ICC to Assume Control of Champions Trophy Venues Following Tri-Nation ODI Series
The eight-team tournament is set to commence on February 19
LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) will assume control of the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 venues immediately after the conclusion of the tri-nation ODI series involving hosts Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Sources indicate that the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium—which will host two matches of the tri-series on February 8 and 10—will be handed over to the ICC on February 11. The remaining two matches of the series, scheduled for February 12 and 14 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, will also see the venue transferred to ICC management the following day.
Following the takeover, the ICC will finalize preparations and logistics for the eight-team tournament. Notably, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not request an extension for venue handover, as all arrangements are proceeding as per schedule. The ICC also raised no objections, as it is common for host nations to utilize tournament venues for international fixtures ahead of an ICC event.
The tri-nation series serves as a crucial part of Pakistan’s preparations for their Champions Trophy title defense. The series will commence on February 8, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan’s squad will begin training on February 4, while New Zealand and South Africa are set to arrive in Lahore on February 5 and 7, respectively. The tri-series will follow a single-league format, culminating in the final on February 14 in Karachi.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will then kick off on February 19 and run until March 9, featuring 15 matches across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
