ICC delegation arrives in Pakistan to review security for Champions Trophy; schedule for mega event also on agenda

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A five-member delegation including the security officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) landed in Karachi on Tuesday for an inspection visit in lead up to the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a focus on matches of the Indian cricket team, is also on the list of agendas to be discussed with the hosts Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Top officials of ICC's Events and Security Departments and the General Manager of Cricket and Production Manager are part of the delegation. Andy Atkinson, the ICC Pitch Consultant, has also visited Pakistan on three different occasions since April. According to details, the ICC delegation would discuss the tentative schedule of the tournament which was prepared and sent by the Pakistan Cricket Board to them some months back.

"The tentative schedule is important because it involves the Indian team being based in Lahore and playing all their matches in the city," a well-informed source said. The source said a scenario where the Indian government does not allow the Indians to travel to Pakistan will also be discussed.

The delegation would inspect the ongoing construction work in Karachi and the team hotel arrangements before flying to Islamabad and Lahore for the same purpose.

"The delegation which includes their ICC Security Manager would also get briefings from security officials in Pakistan." The source said it is entirely up to the ICC when they decide to finalise and announce the tournament schedule.

Will India travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025?

The decision if India will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 remains with the Indian government, and for now the chances are minimal. With no bilateral talks between the two neighbours, and Pakistan's negligence to stop cross-border infiltration and terrorism is likely to leave India with no choice but to not send them to the country of the ICC showpiece event. In this scenario, matches will be played in a country like the UAE.

(With PTI Inputs)