PCB appoints Sumair Ahmad as tournament director for ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of Sumair Ahmad, the Chief Operating Officer of the PCB, as the Tournament Director for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to take place in Pakistan.

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi praised the decision, stating, “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.”

Naqvi added that the tournament would be an opportunity for Pakistan to demonstrate its ability to host world-class cricketing events, showcasing the nation’s passion for the sport and its renowned hospitality to players and fans from around the globe.

However, the event is already mired in controversy. Earlier this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it would not send its team to Pakistan for the tournament, scheduled for the February-March 2025 window.

In response, the PCB, under government directives, rejected a proposed hybrid model for hosting the event, which would have split matches between Pakistan and a neutral venue.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is seen as a crucial event for Pakistan, marking its return to hosting a major ICC tournament after decades. The PCB’s leadership has expressed its commitment to delivering a successful and memorable tournament, despite the ongoing challenges.

Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed:

“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 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.”