LONDON: As excitement builds for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has voiced his support for hosts Pakistan and expressed his wish for a thrilling final against England, fueling anticipation for the much-awaited tournament.
Set to run from February 19 to March 9, the event marks Pakistan’s return as a major international cricket host after nearly three decades. Speaking to Geo News, Khan shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I have a rule: I always support the winner. That way, I never lose. I hope it’s a great Champions Trophy.”
The tournament opens in Karachi with Pakistan facing New Zealand, but the most anticipated showdown remains the Pakistan-India clash on February 23 in Dubai.
A passionate cricket fan, Khan even joked about making himself available for selection. “If you’re picking the Pakistan or England team, I’m free. I can take time off and play,” he quipped.
He also expressed hope for Pakistani star Babar Azam’s return to top form, especially after England’s struggles in India and Pakistan’s recent inconsistency. “Australia is a strong contender, and South Africa has a solid team too. I just hope for a thrilling and safe tournament with packed stadiums,” he added.
Khan highlighted the importance of Pakistan hosting international cricket again. “It’s unfortunate that teams haven’t toured Pakistan for so long. A strong home performance makes for a great tournament—maybe a Pakistan-England final,” he remarked.
His comments followed his attendance at the British Asian Trust (BAT) dinner, where he met Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan. Praising the Bachchan family, Khan said, “They are wonderful people. London is the cultural capital, and we’d love to see Bollywood and Pakistan’s film industry shoot here.”
He also applauded the BAT event for raising funds to support education and healthcare in South Asia, thanking contributors, including Abhishek Bachchan, for their generosity.