023 ICC World Cup, but India’s refusal to return the favor raised doubts about the Champions Trophy’s feasibility. A compromise was reached, similar to the arrangement during the 2023 Asia Cup, when Pakistan hosted but India played its matches in Sri Lanka.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will be the first edition of the tournament since 2017, when Pakistan defeated India in the final held in England.
This year’s event features the world’s top eight One-Day International (ODI) teams: Group A comprises Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.
Pakistan will kick off the tournament on Wednesday with a match against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Tens of thousands of police personnel are deployed in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, and authorities are taking every step to ensure the tournament’s security.
A Punjab police spokesperson confirmed that officers, including district superintendents, inspectors, and women police personnel, would oversee security operations.
“For the Lahore and Rawalpindi matches, over 12,000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties,” the spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.
Intelligence-based patrols are being conducted around team residences and travel routes while surveillance cameras will monitor stadiums and hotels.
The tournament, running from Feb. 19 to Mar. 9, will be held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The Lahore and Karachi venues were recently renovated to enhance broadcast quality and the spectator experience.
Pakistan, the defending Champions Trophy titleholders, will once again not face India on home soil. If both teams reach the final, they will battle it out on March 9 in Dubai. Given ongoing political tensions, both countries have agreed to play at neutral venues during the 2024-2027 ICC rights cycle.
Cricket officials hope a successful Champions Trophy will not only reaffirm Pakistan’s ability to host international events but also help dispel lingering security concerns, paving the way for more marquee tournaments in the future. EFE
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