Ramiz Raja on how Pakistan bagged hosting rights for 2025 Champions Trophy: We spoke from the heart

The ICC announcement on Tuesday came as a big boost to Pakistan after England and New Zealand pulled out of their tours of the country in September.

Pakistan securing hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy is recognition of their efforts to convince international teams to return to the country for cricket, board chief Ramiz Raja said on Wednesday.

The 50-over tournament will be the first International Cricket Council (ICC) event hosted by Pakistan since it shared the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. The ICC announcement on Tuesday came as a big boost to Pakistan after England and New Zealand pulled out of their tours of the country in September.