A view exhibits the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 throughout a ceremony at Diwan-e-Aam, Lahore Fort on February 16, 2025. — —X/@TheRealPCB
LAHORE: A grand opening ceremony for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was held on the historic Diwan-e-Aam of the Lahore Fort on Sunday evening.
Addressing the occasion, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi mentioned that the worldwide cricket neighborhood was carefully watching Pakistan’s readiness for the cricket event.
He described internet hosting the event as a “great honor” for the nation. Naqvi additional emphasised that Gaddafi and Nationwide stadiums have been revamped in document time to make sure a profitable occasion.
The chairman reiterated PCB’s dedication to showcasing Pakistan’s wealthy tradition and hospitality to the world, including that the event will mirror the heat and love of the Pakistani individuals.
(From left to proper): Punjab Meeting Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and a visitor through the opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore on February 16, 2025. — @TheRealPCB
Set in opposition to the majestic backdrop of Pakistan’s wealthy heritage, the occasion promised a blinding mixture of cricketing glory and cultural splendor. With esteemed cricket personalities, prime officers from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and die-hard followers in attendance, the evening guarantees to be a memorable one.
Punjab Meeting Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, provincial Minister for Sports activities and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Champions Trophy 2017 winner staff, model ambassador for the event Tim Southee, former South African batsman JP Duminy and others have been among the many attendees of the occasion.
Apart from Lahore, the cricket pageant is able to mild up the stadiums of Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
The event will kick off on February 19 (Wednesday) with the opening match within the port metropolis between Pakistan and New Zealand, which will likely be performed after a small ceremony on the Nationwide Financial institution Cricket Stadium.
In the meantime, Indian staff has arrived in Dubai, the place Bangladesh are already practising for the mega occasion. The 2 sides will face one another within the event on February 20.
Earlier than that, the Tigers will compete in opposition to Pakistan’s Shaheens in a follow match on February 17. In the meantime, the Afghanistan staff will play their second follow match in opposition to New Zealand in Karachi as we speak.
Nevertheless, probably the most anticipated conflict, as at all times, would be the high-stakes showdown between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, set to happen on February 23 in Dubai.
All of the Champions Trophy matches will likely be telecast stay on Geo Tremendous. Right here is the whole schedule of the event.
Champions Trophy schedule
February 19, Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
February 20, Bangladesh vs India, Dubai, UAE
February 21, Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
February 22, Australia vs England, Lahore
February 23, Pakistan vs India, Dubai
February 24, Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25, Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 26, Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
February 27, Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
February 28, Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
March 1, South Africa vs England, Karachi
March 2, New Zealand vs India, Dubai, UAE
March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai, UAE
March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore
March 9, Closing, Lahore (except India qualify, when will probably be performed in Dubai)
March 10, Reserve day
