NEWS
Follow UsPakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Sumair Ahmad, the board’s Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed the Tournament Director for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy set to be hosted by Pakistan. It was only 12 days ago, on November 9, that Sumair was appointed PCB’s COO.
Sumair, a civil servant, had earlier served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Speaking of the appointment, PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi said: “Sumair is an exceptionally organised professional with a wealth of administrative expertise. Coupled with his unwavering passion for cricket, I am confident he will deliver an unforgettable ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for players, officials and fans alike.
“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s passion for the game and renowned hospitality.
“This tournament marks a historic milestone as the biggest sporting event in Pakistan’s recent history. With Sumair leading the way, the global cricket community can rest assured that the event will meet the highest standards of excellence synonymous with Pakistan.”
Sumair, the newly-appointed Tournament Director for Champions Trophy, said: “I am deeply honored and excited to take on this significant responsibility for a tournament that holds immense importance for the Pakistan Cricket Board, our fans and supporters. Preparations are already well underway, with stadium upgrades nearing completion and crucial discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council.
“Our experienced events team, which has successfully planned and executed nine multi-team HBL Pakistan Super Leagues, including the last five in Pakistan, will play a vital role in ensuring the tournament’s success.
“I am committed to working closely with them as well as the International Cricket Council, leaving no stone unturned to exceed the benchmarks set by previous ICC Champions Trophy editions.”
The appointment comes amidst there being no clarity on if the tournament will be played entirely in Pakistan, in a hybrid model like Asia Cup 2023 or in a different country altogether. Earlier this month, the BCCI informed the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan as the board had been advised by the Indian government not to send the team to Pakistan.
Earlier, PCB Chairman Naqvi had made it clear that the board was unwilling to accept a hybrid model.
"In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn't travelling," Naqvi had said on November 8.
"I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB."
Earlier this week, the Indian Blind Cricket Team also withdrew from the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup which is supposed to be held in Pakistan.
