Karachi, February 15, 2025:The revamped National Stadium Karachi has officially been handed over to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy enter the final stages. The highly anticipated tournament is set to begin on February 19, with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match.
The opening ceremony will also be held at the Karachi Stadium, and preparations have been accelerated to ensure a grand spectacle. As part of the arrangements, the ICC has taken over the stadium for branding, and broadcasters have begun setting up according to ICC standards.
To enhance the viewing experience, the stadium will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including Baggy cam, Spider cam, and Hawk-Eye system for advanced broadcasting and decision-making. Dedicated match referee and official cameras are installed in the stadium’s new building. Enhanced security and monitoring systems, with ICC officials, match referees, anti-corruption, and anti-doping units will be operating from a newly developed facility.
A detailed review of the stadium’s command and control systems has also been conducted to ensure smooth operations throughout the tournament.
Pakistan, the defending champions, will look to retain their Champions Trophy title, which they won in 2017. However, the tournament will be played under a hybrid model as India refused to travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns. As a result, India’s matches will be played in the UAE, while the rest of the tournament remains in Pakistan.
With the Champions Trophy returning after eight years, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the start of this prestigious event, which promises high-octane action and fierce competition.
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