Pakistan federal cabinet has approved security arrangements for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with sources confirming that military deployment has been authorized under Article 245 of the Constitution.
The Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces will oversee security during the tournament, which will see foreign teams arriving in Pakistan starting February 12.
The Ministry of Interior has directed all relevant agencies and provincial home departments to ensure comprehensive security for the teams.
Sources report that visiting teams will receive presentation-level security to mitigate any potential threats.
The 50-over tournament would be held in a hybrid model after India refused to visit Pakistan over their government’s refusal. The tournament’s opening match is set to be held on February 19 between Pakistan and New Zealand. The highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash would take place on February 23 at Dubai stadium.
After this, the national team would play its third match against Bangladesh on February 27. The first semi-final is scheduled for March 3, with the second semi-final on March 4.
As per the possible schedule, the mega event’s final is expected to be held on March 9, with a reserve day included as well.
On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. He commended the contractors, workers and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for overseeing the project’s swift completion. He also thanked the Punjab government for its contribution.
According to Naqvi, the stadium’s renovation was completed in a record 177 days with the help of approximately 2500 workers. He acknowledged the support of the Pakistan Army, stating that the project’s timely completion would have been impossible without their assistance. Naqvi also highlighted the role of the Frontier Works Organization in overcoming the “challenges of the project.”
