The last ICC event Pakistan hosted was the 1996 World Cup, and since then, the country has eagerly awaited this moment.
First ICC Tournament in Lahore in 29 Years. After nearly three decades, Pakistan is once again hosting an ICC tournament, with the prestigious Champions Trophy started from Pakistan vs New Zealand match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, marks a historic moment for the country, as it has been 29 years since an ICC event was held here.
Pakistan’s journey to this point has been filled with challenges, including the aftermath of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus in Lahore, which left six players injured. This attack led to a long period of isolation for Pakistan in the international cricketing world, with top teams refusing to travel to the country. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spent years working to convince foreign teams that it was safe to return, culminating in this significant milestone.
The ICC Champions Trophy, a competition for the top eight-ranked teams in the world, is being held in three major cities: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. While all participating teams, except India, will travel to Pakistan for the event, the international cricket community’s confidence in Pakistan’s security has been restored.
This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy to South Asia after eight years, offering cricket fans a glimpse of a prestigious ODI competition at a time when T20 formats dominate the sport.
The last ICC event Pakistan hosted was the 1996 World Cup, and since then, the country has eagerly awaited this moment. With all preparations completed on schedule, Pakistan is ready to defend its title and prove its cricketing prowess on home soil once again.
