Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed poses with ICC Champions Trophy close to the Tower Bridge in London, United Kingdom, on June 19, 2017. — ICC
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was on Wednesday named as one of many 4 occasion ambassadors for the upcoming ICC Males’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9.
The wicketkeeper batter, who led Pakistan to their maiden title with a crushing 180-run victory over arch-rivals India within the blockbuster last of the 2017 version, is joined by India’s Shikhar Dhawan, Australia’s Shane Watson and New Zealand’s Tim Southee.
Sharing his pleasure over the popularity, Sarfaraz Ahmed mentioned he’ll “never forget” profitable the celebrated title and carrying the white jackets.
“Seeing the nation get behind us and celebrate that success is also something that’s very close to my heart, so I am delighted to see the competition return to the cricket calendar and see my country given the opportunity to host such a special event.
“The format means that every game is so important, and I can’t wait to play my part as an Ambassador and witness the tournament first-hand,” he added.
With a wealth of expertise within the Champions Trophy, over the course of the approaching weeks, the ambassadors would offer followers with unrivalled insights into the competitors via visitor columns and match attendance, sharing their ideas on what guarantees to be an exciting occasion.
In the meantime, two-time champion Watson mentioned that the ICC event is a really distinctive occasion “that has provided us with so many unforgettable moments down the years”.
“With the top eight teams going head-to-head for the iconic white jackets, we are sure to see some extraordinary do-or-die cricket across three thrilling weeks,” he added.
Dhawan, who was named Participant of the Collection in India’s 2013 trophy-winning marketing campaign, mentioned it’s such a particular feeling to be a part of a Champions Trophy, and to be given the chance to benefit from the upcoming version as an Ambassador was an honour.
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll see the best sides in the world competing for the white jackets knowing that one mistake or one loss could spell the end of their hopes. It’s the ultimate competition where it’s all on the line, and that is what makes it such a thrilling spectacle,” he added.
It’s pertinent to say that the eight-team event, comprised of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, throughout three venues – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi — in Pakistan and Dubai.
The eight groups are divided into two teams. Group A options Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, whereas Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
Hosts Pakistan will tackle New Zealand within the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, whereas the blockbuster conflict between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
