Pakistan will host the Men’s Champions Trophy in 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday.
It will be the first major global cricket tournament to be played in Pakistan since 1996 when it hosted the Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. The final was played in Lahore with Sri Lanka claiming the title.
Reacting to the announcement, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja said it was a matter of great pride and delight that the country would host the major ICC tournament.
According to the ICC, the subsequent Champion Trophy edition in 2029 will be hosted by India.
The ICC Champions Trophy was also scheduled to be played in Pakistan in 2009 but it was moved to England due to security reasons.
It’s a matter of great pride and delight that Pakistan will be hosting ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This great news will surely excite millions of Pakistani fans, expats and world fans to see great teams and players in action and will allow the world to sample our hospitality.
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) November 16, 2021
The tournament was moved out of Pakistan after three countries — Australia, England and New Zealand — had refused to tour the country over security fears months after an attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
USA to co-host T20 World Cup
Releasing its Future Tours Programme , the ICC said “the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will go somewhere it has never been before, with USA hosting the event alongside the West Indies, which staged the tournament in 2010.”
In 2026, India and Sri Lanka will host the Men’s T20 World Cup, while the next 20-over World Cup in 2028 will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Congratulations PCB and fans! This will be a great incentive for Pakistan players to defend this BIG title at home. Pakistan Zindabad https://t.co/hfp07a7QER
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 16, 2021
The 50-over ICC Men’s World Cup 2027 will be co-hosted by South Africa Zimbabwe and Namibia, while its next edition of 2031 will be held in Bangladesh and India.
Congratulations pour in
Following the announcement of Pakistan hosting the Men’s Champions Trophy in 2025, former cricketers and sport enthusiasts rejoiced, congratulating the PCB and fans in Pakistan.
Congratulations PCB and fans! This will be a great incentive for Pakistan players to defend this BIG title at home. Pakistan Zindabad https://t.co/hfp07a7QER
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 16, 2021
Former cricketer Shahid Afridi tweeted: “Congratulations PCB and fans! [It] will be a great incentive for Pakistan[i] players to defend this big title at home.
Super excited to hear about Pakistan getting the hosting rights for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 16, 2021
Pace great Shoaib Akhtar also shared is excitement on Twitter after hearing the news.
Great news that Pakistan will be hosting the 2025 ICC champions trophy. This will be the first time since 1996 that Pakistan will be hosting one of the three major global cricket tournaments. Well done PCB @iramizraja
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) November 16, 2021
“Super excited to hear about Pakistan getting the hosting rights for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy,” he posted.
Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, meanwhile, appreciated the PCB , saying that “this will be the first time since 1996 that Pakistan will be hosting one of the three major global cricket tournaments.”
Media person and communication expert for over 25 years. Worked with Dow Jones News, World Bank, CNBC Pakistan, Aaj TV, ARY TV, Abbtakk TV, Business Recorder, Pakistan Observer, Online News Network, TTI Magazine and other local and world Publications.
