ICC team inspects Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of Champions Trophy

A delegation of the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday and reviewed the preparations for the much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation, which included key ICC officials, broadcasters, and logistics personnel, conducted a thorough review of the venue's arrangements.

Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), provided a detailed briefing to the delegation, showcasing various enclosures, media boxes, dressing rooms and other essential areas of the stadium.

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing substantial upgrades, which are expected to be completed this month.

The stadium is set to host three exciting matches during the Champions Trophy, marking a significant milestone for the venue in international cricket.

It is pertinent to mention that the eight-team tournament, comprised of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, across three venues – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – in Pakistan and Dubai.

A day earlier, the ICC six-member team, comprising the body’s key officials, broadcasters and logistics personnel visited Karachi's National Bank Stadium to assess the arrangements thoroughly.

The eight teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, while Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.

Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Champions Trophy Schedule:

• 19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
• 20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai
• 21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
• 22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
• 23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai
• 24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
• 27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
• 1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
• 2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai
• 4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai
• 5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
• 9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
• 10 March, Reserve day

*All matches will be day-night encounters