Key points
- The ICC Champions Trophy will be played from Feb 19 until March 9
- The high-voltage Pak-India match will be played in Dubai on February 23
- ICC CEO lauds rapid upgradation of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium
ISLAMABAD: Cricket fever is about to reach its peak as ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins from Wednesday in Pakistan.
The thrilling matches of the Champions Trophy will unfold until March 9, promising an action-packed event. The top eight cricket nations in the world will compete for the title, with the opening match between defending Champions Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium.
The high-voltage match between arch-rivals Pakistan and India will be played in Dubai on February 23. Fans also lauded the grand opening ceremony for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan’s cultural capital, Lahore, and hoped that they would watch good cricket during the mega event. The ceremony was held at the historic Lahore Fort.
The ceremony, attended by cricketing legends, officials, and fans, blended the nation’s rich heritage with its passion for the sport.
Champions Trophy 2017
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has described hosting the event as a “great honour” for the country and emphasised the swift renovations of Gaddafi and National stadiums to ensure its success.
Naqvi also reaffirmed the PCB’s dedication to highlighting Pakistan’s rich culture and hospitality, expressing that the tournament would showcase the warmth and generosity of the Pakistani people.
Hosting the event is a great honour for the country.” – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi
Apart from the PCB Chairman, players of the cricket team who won the Champions Trophy in 2017 – Sarfraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim and Haris Sohail – attended the ceremony.
In addition, former South African batsman JP Duminy and Kiwi fast bowler Tim Southee also attended the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony, set against the stunning backdrop of Pakistan’s rich heritage, showcased a captivating fusion of cricketing excellence and cultural splendour. Attended by renowned cricket figures, PCB officials, and enthusiastic fans, the event was a truly unforgettable occasion, fans said.
A remarkable achievement
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Geoff Allardice speaking at the ceremony appreciated the rapid upgradation of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium, calling their modern transformation within 117 days a remarkable achievement.
Allardice also expressed his excitement about the tournament. “Pakistan has a golden opportunity to showcase its passion for cricket,” he said. “I witnessed Pakistan’s victory in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval, and I look forward to seeing great cricket here.”
Pakistan has a golden opportunity to showcase its passion for cricket.” – ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice
Fans said that they are very happy to watch the mega event at home grounds, adding the men in Green Shirts will show their best performance during the mega tournament. They hoped that Pakistan would win the title of the ICC Champions Trophy as the team are in its best form.
Fans expressed their excitement about watching the mega event on home grounds, confident that the men in Green Shirts will deliver their best performance during the prestigious tournament. They are hopeful that Pakistan will clinch the ICC Champions Trophy title, as the team is currently in exceptional form.
