“Sports Should Be Kept Out of Politics,” Says Information Minister
Pakistan’s fans cheer during the Asia Cup 2023 One-Day International (ODI) cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on September 6, 2023. — AFP
Foreign cricket teams to be warmly welcomed in Pakistan: Tarar
Says Champions Trophy to promote Pakistan’s culture and tourism.
Urges spectators to show their passion for cricket.
RAWALPINDI: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Wednesday that Pakistan will ease its visa policy for cricket fans from around the world during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Champions T20 Cup, Tarar stated: “The visa policy for cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be relaxed during the ICC Champions Trophy.”
His remarks followed a day after the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the official fixtures and groups for the upcoming global cricket event, which will commence on February 19, 2025, in Karachi.
The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches, played in both Pakistan and Dubai, with all encounters being day-night matches.
The information minister commended the performance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stating: “The PCB is fulfilling its responsibilities exceptionally well.”
Regarding India’s refusal to participate in the event, the minister emphasized: “Sports should be kept out of politics.”
Two venues in the 2025 Champions Trophy will be hosted by Pakistan, with India playing all its matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the “hybrid model” proposed by the PCB, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined to send its team to Pakistan.
The minister highlighted that the majority of tournament matches will be held in Pakistan, which will help promote the country’s culture and tourism.
He added that foreign cricket teams will be warmly welcomed in Pakistan.
In response to a question, Tarar mentioned that Indian cricketers like Virender Sehwag, who were part of the 2005 team, have expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality.
The information minister urged Pakistani spectators to come out and demonstrate their passion for cricket by welcoming visiting teams and supporting their favorite players. He expressed hope that the Pakistan team will showcase excellent performances.
In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will host the tournament. Each Pakistani venue will host three group-stage games, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.
Lahore will also host the final on March 9, unless India qualifies, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.
The three group matches involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will take place in Dubai.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the Group A tournament opener in Karachi on February 19. The Dubai leg begins the following day with India taking on Bangladesh.
Group B matches will begin on February 21, with Afghanistan playing against South Africa in Karachi.
A major weekend kicks off on February 22 with England and Australia facing off in Lahore, followed by the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash the next day.
Groups
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Champions Trophy Schedule
February 19, Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi
February 20, Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai, UAE
February 21, Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Karachi
February 22, Australia vs. England, Lahore
February 23, Pakistan vs. India, Dubai
February 24, Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25, Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 26, Afghanistan vs. England, Lahore
February 27, Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
February 28, Afghanistan vs. Australia, Lahore
March 1, South Africa vs. England, Karachi
March 2, New Zealand vs. India, Dubai, UAE
March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai, UAE
March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore
March 9, Final, Lahore (unless India qualifies, then it will be played in Dubai)
March 10, Reserve Day
