ISLAMABAD: The much-anticipated trophy tour of one of the International Cricket Council’s most prestigious tournaments, scheduled to be played in Pakistan next year, kicked off in Islamabad on Saturday, with the coveted silverware set to visit seven cities across the country until November 25.
Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9. However, political tensions with India have already cast a shadow over the tournament, as Indian authorities have refused to allow their team to play in Pakistan.
Last week, the ICC informed Pakistan of India’s decision, prompting the country’s cricket board to seek clarification. Pakistan has already ruled out a hybrid hosting model for the tournament, unlike last year’s Asia Cup, where all of India’s games were played in Sri Lanka.
The situation created uncertainty and tension until the ICC released the tournament promo, visually reaffirming that Pakistan will host the championship.
“The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour delivered with DP World will start in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday,” the ICC said in a statement. “The prestigious silverware will journey across the eight participating nations during the Tour, providing unique experiences for fans.”
The trophy was displayed in Islamabad on the opening day of the tour and is set to travel to Taxila and Khanpur on November 17, Abbottabad on November 18, Murree on November 19, Nathia Gali on November 20 and Karachi from November 22 to 25.
Following its journey across Pakistan, the trophy will embark on an international tour, visiting Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England and India.
“A series of physical and digital engagements traversing iconic destinations, sporting events, and key battles in the international cricket calendar form the Trophy Tour schedule,” the ICC added. “Fans will be treated to a content series titled ‘Champion on Tour’ that will document the Trophy Tour’s journey around the world through the unique lens of food, music, and cricket,” it continued.
ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya expressed pleasure at the launch of the trophy tour as well.
“The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport’s passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy,” he said.
The men’s Champions Trophy is making a comeback in 2025 after an eight-year hiatus. Pakistan, the reigning champion, claimed the title in the 2017 final against India. The last edition of the tournament was held in England.
 

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan’s capital this week organized a powerful art exhibition that called for urgent environmental action to battle climate challenges, with the European country’s ambassador pledging support for Islamabad in transitioning to renewable energy. 

Pakistan is one of the world’s worst affected countries due to the impacts of climate change, despite contributing less than one percent of planet-warming emissions. Unusually heavy rains in June 2022 killed over 1,700 people, destroyed critical infrastructure in the country and affected over 33 million people which scientists attributed to climate change. 

“Haryali,” which translates to greenery in Urdu, was the name chosen for the exhibition which took place at the Danish ambassador’s residence in Islamabad on Friday night. The exhibition was held to mark 75 years of Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with Denmark at a time when various world leaders have gathered in Baku to attend the COP29 climate conference. 

The exhibition featured artworks by 36 Pakistani artists, who highlighted the disastrous effects of climate change and global warming through sculptures and paintings. 

“Pakistan is one of the countries in the world suffering the most from climate change and action needs to be taken,” Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf told Arab News on Friday.

“And this is not something that Pakistan can do by themselves, and from the Danish side we are ready to help with all the expertise that we have gained through our battle also to make a greener society.”

Linulf said Denmark uses solar, wind, water and biomass to generate electricity, adding that Pakistan has an abundance of all of these resources. 

“I would love to see Pakistan transforming its energy sector into a more sustainable energy sector,” he said. 
Iman Bilal, a Pakistani sculptor, highlighted the health dangers associated with microplastics. 
“We’re deteriorating our health, it’s internalized,” she said, stressing the role of art in motivating stakeholders to take action to avoid environmental degradation.

Kareem Ahmed Khan, an artist from the scenic Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan severely impacted by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), reflected on climate change’s devastating impact on his region. 
“For the past seven to eight years, I’ve been working to highlight the impact of climate change on my region,” Khan told Arab News.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who spoke at a number of events at COP29 earlier this week, used the forum to highlight the need to restore confidence in the pledging process and increase climate finance for vulnerable, developing countries.