ICC Trophy: Punjab Police deploy more than 12,000 personnel for security
by By Ahmed FarazLAHORE: The Punjab Police have initiated robust security arrangements ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next month.
Authorities have announced the deployment of 12,564 officers and personnel to ensure the safety of the high-profile matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
In Lahore, 7,618 officers will be on duty, while 4,535 personnel will manage security in Rawalpindi. Additionally, 411 officers from the Special Branch will enhance security operations.
Aerial monitoring will be conducted with support from the Pakistan Army and Rangers to strengthen surveillance.
Police officials emphasised that all participating players will receive state guest status, with their safety being a top priority.
Routes to the venues will be monitored via Safe City cameras, providing real-time surveillance to prevent any incidents.
Security arrangements are expected to be finalised in the coming days as authorities prepare for the prestigious event.
The eight-team tournament, comprised of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, across three venues — Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi — in Pakistan and Dubai.
The teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, while Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Champions Trophy 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 qualify, then it will be played in Dubai)
10 March, Reserve day
(All matches will be day-night encounters)