Pakistan Set to Host First Major Cricket Tournament in Nearly 30 Years

Pakistan is preparing to host its first major international cricket tournament in almost three decades, marking a significant milestone in the country’s return to the global sporting stage. The Champions Trophy, which begins on Wednesday, will be played across three cities and is seen as a major boost for Pakistan’s cricketing reputation after years of being sidelined due to security concerns.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja, under whose tenure the tournament was awarded in 2021, described the achievement as a testament to Pakistan’s progress.

“Convincing the world that Pakistan is a safe country and capable of delivering a global event took serious hard work,” Raja told AFP. “The world eventually understood our viewpoint.”

The captains. The challenge. The pursuit for glory!

It’s All on the Line at #ChampionsTrophy 2025 pic.twitter.com/NreHUPrcyL

— ICC (@ICC) February 18, 2025

Despite the significance of the tournament, it has not been without controversy. Arch-rivals India have refused to play in Pakistan due to long-standing political tensions, instead opting to play their matches in Dubai. However, the other seven teams—including cricket powerhouses Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa—will compete on Pakistani soil.

Security has been a key focus in the lead-up to the event, with authorities stepping up efforts in host cities Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. While attacks in major cities are now rare, the country remains vigilant.

Pakistan was originally set to host the Champions Trophy in 2008, but security concerns forced the tournament to be relocated to South Africa the following year. The situation worsened in 2009 when Islamist gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus in Lahore, leaving players injured and eight people dead.

Following years of instability, a sweeping military crackdown launched in 2014 significantly improved security. This paved the way for the return of Test cricket in 2019, followed by successful tours by Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa—helping Pakistan secure the rights to host the Champions Trophy.

For Pakistani cricket fans, the return of a major international tournament is an emotional moment. Haji Abdul Razzak, a 77-year-old businessman and lifelong cricket enthusiast, recalled raising the Sri Lankan flag in Lahore when they won the 1996 World Cup final, the last major event hosted in Pakistan.

“Terrorism took everything away from us,” Razzak said. “I am overjoyed to see a global event coming back to our country. It feels like my birthday.”

While militancy remains a concern in some remote areas, the government has taken extensive steps to ensure security for the event. Pakistan has also recently hosted international summits, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and a global education forum, further solidifying its international standing.

Last week, Pakistan successfully hosted a tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa as a test run for the Champions Trophy, with enthusiastic crowds filling the revamped stadiums in Lahore and Karachi.

Raja emphasized that the significance of this tournament extends beyond cricket.

“This Champions Trophy is a crucial step toward normalizing Pakistan’s standing in the global cricket community,” he said. “It’s also about national pride, youth engagement, cultural promotion, and building a global image.”

As Pakistan prepares to welcome the world, all eyes will be on how the tournament unfolds, both on and off the pitch.

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