Australian star Glenn Maxwell hits English fast bowler Jofra Archer down the ground for a straight six, and thirty thousand Lahoris roar in delight in a jam-packed Qaddafi stadium. Fifteen years ago, this seemed like an improbable sight for Pakistani cricket fans, as we were not sure when international cricket would return to Pakistan. But here we are, hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy. Hosting an international cricket competition like the ICC Champions Trophy offers numerous advantages for our country, that span beyond cricket and across various sectors.
As the host, the inevitable influx of teams, officials, fans, and media personnel would stimulate spending across various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail. Hotels and restaurants witness a surge in demand, benefiting the local economy, especially in the host cities of Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Furthermore, Pakistan's government and cricket authorities will generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, sponsorship deals, and broadcasting rights. Long-term benefits will also accrue, in the form of infrastructural improvements to the cricket stadiums of the host cities, which will leave a lasting impact long after the tournament is over.
But more than economics, hosting this tournament has a deeper and more significant importance for our nation. It will corroborate and solidify Pakistan’s stance that we are as safe as any other destination for international sporting events. Additionally, sports have always played a vital role in promoting diplomacy and fostering international cooperation. This tournament will improve Pakistan's soft power in the world, allowing us to use cricket diplomacy to foster stronger relationships with other countries, especially those in the Commonwealth and beyond.
An example of cricket being the glue that has brought two nations closer has been our relations with Bangladesh. Ardent cricket fans would recall that ten or fifteen years back, there was a sense of animosity that the Bangladeshi team and supporters exhibited whenever they faced Pakistan on the cricket field, one that for good measure stemmed from the political baggage of the past. However, through cricketing ties, we have gradually witnessed a shift in our Bangladeshi brethren’s attitude towards us, with that animosity being visibly replaced by a more friendly demeanor, both on and off the cricket field. This is the power of sports, one that we can benefit from more as the host of a major tournament.
Successfully hosting the ICC Champions Trophy will hopefully inspire a new generation to pursue careers as cricketers, sports enthusiasts, analysts, commentators, and event managers
There will always be a few troublemakers attempting to disrupt events, but overall, the international cricketing community has shown strong support for Pakistan and our efforts in preparing for and successfully hosting this tournament thus far.
Moreover, this Champions Trophy is the first time that a whole generation of fans and younger crickets are watching the world’s best cricketers play in Pakistan; Imagine the excitement for old and young fans alike to see their favorite international cricketers like Maxwell, Smith, Root, Butler, Williamson, playing cricket in Pakistan. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) played an instrumental role in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan, but, it cannot compete with the prestige and impact of hosting an ICC tournament such as the Champions Trophy.
Hosting an event of this caliber leaves a legacy that endures long after the final ball is bowled and the victor is decided, just as it did when we hosted the 1996 World Cup, including the final. Successfully hosting the ICC Champions Trophy will hopefully inspire a new generation to pursue careers as cricketers, sports enthusiasts, analysts, commentators, and event managers. Such tournaments create a collective memory for the local populace, especially the youth, which leads to increasing grassroots participation and talent development for the future.
Irrespective of who lifts the Champions Trophy, Pakistan surely wins. All stakeholders within the Government and PCB who were involved in the planning, organization, and execution of this tournament deserve a round of applause; A special prayer is also for the construction workers who toiled for months to ensure that the stadiums were upgraded and ready in time. Pakistan’s hosting of this tournament will prove to be a leap toward revitalizing the country’s standing in the world of cricket.