USA Cricket CEO to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Johnathan Atkinson, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of USA Cricket, in Washington.

The two leaders discussed crucial plans for fostering the growth of cricket in both nations, with a focus on mutual collaboration and development in the sport.

The meeting, which also saw the participation of Pakistan Super League (PSL) CEO Salman Naseer, revolved around strategies to promote the game, particularly in the United States, where the sport is still developing.

One of the major outcomes of this meeting was the decision to finalise plans for a bilateral cricket series between Pakistan and the United States, marking a major milestone for the expansion of cricket in the U.S.

The proposed series will not only bolster the relationship between the two countries' cricket boards but also serve as a vital opportunity to engage American fans and players with the cricketing world.

During the discussions, Naqvi emphasised that the PCB is committed to offering full support for this initiative, including the provision of training opportunities for American coaches in Pakistan.

This gesture is aimed at enhancing the skillset of American coaches and players, ensuring that the foundations of the sport are solid in the United States.

The invitation to collaborate was well-received by Atkinson, who expressed his gratitude for the PCB’s commitment to helping develop cricket in the U.S.

"This partnership will pave the way for a new era in American cricket," Atkinson said, highlighting the significance of such bilateral engagement in the global growth of the sport.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A Shared Milestone

As part of their ongoing discussions, Naqvi extended an invitation to Atkinson to visit Pakistan during the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, set to be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will be one of the most prestigious cricket events, featuring eight of the world's top teams competing across 15 exciting matches. The tournament will be hosted at three iconic venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi – with select games also taking place in Dubai.

Atkinson accepted the invitation with enthusiasm, eager to witness the Champions Trophy firsthand. This event marks a significant step for Pakistan in its efforts to host major international cricket tournaments following years of instability. "It’s an honor to be invited to such a high-profile event," Atkinson remarked, adding that this visit would be instrumental in fostering stronger relations between the two nations' cricketing bodies.

The Champions Trophy 2025: What to expect

Scheduled to take place across multiple venues, the Champions Trophy 2025 will feature some thrilling matchups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. The opening match will see Pakistan face New Zealand on February 19, 2025, in Karachi, while the much-awaited match between Pakistan and India will take place on February 23, 2025, in Dubai, drawing fans from all over the world.

The tournament will see Pakistan hosting 10 matches, including the highly anticipated final, while Dubai will host four games, including all of India's group-stage matches and the first semi-final. Here is the full schedule for the Champions Trophy:

Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:

• 19 February: Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
• 20 February: Bangladesh v India, Dubai
• 21 February: Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
• 22 February: Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
• 23 February: Pakistan v India, Dubai
• 24 February: Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 25 February: Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 26 February: Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
• 27 February: Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• 28 February: Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
• 1 March: South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
• 2 March: New Zealand v India, Dubai
• 4 March: Semi-final 1, Dubai
• 5 March: Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
• 9 March: Final, Lahore (unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be played in Dubai)
• 10 March: Reserve day