In Islamabad, Pakistan, nearly 30 years ago on March 17, 1996, Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga skillfully directed Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath’s delivery to third man as Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium erupted with applause from over 30,000 fans, mostly Pakistani. By successfully chasing the target of 241 runs with only three wickets lost, Sri Lanka not only secured their first-ever Cricket World Cup victory but also became the first host or co-host of the tournament to win the trophy. This historic moment marked the last major global cricket event hosted by Pakistan, alongside India and Sri Lanka. After a 29-year wait, Pakistan is now gearing up to host the ICC Champions Trophy, welcoming at least seven of the world’s top teams for the tournament set to begin on February 19. The event will feature 15 matches in total, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi, and the final scheduled for March 9. The top eight men’s teams, including Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa, will compete based on ICC rankings. Despite India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan, a compromise was reached where they would play all their matches in Dubai, should they qualify for the final. Pakistan is proud to host 11 out of 15 matches, as the PCB views this as a significant achievement. The renovated Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore was inaugurated on February 7, 2025, ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking a significant moment for Pakistan. The country’s sporting history, once filled with hosting various global events across different sports, took a hit in the new millennium due to increasing violence post-9/11. The ICC Champions Trophy 2008, initially scheduled in Pakistan, was shifted to South Africa due to security concerns. The 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore further deterred international teams from visiting Pakistan. However, recent years have seen a gradual return of international cricket to the country, with major venues cleared by the ICC for hosting events like the ICC Champions Trophy. Security concerns have eased considerably, with former cricket officials and analysts noting the successful hosting of international teams in recent years. The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is seen as a culmination of Pakistan’s efforts to revive its cricketing image on the global stage, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
