Islamabad, Feb 17: The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took place at the historic Lahore Fort, setting the stage for one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments. The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, legendary cricketers, and ICC officials, marking a significant moment for Pakistan as the host nation.
Cricket Stars and ICC Officials Grace the Occasion
Several members of Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy squad were present, including Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Azhar Ali, Junaid Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, and Haris Sohail. Their presence added a nostalgic touch, reminding fans of Pakistan’s historic triumph.
International cricket legends such as New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who is also an ambassador for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and South Africa’s JP Duminy attended the ceremony alongside ICC officials, including former CEO Jeff Allardice, Event Head Sarah Edgar, and Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz.
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Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan and Sports Minister Faisal Javed Khan were also among the distinguished guests, reflecting the government’s support for the tournament.
Pakistan’s Readiness to Host the Tournament
Speaking at the event, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the global cricket community is closely observing Pakistan’s preparations for the tournament. He described hosting the Champions Trophy as a moment of pride for the nation and assured that Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium have been upgraded in record time to meet international standards.
He further highlighted the PCB’s commitment to showcasing Pakistan’s rich culture and hospitality, ensuring that visiting teams and fans experience the warmth of Pakistani cricket enthusiasts.
Tournament Schedule and Venues
The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will commence on February 19, 2025, with defending champions Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches over 19 days, hosted across Pakistan and Dubai.
In Pakistan, matches will be played in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi, with each venue hosting three group-stage matches. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host the second semi-final, while the grand final is set for March 9 at the same venue—unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be moved to Dubai.
Both the semi-finals and final will have reserve days to accommodate potential weather disruptions. Meanwhile, India’s group-stage matches and the first semi-final will be held in Dubai.
With the stage set, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting a thrilling ICC Champions Trophy 2025, promising high-quality cricket and unforgettable moments!
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