Pakistan’s followers cheer through the Asia Cup 2023 one-day worldwide (ODI) cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 6, 2023. — AFPForeign cricket groups to be given heat reception in Pakistan: TararSays Champions Trophy to assist promote Pakistan’s tradition, tourism.He urges spectators to exhibit their ardour for cricket.
RAWALPINDI: Data Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday introduced that Pakistan will ease visa coverage for cricket followers throughout the globe through the 2025 version of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of the Champions T20 Cup, Tarar stated: “Visa policy for cricket fans across the world will be eased during the ICC Champions Trophy.”
His remarks got here a day after the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled official fixtures and teams for the much-awaited world cricket occasion, which might begin on February 19, 2025 in Karachi.
The eight-team event will characteristic 15 matches, and shall be performed throughout Pakistan and in Dubai, the highest cricketing physique introduced, including that each one matches shall be day-night encounters.
The knowledge minister additionally counseled the efficiency of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying: “The PCB is fulfilling its responsibilities in the best way.”
Referring to India’s refusal to go to Pakistan for the mega occasion, the minister stated: “Sports should be kept out of politics.”
There shall be two venues within the 2025 Champions Trophy which shall be hosted by Pakistan with India taking part in all their matches within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), underneath the “hybrid model” proposed by the PCB because the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to ship its workforce to the neighboring nation.
The minister stated majority of event’s matches could be performed in Pakistan, which can assist promote Pakistan’s tradition and tourism.
He stated the overseas cricket groups shall be given a heat reception in Pakistan.
Responding to a query, Tarar stated that Virender Sehwag amongst different Indian cricketers, who have been a part of the 2005 workforce, hail Pakistan’s hostility.
The knowledge minister urged the Pakistani spectators to come back and exhibit their ardour for cricket by welcoming the visiting groups and supporting their favorite workforce and gamers. He expressed hope that the Pakistan workforce will put up a superb show of their sport.
In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi would be the three cities to host event. Every Pakistan venue will characteristic three group video games apiece, with Lahore internet hosting the second semi-final.
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Lahore may also host the ultimate on March 9, except India qualify, wherein case it will likely be performed in Dubai. Each the semi-finals and the ultimate may have reserve days.
The three group matches involving India, in addition to the primary semi-final, shall be performed in Dubai.
Pakistan tackle New Zealand within the Group A event opener in Karachi on February 19. The Dubai leg begins the next day with India taking over Bangladesh.
Group B matches will start on 21 February, with Afghanistan squaring up towards the Proteas in Karachi.
An enormous weekend then kicks off with rivals England and Australia set to conflict in Lahore on Saturday (22 February), with the much-anticipated Pakistan-India conflict set for the day later.
Teams
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Champions Trophy schedule
February 19, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi
February 20, Bangladesh v India, Dubai, UAE
February 21, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi
February 22, Australia v England, Lahore
February 23, Pakistan v India, Dubai
February 24, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 26, Afghanistan v England, Lahore
February 27, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
February 28, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore
March 1, South Africa v England, Karachi
March 2, New Zealand v India, Dubai, UAE
March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai, UAE
March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore
March 9, Closing, Lahore (except India qualify, when it will likely be performed in Dubai)
March 10, Reserve day
