ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a spectacular inauguration ceremony for the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, featuring top musical performances ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The announcement, shared by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in a post on X, said that the inauguration ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, showcasing luminaries from Pakistan’s vibrant music scene, including the likes of Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, and Arif Lohar.
In a generous move, the board has opted to make this grand event accessible to all, allowing attendees to enjoy the festivities — set to commence at 7 PM and accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display — absolutely free of charge.
The PCB chief will graciously host a dinner tomorrow to celebrate the dedicated workers who have tirelessly transformed the venue over the past several months.
This announcement follows Naqvi’s recent press conference where he unveiled the inauguration dates for Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium, scheduled for February 7 and 11, respectively. Both venues have undergone extensive renovations in preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy matches, alongside the stadium in Rawalpindi.
Gaddafi Stadium will host its inaugural Champions Trophy match on February 22, featuring an exhilarating showdown between cricketing powerhouses England and Australia.
Tomorrow at 7 pm InshAllaha pic.twitter.com/QmqgRKQtc8
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) February 6, 2025
The highly anticipated eight-team tournament, consisting of 15 matches, will kick off on February 19 and culminate on March 9. Teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
The opening match will see hosts Pakistan face off against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. An electrifying encounter between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is set for February 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan is set to host a total of 10 matches, while Dubai will accommodate four, including all three of India’s group-stage games and the first semi-final. The Champions Trophy final is slated to take place in Lahore, but should India qualify, the match will be relocated to Dubai.
Champions Trophy Lahore-leg Schedule
February 22 — Australia v England, Lahore
February 26 — Afghanistan v England, Lahore
February 28 — Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore
March 5 — Semi-final 2, Lahore
March 9, Final — Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
