Champions Trophy: Pakistan Gears Up for February 19 Kickoff

News Desk 

Islamabad: With the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy approaching, Karachi has been handed over to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for final preparations.

The tournament is set to commence in Pakistan on February 19, with the hosts facing New Zealand in the opening match. An opening ceremony is scheduled at Karachi’s stadium, where preparations have been expedited.

As part of the arrangements, the Karachi stadium has been officially handed over to the ICC for branding, while broadcasters have begun setting up in accordance with the council’s requirements.

Advanced technology, including the baggy cam, spider cam, and Hawkeye system, will be installed at the venue.

Additionally, the ICC’s match officials, anti-corruption and anti-doping units will operate from the stadium’s newly constructed building, where cameras for the match referee and other organizers have also been arranged. Officials have also conducted a thorough review of the command and control system to ensure smooth tournament operations.

Pakistan will aim to defend their Champions Trophy title, which they last won in 2017.

However, in a controversial decision, India has refused to travel to Pakistan, citing security concerns. As a result, their matches will be played under a hybrid model in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).