Naqvi invites USA cricket CEO to Pak

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi met with Johnathan Atkeison, Chief Executive Officer of USA Cricket in Washington.The meeting, which also included Pakistan Super League (PSL) CEO Salman Naseer focused on mutual plans to promote cricket in both nations.During the discussions, the two cricket boards agreed to finalize plans for organizing a bilateral cricket series, marking a promising step towards cricket’s expansion in the United States.Naqvi assured Atkinson of the PCB’s full support in this endeavour, offering comprehensive cooperation, including training opportunities for American coaches in Pakistan.To further strengthen the partnership, Naqvi invited the USA Cricket CEO to visit Pakistan for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.The invitation was warmly received, with Atkinson expressing his gratitude for the gesture.It is worth mentioning that the Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will feature eight teams competing across 15 matches.The matches will be hosted at three venues – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan – along with selected games in Dubai.Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.The tournament opener will see hosts Pakistan face New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.Fans are eagerly anticipating the high-octane clash between Pakistan and India, set for February 23 in Dubai. Pakistan will host 10 matches, including the final, while Dubai will stage four games, featuring all of India’s group-stage matches and the first semi-final.Tickets go on saleTickets for the highly-awaited ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, will go on sale on January 28 (Tuesday) at 14:00 PST, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed on Monday.Fans can now secure a seat for themselves to watch the matches of the mega event live in Pakistan’s venues with UAE hosting India’s fixtures from February 19 to March 9.The event will kick off with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand held at the National Stadium Karachi. The hosts will strive to defend the title they won in 2017 by defeating India in the final under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed after they lost their first match of the event against the arch-rivals.The national cricketing body has stated that “members of the ICC family will enjoy exclusive early access, with a two-hour priority window to purchase tickets which is open now”.Ticket prices have also been revealed but they vary from stand to stand with the general stand ticket costing Rs1,000 and more premium seating available from Rs1,500 across the 10 matches taking place in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.Designated TCS Express centers across Pakistan will also sell tickets from February 3.Ticket availability and prices for team India’s matches to be played in Dubai on February 20, 23 and March 2 will follow soon.However, tickets for the mega final of the marquee event, to be played on March 9, will be available for purchase following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.ICC Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Dahiya said: “We are thrilled to announce the official ticket on sale for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. This is a significant moment for cricket in Pakistan, hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996″.”The Champions Trophy promises to be an unmissable event where every match counts showcasing exciting cricket, featuring the world’s best teams competing for the coveted white jackets. We encourage fans not to miss out and get their tickets now for the first Champions Trophy since 2017. ” he added.”The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a monumental event, first in Pakistan since 1996, offering cricket fans an unparalleled chance to witness the game’s finest stars live in action as they vie for one of the most coveted trophies in cricket,” Tournament Director, Sumair Ahmad Syed said.