High-level security finalized for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

LAHORE: The high-level security for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been finalized as the army and Rangers will be deployed for the upcoming cricket league.

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 prepares to begin on February 19, the Sharif-led government has announced plans to deploy Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel to enhance security during the event. The decision was taken following a request from the Interior Ministry, which was approved by the federal cabinet.

The army troops will be deployed under Article 245, with deployment scheduled to begin in mid-February. The Interior Ministry is expected to issue a formal notification soon.

The deployment of the army follows requests from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh, who had sought additional support from the military and paramilitary forces to assist civil authorities in ensuring security.

The Home Ministry has directed the concerned Home Department to take all necessary steps to provide foolproof security for the prestigious tournament. A three-layer security plan comprising police, rangers and army contingents has been put in place to ensure the safety of players, officials and fans and to ensure the peaceful conduct of the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19 in Karachi with Pakistan taking on New Zealand. The tournament, co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, will feature eight teams divided into two groups. India’s group stage matches will be played on February 20, February 23 and March 2.

The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, with the final to be played in Lahore on March 9, unless India qualifies, in which case it will be in Dubai. The matches will be played in three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – and one in Dubai. The tournament will be played in a day-night format.