ICC Trophy: Punjab Police Deploy Over 12,000 Personnel for Security
The much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
The Punjab Police have implemented comprehensive security measures ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan next month.
A total of 12,564 officers and personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of the high-profile matches in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Lahore will see 7,618 officers on duty, while 4,535 personnel will oversee security in Rawalpindi.
An additional 411 officers from the Special Branch will further bolster the operations.
To enhance surveillance, aerial monitoring will be conducted with support from the Pakistan Army and Rangers.
Authorities emphasised that all participating players will be accorded state guest status, underscoring their commitment to prioritising player safety.
Key routes to the venues will be monitored using Safe City cameras, offering real-time surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents.
Security arrangements are expected to be finalised in the coming days as authorities prepare for the prestigious tournament.
Tournament Overview
The eight-team tournament, featuring 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9 across three venues — Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, as well as Dubai.
The teams are divided into two groups:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia
Key Matches
Hosts Pakistan will kick off the event with a match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
The much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Champions Trophy Schedule
19 February: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
20 February: Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
21 February: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
22 February: Australia vs England, Lahore
23 February: Pakistan vs India, Dubai
24 February: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
25 February: Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
26 February: Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
27 February: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
28 February: Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
1 March: South Africa vs England, Karachi
2 March: New Zealand vs India, Dubai
4 March: Semi-final 1, Dubai
5 March: Semi-final 2, Lahore
9 March: Final, Lahore (if India qualifies, the final will be held in Dubai)
10 March: Reserve Day
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling event, with security measures in place to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the matches.