A high-level 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 participate in the tri-ODI series that will serve as a warm-up for the highly anticipated 2025 ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in February-March.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) delegation arrives in Pakistan for Tri-Series security check
As part of the official New Zealand Cricket (NZC) delegation, New Zealand Players Association representative Brad Rhoden 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 evaluate security protocols and finalize preparations for the trilateral series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. The visit of the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) delegation comes at a critical time, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has also sent a delegation to Pakistan to review arrangements for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
ICC officials inspect Pakistani stadiums for the 2025 Champions Trophy
The ICC delegation has already inspected the National Stadium in Karachi and is scheduled to visit stadiums in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has renovated facilities in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi in preparation for next year's Champions Trophy.
Inspections are part of routine procedures before important international tournaments. Pakistan is set to host the world's best cricket teams next year, including New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-series and then the likes of England and Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
In preparation for these high-profile events, the Pakistan Cricket Board is investing a whopping Rs 12 billion in refurbishing and upgrading stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
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Mohsin Naqvi pledges to provide nationwide security to teams visiting Pakistan
Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman, PCB, assured everyone that the Board is fully prepared to host the best teams in the world and the construction is scheduled to be completed ahead of schedule.
Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Federal Interior Minister, assured that state-level security will be provided to all teams visiting the country, and he will personally oversee this responsibility during the upcoming tri-series and the mega multi-nation event. .
With the tri-series between New Zealand, South Africa and Pakistan starting just days before the 2025 Champions Trophy, inspections and preparations are key to ensuring the smooth and safe hosting of the upcoming competitions.
India will not visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy
It is worth noting that India will not visit Pakistan to attend the 2025 Champions Cup for security reasons, and will play all its matches in a neutral venue. Following the merger model, Pakistan will also not travel to India for any ICC event until 2027, the ICC confirmed earlier this week.
Currently, Pakistan is currently touring South Africa for the multi-format series, including a one-off Test, starting on December 26, while New Zealand is set to host Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series, starting on December 28. .
