A high-profile delegation from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has arrived in Pakistan to inspect security measures and arrangements ahead of the upcoming tri-series in January 2025.
Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa will be involved in the ODI Tri series which will serve as preparation for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for February and March.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) delegation arrives in Pakistan for Tri-series security inspection
As part of the official New Zealand Cricket (NZC) delegation, Brad Rodden, a representative of the New Zealand Players' Association, and renowned security expert Reg Dickason are visiting the host cities of the upcoming Tri series, including Karachi and Lahore.
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Their mission is to assess security protocols and finalize preparations for the Tri-series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. The visit of the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) delegation comes at a crucial time, with the International Cricket Council (ICC) also sending a delegation to Pakistan to review arrangements for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
ICC officials inspect stadiums in Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC delegation has already inspected the National Stadium in Karachi and they are all set to visit the stadiums in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has renovated facilities in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi for next year's Champions Trophy.
Inspections are part of routine procedures before significant international tournaments. Pakistan is gearing up to host the world's best cricket teams next year, including New Zealand and South Africa for the Tri-series and then England and Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
In preparation for these high-profile events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is investing 12 billion rupees in renovating and upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
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Mohsin Naqvi promises state-level security for teams visiting Pakistan
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has assured everyone that the board is fully prepared to host the world's top teams and the construction is scheduled to be completed ahead of schedule.
Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Federal Home Minister of Pakistan, emphasized that all the teams visiting the country will be provided with state-level security and he will personally oversee this responsibility during the upcoming tri-series and the multinational mega-event. .
With the Tri-series between New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan set to begin just days before the 2025 Champions Trophy, inspections and preparations are essential to ensure the smooth and safe hosting of future competitions.
India will not visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy
Notably, India will not visit Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy due to security reasons and they will play all their games at a neutral venue. Following the merger model, Pakistan will not travel to India for any ICC events until 2027, as the ICC confirmed earlier this week.
Pakistan are currently touring South Africa for the multi-format series, including a one-off Test, starting on December 26, while New Zealand are set to host Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series starting December 28.