ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB takes another step towards hosting in Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a step forward towards hosting the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in February-March next year by making a big announcement amidst the ongoing row over India’s denial of crossing the border for the prestigious tournament.

On Thursday, November 21, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Sumair Ahmad Syed, the Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. With Sumair’s extensive administrative expertise and dedication to the game, he is expected to deliver a memorable experience for everyone.

PCB moves forward with ICC Champions Trophy 2025 plans, appoints Sumair Ahmad Syed as Tournament Director

Announcing Sumair Ahmad Syed as the tournament director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, said that the upcoming tournament will showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events. Naqvi also called Sumair an exceptionally organized professional.

Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the players and fans across the world to experience Pakistan’s passion for the game and celebrated the hospitality of the Asian country in next year's ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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The PCB also added that the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 marks a historic milestone as the biggest sporting event in Pakistan’s recent history, and they will not leave any stone unturned to make it special and memorable.

The PCB chief, Mohsin Naqvi, said in an official statement: “Sumair is an exceptionally organized professional with a wealth of administrative expertise. Coupled with his unwavering passion for cricket, I am confident he will deliver an unforgettable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for players, officials, and fans alike. With Sumair leading the way, the global cricket community can rest assured that the event will meet the highest standards of excellence synonymous with Pakistan.”

Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success: ICC Champions Trophy Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed

Complete… pic.twitter.com/GsK9X63qbl

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 21, 2024

I'm deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility: Sumair Ahmad Syed

Meanwhile, Sumair Ahmad Syed has expressed his excitement and pride in taking on the important role of the newly appointed tournament director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Sumair revealed that preparations for the tournament are already in full swing, with stadium upgrades almost complete and ongoing discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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On his appointment, Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed stated: “I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans, and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the ICC.”

Syed vows to surpass past Champions Trophy standards with expert team

Furthermore, Syed said that they have a very experienced event management team, which has successfully organized multiple editions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and they will ensure the world has an unforgettable experience during the ODI mega event in Pakistan. He promised to work closely with this team and the ICC to ensure that the tournament exceeds the standards set by previous ICC Champions Trophy events.

Syed signed off by saying, “Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including the last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success. I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions.”