Pakistan Hosts Champions Trophy After Decades, Marking a Cricketing Milestone
Jet fighters soared over a packed stadium in southern Pakistan, painting the sky with the green and white of the national flag, as the country welcomed back a long-awaited sporting spectacle.
The National Stadium in Karachi erupted in cheers as two teams took the field, marking the beginning of the ICC Champions Trophy. For Pakistan, a cricket-obsessed nation, this tournament is more than just a competition—it’s a statement of its return to the international cricketing stage after years of isolation.
Long plagued by security concerns following militant attacks—including the 2009 assault on Sri Lanka’s cricket team—Pakistan had been sidelined from hosting major international tournaments. But now, with cricketing giants like Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Bangladesh competing on its soil, the country is reveling in the moment.
Security at the Forefront
Authorities in Karachi left nothing to chance during the tournament’s opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand. Snipers positioned on rooftops, commandos at checkpoints, and SWAT teams patrolling the city ensured tight security.
Farah Qadri, a cricket fan who endured hours of security checks under the blazing sun, described the experience as “surreal.” The electrifying atmosphere inside the stadium, where people from all walks of life chanted and danced together, made it worth the wait, she told CNN.
For many Pakistanis, this tournament is a source of immense pride. “It’s a huge positive for the entire country,” said Basit Ali, a fan watching the match from a teashop in Peshawar. “I pray that Pakistan defends its title and brings joy to the nation.”
Cricket in Pakistan is more than just a sport—it’s a passion, a national obsession, and sometimes even a source of collective hope. But for an entire generation, the thrill of hosting the world’s best had remained a distant dream. The last time Pakistan held an international cricket tournament was in 1996.
Farees Shah, a cricket podcast host attending the Karachi match, summed up the nation’s excitement and nervousness: “It’s like being the biggest party animal, but after ages, you’re finally hosting the party. You just want everything to go smoothly.”
Cricket’s Rocky Journey in Pakistan
Hosting an event of this scale is a monumental achievement for Pakistan. The country has faced significant political and economic turmoil, with a struggling economy reliant on IMF bailouts and a powerful military deeply embedded in governance. A long-running Taliban insurgency and separatist movements have also added to security challenges.
Cricket, too, has had its share of hardships. In 2009, a militant attack on Sri Lanka’s cricket team in Lahore left eight people dead and several players injured, leading to Pakistan’s exclusion from hosting major tournaments. The country was stripped of the 2009 Champions Trophy and was later ruled out as a co-host for the 2011 World Cup due to security concerns.
Now, the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy is seen as a turning point. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called it a “milestone moment,” affirming the country’s capability to organize multi-nation tournaments at the highest level.
Authorities have pulled out all stops to ensure smooth operations. Special flights have been arranged to transport teams, and every player and match official has been granted “state guest” status—akin to that of a visiting head of state.
India’s Absence: The Elephant in the Room
Despite the celebrations, one major team is missing—India.
Citing security concerns, the world’s top-ranked cricket team has opted out of playing in Pakistan. Instead, India will play its matches in the United Arab Emirates, a decision that has dampened the spirits of fans worldwide and sparked frustration among Pakistani supporters.
Pakistan vs. India matches are among the most-watched sporting events globally. Their rivalry is steeped in history, fueled by decades of political tensions and three wars since the partition of British India in 1947.
A staggering 400 million people watched Pakistan defeat India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final—a viewership that dwarfed even the Super Bowl’s 127 million. Naqvi lamented India’s absence, calling it a “loss for spectators, broadcasters, and the tournament itself.”
“It’s also a missed opportunity for Indian players to experience the warmth, love, and hospitality Pakistan has always extended to visiting teams,” he added.
For many fans, however, the excitement remains. Basit Ali eagerly anticipates Pakistan’s match against India—even if it will take place in Dubai. “The real excitement will be when Pakistan faces India. I can’t wait for that!” he said.
Meanwhile, Farees Shah hopes for a seamless tournament. “I want nothing more than for Pakistan cricket to do well,” he said. “But it’s equally important that we host this event effortlessly.”
For Pakistan, the Champions Trophy is more than just a cricket tournament—it’s a declaration of resilience, revival, and a passion that refuses to fade.