The International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025, co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, has indelibly marked its place in cricketing history by recording an astounding 368 billion global viewing minutes. The Pakistan Cricket Board, referencing a recent ICC press release on Friday, announced that this colossal figure represents a substantial 19% increase compared to the previous edition held in England and Wales in 2017, where Pakistan famously clinched the Champions Trophy by defeating arch-rivals India by 180 runs in the final at The Oval.
The 2025 tournament, which culminated in a thrilling final between India and New Zealand in the UAE, signified a triumphant return of an ICC event to Pakistani soil after a 29-year hiatus. The last time Pakistan had the privilege of hosting such a prestigious tournament was the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to hosting the event was evident in the extensive renovations and new constructions undertaken across its stadiums. The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, notably revamped in record time, successfully hosted four pivotal matches, including a semi-final. Karachi was honored with hosting the tournament opener, while Rawalpindi also played a crucial role in the event’s successful staging.
The grand finale, held on March 9 in the UAE between cricketing giants India and New Zealand, emerged as the most-watched Champions Trophy match in history. It generated an astounding 65.3 billion live viewing minutes globally, marking a phenomenal 52.1% increase over the 2017 final, according to the press release.
Despite the host nation, Pakistan, not performing up to the expectations of its passionate fanbase, viewing hours within the country still witnessed a remarkable 24% surge. This unequivocally underscores the unwavering support and enthusiasm for cricket among Pakistani viewers. The global appeal of the tournament was further highlighted by its record-breaking performance in Australia, where viewing hours surged by an impressive 65% compared to the previous edition, signaling a growing international interest in the Champions Trophy format.
