Islamabad, February 17, 2025: The Government of Pakistan has issued visas to all Indian journalists traveling to cover the ICC Champions Trophy, sources confirmed.
This move comes after India denied visas to a significant number of Pakistani journalists for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, leading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to protest the decision with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and raise concerns over the actions of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.
The Champions Trophy kicks off on Wednesday in Karachi, with the tournament opener featuring Pakistan and New Zealand. One of the most highly anticipated fixtures, the Pakistan-India showdown, is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
The 19-day tournament will feature thrilling matches in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai, culminating in the final on March 9. The tournament champions will receive $2.24 million, while the runner-up will take home $1.12 million. The total prize pool stands at $6.9 million, reflecting a 53% increase from the 2017 edition.
A PCB official confirmed that visas were issued to all journalists who applied through the Pakistani High Commission, emphasizing PCB’s positive role in ensuring smooth facilitation.
This Champions Trophy marks the first major ICC tournament hosted in Pakistan since 1996. The event will feature Pakistan, India, New Zealand, England, Australia, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh.
To ensure security, authorities in Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad have deployed over 20,000 security personnel, including snipers on rooftops along key routes. High-security measures will also be in place at hotels accommodating players, stadiums, airports, and connecting roadways.
