CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 - HIGHLIGHTS
LAHORE: The opening ceremony of the eagerly-awaited Champions Trophy 2025 will take place on February 16 in Lahore, hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Pakistan Cricket Board official confirmed that chairman Mohsin Naqvi has approved a series of events leading up to the tournament, which officially begins on February 19 with the opening match between NewZealand and Pakistan in Karachi's National Stadium.
As part of the preparations, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be reopened on February 7, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif invited as the chief guest. Similarly, the National Stadium in Karachi, which has undergone renovations, will be inaugurated on February 11, where President Asif Ali Zardari has been invited to attend the event.
Special Arrangements for the Tournament
The opening ceremony will take place at Huzoori Bagh, near the historic Lahore Fort. The event is expected to feature top cricket officials, government dignitaries, former cricketing legends, and celebrities. Furthermore, a captains' press conference and photoshoot are being scheduled for the same day in Lahore.
One of the key talking points is whether Indian captain Rohit Sharma will reach Lahore for the event. Under the hybrid model agreed upon by the ICC, PCB, and BCCI, India will play all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai.
If the team qualifies for the final, the title clash will also be held in Dubai on March 9. However, an official confirmation regarding Rohit Sharma’s participation in the Lahore events is still pending.
