4 Reasons Why Babar Azam's Pakistan Should Host Champions Trophy 2025

Babar Azam is Pakistan's white-ball captain (X)Babar Azam is Pakistan's white-ball captain (X)

As the countdown begins for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes are on Pakistan, who is set to host its first major ICC event since the 1996 World Cup. This tournament could be a groundbreaking moment for Pakistan, a country that has faced its fair share of challenges in international cricket, especially following the tragic attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009.

With international cricket finally returning to Pakistan in recent years, the Champions Trophy presents an opportunity for the nation to rewrite its narrative. While India’s participation remains in question, the potential benefits for Pakistan are as clear as day.

Let’s analyse how hosting Champions Trophy 2025 could benefit Pakistan:

1. Financial Windfall - A Goldmine for Pakistan Cricket

For Pakistan, the Champions Trophy could prove to be a financial windfall like no other. The economic opportunities that come with hosting a global cricketing event are immense. Television rights, sponsorship deals, ticket sales, and tourism are all lucrative revenue streams that Pakistan can tap into during the tournament.

Cricket-crazy fans from around the world will flock to the country, filling stadiums and boosting local businesses. The tourism sector, too, will benefit immensely. The inflow of foreign money can also help Pakistan invest in its cricketing infrastructure. Upgrading stadiums, improving facilities, and developing local talent will all be by-products of this financial surge.

2. Restoring Trust: Proving Pakistan is Ready for the Global Stage

The Champions Trophy will be more than just a cricket tournament for Pakistan; it will be litmus test to prove to the world that the nation is once again ready to host major international events.

Ever since that dark day in 2009, when the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked in Lahore, Pakistan has been shunned as an unsafe venue for international cricket. The isolation was evident, with foreign teams refusing to tour, and Pakistan having to play their ‘home’ matches in neutral venues like the UAE.

But in recent years, international cricket has slowly returned to Pakistan, with successful tours from teams like Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, and Bangladesh, among others. The Champions Trophy, however, is the ultimate test—a chance to show the world that Pakistan can host a major ICC event with all the bells and whistles.


3. Changing Perceptions: From Skepticism to Trust

The power of perception cannot be ignored, and hosting the Champions Trophy would help Pakistan shed the negative stereotypes that have dogged the nation in recent years. The world often paints Pakistan with a broad brush by viewing it as an unsafe country for international teams.

The success of the Champions Trophy could flip the script, with Pakistan showcasing its ability to not only host a major tournament but also ensure the safety and comfort of international players. Hosting this event would not only strengthen Pakistan’s cricketing standing but also change how the world perceives the country—moving from skepticism to trust.

4. Strengthening Bilateral Ties: A Possible Game Changer for India-Pakistan Relations

Perhaps the most mouthwatering prospect that comes with hosting the Champions Trophy is the potential to reignite cricketing ties with India. Although India's participation remains uncertain, the mere possibility of the two arch-rivals meeting on Pakistani soil is enough to send fans into a frenzy.

Historically, India and Pakistan matches have been high-octane affairs that capture the imagination of cricket lovers across the globe. While the two nations have not played bilateral series in years due to political tensions, the Champions Trophy could open doors for dialogue.

If India agrees to participate, it might pave the way for future bilateral series, allowing both nations to mend fences and reintroduce one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries on a regular basis. In a nutshell, hosting the tournament could act as the olive branch both countries need to thaw icy relations.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan has come a long way since being shunned by international cricket post-2009. Hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 could be the feather in its cap, which will signify the country's successful return to the global stage.

As Pakistan prepares to host this prestigious event, the world will watch closely. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. If Pakistan can pull this off, it may just prove that every cloud has a silver lining, marking the dawn of a new era in Pakistan cricket.