A view exhibits the ICC Champions trophy throughout a ceremony on the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, Pakistan February 6, 2025. — ReutersPakistan vs New Zealand to open Champions Trophy in Karachi.President Zardari to attend as chief visitor at opening match.PAF’s Sherdils to carry out aerial show on the ceremony.
KARACHI: The cricket fever is excessive amongst followers as Pakistan is about to host an ICC occasion after a 29-year hiatus because the Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off at the moment in Karachi. The opening match will happen on the Nationwide Financial institution Cricket Stadium, the place Pakistan will face New Zealand.
President Asif Ali Zardari will attend the opening match because the chief visitor. The occasion may also function an aerial show by the Pakistan Air Power’s Sherdils staff.
The primary ball of the match will likely be bowled at 2pm PST.
Pakistan final hosted an ICC occasion in 1996 — ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, which concluded with the ultimate on the Gaddafi Stadium, the place Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hailed the match’s graduation as a victory for a peaceable and safe Pakistan. He acknowledged that all the nation, together with himself, takes pleasure in internet hosting the occasion. He additional remarked that the Champions Trophy is not only a match but additionally a celebration of tradition and custom.
Naqvi prolonged a heartfelt welcome to all collaborating groups, acknowledging the eagerness of the Pakistani folks for cricket. He emphasised that the nation has as soon as once more confirmed its deep love for the game.
Quick bowler Mohammad Amir expressed his pleasure, saying that internet hosting such a serious occasion in Pakistan is a second of pleasure. He hoped that the nationwide staff would carry out properly within the match.
Reflecting on the staff’s general efficiency, Amir famous that Pakistan’s performances have been inconsistent at occasions. Nevertheless, he urged followers to not lose hope.
The eight-team match will likely be performed throughout three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – in addition to in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February to 9 March.
Within the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy, the three venues in Pakistan – Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, Nationwide Financial institution Cricket Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone main upgrades, providing gamers and spectators world-class services.
The build-up has not been with out issues after neighbours and arch-rivals India refused to play in Pakistan over long-standing political tensions. A powerhouse of the game on and off the pitch, India will as an alternative play their matches in Dubai.
The nation has stepped up safety, particularly in host cities Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, even when assaults in main cities are more and more uncommon.
Safety state of affairs
Over 6,700 personnel from the Particular Safety Unit (SSU) and different legislation enforcement businesses have been deployed to make sure safety throughout the ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi.
In keeping with safety officers, the SSU has assigned 1,045 commandos, together with feminine officers, to handle safety operations. Moreover, 1,745 personnel from the Safety Division, 1,390 from the Site visitors Police, and 328 officers from the Particular Department have been stationed throughout key places.
Safety personnel have been deployed at Karachi’s Nationwide Financial institution Cricket Stadium, the airport, designated routes, parking areas, motels, and different essential factors. Sharpshooters have additionally been positioned at delicate places for added safety.
A specialised unit of extremely skilled commandos stays on excessive alert and can conduct routine patrols across the stadium.
Deputy Inspector Common (DIG) Safety emphasised the significance of sustaining a peaceable and safe ambiance. He confirmed that safety preparations have been coordinated with all related businesses to make sure a clean occasion.
Moreover, the authorities have issued strict entry tips for spectators attending Champions Trophy matches at Karachi’s Nationwide Financial institution Cricket Stadium. Followers should carry their unique nationwide identification card together with a bodily copy of their match ticket for entry.
On-line tickets won’t be accepted on the stadium gates. Spectators who bought tickets on-line should acquire the bodily copies from designated courier service centres earlier than arriving on the venue.
Bringing any meals or drinks from outdoors is strictly prohibited. Gadgets similar to drinks, glasses, plastic bottles, intoxicants, and different banned substances should not allowed. Nevertheless, meals and refreshments will likely be accessible at stalls contained in the stadium.
A whole ban has been positioned on carrying weapons, toy weapons, explosives, fireworks, cigarettes, matchboxes, lighters, purses, sharp objects, and any metallic or wood gadgets. Moreover, the usage of drone cameras inside and across the stadium is strictly forbidden.
Pakistan’s journey
Pakistan enter the match because the defending champions, having crushed India within the ultimate of the 2017 version. The staff was led by Sarfaraz Ahmed.Â
Fakhar Zaman was the participant of the ultimate for his imperious 114 off 106 deliveries, whereas Hasan Ali was named the participant of the match for his tally of 13 wickets in 5 video games.
The eight collaborating groups have been divided into two teams with hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand pooled in Group Some time Group B includes Afghanistan, present ODI World Cup champions Australia, England and South Africa.
Within the group stage, three matches apiece will likely be performed in Dubai, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The primary semi-final will likely be performed on March 4 in Dubai. The newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the second semi-final on March 5.Â
If India don’t qualify, the ultimate will happen on the Gaddafi Stadium on March 9, nonetheless, in the event that they qualify, will probably be held on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium.
Aside from successful the match in 2017, Pakistan has additionally reached the semi-finals of this competitors on three events: 2000, 2004 and 2009.
“A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, so I believe the entire nation is celebrating this historic occasion. There are no doubts about our performance, we have worked hard and learned from our mistakes. We hope that we play well tomorrow Insha’Allah,” stated Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan.
“Our sole focus is on winning the tournament for the country and our people and we hope that we achieve the desired results.”
Pakistan’s 15-player squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicket-keeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
Pakistan’s group stage fixtures within the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
19 Feb – vs New Zealand, Karachi
23 Feb – vs India, Dubai
27 Feb – vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
