ICC Champions Trophy: Army, rangers and Police deployed to beef up security in Pakistan
Pakistan army and rangers will support police for enhanced security during matches
Lahore: As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches in Pakistan next month, the Pakistan government has implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.
Authorities have confirmed that a total of 12,564 officers and personnel from police will be deployed to secure the high-profile matches set to occur in Lahore and Rawalpindi. Army and rangers will support them.
Special branch help
In Lahore, 7,618 officers will be assigned to maintain order, while 4,535 personnel will handle security in Rawalpindi. To further bolster these efforts, 411 officers from the Police Special Branch will assist in the operations, Geo Super reported.
Air Surveillance
Aerial surveillance will also be conducted, supported by the Pakistan Army and Rangers, enhancing overall security. Additionally, the routes leading to the stadiums will be monitored through Safe City cameras, ensuring real-time surveillance and preventing any potential security breaches.
State guest status
Officials have stressed that the safety of all participating players is a top priority, with all athletes receiving state guest status throughout the tournament.
The security arrangements are expected to be finalized shortly as authorities continue preparations for this prestigious event, which will see 15 matches played across three venues – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi – with some games also held in Dubai.
The eight-team tournament, set to run from February 19 to March 9, will feature two groups:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia
The tournament will kick off with a match between host Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. One of the most anticipated fixtures, the Pakistan vs. India match, will take place on February 23 in Dubai.
Champions Trophy Schedule:
19 February: Pakistan vs. New Zealand – Karachi, Pakistan
20 February: Bangladesh vs. India – Dubai
21 February: Afghanistan vs. South Africa – Karachi, Pakistan
22 February: Australia vs. England – Lahore, Pakistan
23 February: Pakistan vs. India – Dubai
24 February: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
25 February: Australia vs. South Africa – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
26 February: Afghanistan vs. England – Lahore, Pakistan
27 February: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh – Rawalpindi, Pakistan
28 February: Afghanistan vs. Australia – Lahore, Pakistan
1 March: South Africa vs. England – Karachi, Pakistan
2 March: New Zealand vs. India – Dubai
4 March: Semi-final 1 – Dubai
5 March: Semi-final 2 – Lahore, Pakistan
9 March: Final – Lahore (if India qualifies, the final will be moved to Dubai)
