CM praises IMC Over 40s T20 Cricket World Cup 2025

Addressing team managers, players, officials of the International Masters Cricket (IMC) and Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), and members of the Sindh Government, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of pride for Karachi to host all 12 participating international teams in a single city - a first in Pakistan’s history for any World Cup-level cricket event.

Mr Shah praised the `flawless coordination’ between the PVCA, Sindh Government, police, traffic police, Pakistan Army, and specialised security units, including SSU, which ensured round-the-clock safety at hotels, venues, and during team travel. “I commend everyone involved for their tireless teamwork, which turned this ambitious vision into a seamless reality despite the challenges,” he said.

Highlighting Sindh’s deep-rooted passion for cricket, CM Murad Shah said Karachi has long been the epicentre of the sport - home to legendary players and some of Pakistan’s most enthusiastic fans. The National Bank Stadium alone hosted 19 of the 42 tournament matches, while games were also played at the NBP Sports Complex, Karachi Gymkhana, Southend Club, and DHA Sports Club.

The chief minister congratulated the PVCA, particularly its Chairman Fawad Ijaz Khan, for spearheading the tournament. He recalled the success of the 2023 Over-40s Global Cup, also held in Karachi, where eight nations competed, and Pakistan lifted the trophy. He said Mr Khan’s commitment and resolve were evident from the moment he presented the proposal for the current event at the CM House.

Murad Ali Shah added that the safe and welcoming environment experienced by foreign teams - seen through their visits to restaurants, malls and public spaces - reflected the city’s improving security situation, made possible by “dedicated behind-the-scenes efforts.”

Mr Shah expressed hope that the visiting teams enjoyed Sindh’s famed hospitality and invited them to return in the future, whether for bilateral tournaments or to explore the cultural, spiritual, and architectural heritage of interior Sindh.

Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister thanked all participants and organisers for making the tournament “a landmark event in Karachi’s and Pakistan’s sporting history.”