Pitch Perfect? ICC expert arrives to assess Pakistan’s Champions Trophy venues

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan, is gearing up for a smooth tournament with the arrival of the International Cricket Council’s pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson.

Inspecting Playing Field for Champions Trophy 2025

Andy Atkinson landed in Pakistan on a four-day visit on Tuesday night, starting his mission to inspect the proposed venues for the prestigious event. He’ll be visiting Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi to assess the playing facilities and provide expert feedback.

The same was confirmed by the sources of Geo Sports.

Three Cities in Focus in Pakistan

These three cities were chosen by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the initial draft schedule of the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 2025. The exact dates are yet to be confirmed, but the eight-team tournament is expected to span two exciting weeks.

Following up on Initial Inspection: Andy Atkinson

Andy Atkinson’s visit follows on the heels of a previous inspection conducted by a three-member ICC team last month. The PCB has already shared a draft schedule with the ICC, outlining matches planned for the three proposed venues.

Expert advice for Pitch Preparation

Andy Atkinson’s role goes beyond just inspection. He’ll be sharing his valuable insights with local ground staff, offering guidance on preparing the pitches for the high-stakes matches of the Champions Trophy.

ICC Annual Conference

The ICC’s next official meeting is scheduled for July, where further discussions and decisions are likely to take place.

Champions Trophy returning

The 2025 Champions Trophy marks the much-awaited return of the tournament after an eight-year absence. In 2017, Pakistan emerged victorious, defeating India in a thrilling final in England.

Star-Studded Champions Trophy 2025

Cricket fans can look forward to a world-class event featuring top cricket nations. Pakistan (hosts), India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh are all confirmed to participate in this exciting tournament.