Lahore, January 30, 2025: With excitement building for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized plans for a spectacular series of opening ceremonies set to take place across the country.
The celebrations will commence on February 7 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, followed by another grand event at National Stadium, Karachi, on February 11. The official opening ceremony, however, will be held at Hazuri Bagh, Lahore, on February 16, adding a touch of tradition and history to the tournament’s launch.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has given his final approval for the arrangements, ensuring a grand spectacle ahead of the much-anticipated tournament.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the Lahore ceremony, while President Asif Ali Zardari is likely to make an appearance at the Karachi event, lending further prestige to the celebrations.
The arrival schedules of some major cricketing nations have caused minor adjustments in the pre-tournament activities. England and Australia have delayed their travel to recover from tours in India and Sri Lanka, respectively. They will land in Lahore and Karachi on February 18 and 19, skipping mandatory warm-up matches due to travel fatigue. Bangladesh and India will arrive in Dubai on February 15, while Afghanistan will reach Islamabad on February 12.
The tournament opener will see Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.
Pakistan will serve as the primary host, with at least 10 matches scheduled across the country. Additionally, Dubai will host three fixtures and the first semi-final.
The venue for the final, scheduled for March 9, will depend on India’s progress in the tournament. If India fails to reach the final, the match will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. If India qualifies, the final will be held in Dubai to accommodate security and logistical concerns.
