Cricket fever hits Pakistan as Champions Trophy, tri-nation series looms

The stage is set and the excitement is palpable as Pakistan prepares to host the ICC Champions Trophy for the very first time.

The next few weeks promise to be a thrilling ride, showcasing the country's warm hospitality and its undying love for the game. The spectacle will not only thrill cricket enthusiasts but also shine a spotlight on Pakistan's softer side, redefining its image on the global stage.

This will also be the first time since 1996 when Pakistan will be hosting any ICC event.

Before the Champions Trophy, a three-nation event, featuring hosts Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand, will begin from February 8 at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the day-night match.

This event will act as a prelude to the eight-nation Champions Trophy which will begin on February 19 with the show between Pakistan and New Zealand again but this time at the National Stadium Karachi.

Pakistan team, which was announced the other day, will assemble in Lahore’s hotel in the evening today. The Green-shirts will undergo training at the Ghani Glass Ground in DHA on Tuesday and Wednesday before they will also undergo training sessions at the Gaddafi Stadium which will be inaugurated on February 7 after a massive renovation.

New Zealand will arrive on Tuesday while South Africa will reach Punjab’s capital on Wednesday. According to sources, the visitors will undergo training at the Gaddafi Stadium.

On February 10 New Zealand will face South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium while on February 12 Pakistan will meet South Africa at Karachi. The final will be held on February 14 in Karachi.

The tickets details for the tri-nation series will be released soon by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Immediately after the tri-nation series on February 16 an event relating to the Champions Trophy will be held at Lahore which will be attended by the officials from the ICC, cricketers and state officials.

There will be no captains conference and photoshoot as the hosts had to go for a low-profile event due to delayed arrival of Australia and England.

England will arrive on February 19 with Australia to land on the following day at Lahore.

Both England and Australia will meet each other in their Group B opener on February 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

National Stadium Karachi will act as host to the opener of the ICC Champions Trophy on February 19 with Pakistan to take on New Zealand in their Group A journey.

India will play its matches in the UAE and if it reaches the final then it will also be held in Dubai.

Afghanistan have already started their training in Dubai.

“Yes, Afghanistan have started training in Dubai from January 24 and they will continue training there until February 12. And from February 13 they will hold camp at Karachi,” Afghanistan team source told Nukta.

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan will also join Afghans in Karachi as a mentor. He will deliver his services in the same capacity till the end of Afghanistan’s mission in the Champions Trophy.

Bangladesh will arrive in Lahore on February 12.

In the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have been placed in Group A with New Zealand, India and Bangladesh while Groub B carries Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan and England.

Top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals.

Thick security arrangements have been planned by the Punjab Police for the Lahore’s leg matches of the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy.

Last week the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) identified 55 sensitive localities and the data had been shared with the Lahore Police.

Collaborating with the law enforcement agencies the CTD and Lahore Police conducted extensive combing operations in those areas.

The localities near key spots including Lahore Airport, PC Hotel and Gaddafi Stadium were thoroughly checked. The data on residents and tenants was collected to maintain a comprehensive record and identify any potential threats.

The move was to ensure safety of players, fans and general public during the high-profile international event.