Champions Trophy concludes Karachi tour after public displays

KARACHI: The ICC Champions Trophy concluded its tour of Karachi on Friday with visits of several of the city’s iconic landmarks, educational institutions, and cultural sites.

The Karachi leg of the tour kicked off on Wednesday at the historic Burns Road food street, where cricket enthusiasts and local residents gathered to catch a glimpse of the trophy. A photoshoot along with the trophy was also conducted to highlight the food culture of Karachi. From there, the silverware embarked on a citywide journey, visiting prominent locations.

On Friday, the trophy was taken to various spots, including educational institutes, the Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) headquarters, Mohatta Palace, and the National Stadium.

A highlight of the Karachi tour on Friday was an event at a local college, where students gave Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed a hero’s welcome. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to its first Champions Trophy title in 2017, shared his memories of the historic victory.

“All our players cherish every moment from that tournament,” Sarfaraz told the audience. “It was a defining moment in Pakistan’s cricket history, and seeing this trophy brings back those memories.”

The former skipper posed for photos with the trophy alongside excited students and staff.

The trophy also made a stop at the KMC headquarters, where Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, along with provincial minister Nasir Hussain Shah, received it with enthusiasm. Addressing the gathering, Wahab described the Champions Trophy’s visit as a proud moment for the city.

“Having the Champions Trophy here in Karachi is a tremendous honour,” he said. “It represents the spirit of cricket that unites the people of Pakistan.”

Wahab expressed optimism about Karachi hosting matches during the 2025 Champions Trophy and promised full support from the city administration.

“It will be a privilege for Karachi to host matches of this prestigious tournament. We are ready to provide every necessary facility to ensure the success of the event,” he said. The mayor also called for politics to be kept separate from sports. “As Pakistan recently sent its team to India for the World Cup, I hope the Indian government reciprocates by allowing their team to visit Pakistan. If they come, we will extend the best possible hospitality to them,” he added.

Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar and Sports Secretary Abdul Aleem Lashari also participated in the activities during the trophy’s stop at the National Stadium. Mahar expressed his joy over Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy, emphasising the country’s readiness to welcome international teams.

“Pakistan is fully prepared to host this prestigious event,” Mahar said. “Our unmatched hospitality and love for cricket will leave a lasting impression on visiting teams.”

The trophy also made a visit to the Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum for a ceremonial photoshoot. This was followed by a stop at Mohatta Palace, where Sindh Culture Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah posed with the trophy and praised the initiative to include cultural landmarks in the tour. Hundreds of cricket fans gathered at Port Grand on Friday evening to see the iconic silverware up close and take photographs. The atmosphere at the waterfront venue highlighted the city’s passion for cricket.

Cricket enthusiasts lined up to capture memories with the trophy. The Champions Trophy will leave for Lahore on Saturday (today). However, no official activities or public events have been scheduled, so far, in Lahore.

Following its tour of Pakistan, the trophy will continue its international journey. Afghanistan is the next destination.