LAHORE: Pakistan’s cultural capital, Lahore, hosted a grand opening ceremony for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday night 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.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi in his address, highlighted that the international cricket community was closely monitoring Pakistan’s preparedness for the tournament.
He 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.
Apart from PCB Chairman’s Advisor Amir Mir and Wahab Riaz, 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.
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Geoff Allardice speaking at the ceremony praised 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.”
The tournament is set to begin on Wednesday, February 19, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand in the port city, following a brief ceremony at the National Bank Cricket Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Indian team has arrived in Dubai, where Bangladesh is already in training for the mega event. The two teams are scheduled to face off on February 20.
Champions Trophy schedule
February 19, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi
February 20, Bangladesh v India, Dubai, UAE
February 21, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi
February 22, Australia v England, Lahore
February 23, Pakistan v India, Dubai
February 24, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 26, Afghanistan v England, Lahore
February 27, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
February 28, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore
March 1, South Africa v England, Karachi
March 2, New Zealand v India, Dubai, UAE
March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai, UAE
March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore
March 9, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
March 10, Reserve
