The Champions Trophy 2025, the first ICC event in Pakistan after the 1996 World Cup, began on Sunday with a low-key opening ceremony at Lahore Fort. The ceremony was graced by a number of players from Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad, including former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Azhar Ali, and others.
Champions Trophy 2025 starts with modest opening ceremony
The ceremony also witnessed former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee, the ambassador of the tournament, and South African retired all-rounder JP Duminy. Pakistani singers performed, while fireworks illuminated the sky as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi delivered the welcome address. “Pakistan is set for the Champions Trophy,” declared Naqvi. He informed that four teams had already arrived in Karachi and England and Australia would arrive in 48 hours.
Naqvi highlighted the years of efforts to stage the tournament, citing the renovation of Gaddafi and National Stadiums, making them world-class venues.
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Reflecting on the 2017 Champions Trophy victory, Sarfaraz Ahmed shared his hopes for defending the title on home soil. “Those were unforgettable moments for us,” he said, recalling the win over India in the final.
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But the ceremony missed a customary captains’ function and photoshoot, as some of the teams had not arrived yet. Therefore, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma did not show up.
A second opening ceremony is planned for 19 February, marking the start of the tournament’s first match. India will play all its matches in Dubai, while Pakistan and the remaining seven teams will be based in Pakistan. The opening match is scheduled between Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium on 19 February, with the final taking place on 9 March. The tournament will feature 15 matches over 19 days.
