ICC Champions Trophy 2025’s dazzling opening ceremony takes place at Lahore Fort
The much-anticipated cricket tournament will kick off on February 19
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at the historic Diwan-e-Aam in Lahore Fort on Sunday night.
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Addressing the event, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi highlighted Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming cricket tournament, stating that the global cricket fraternity is keenly observing the country’s readiness.
Calling it a “great honour” to host the event, Naqvi emphasized that Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium were revamped in record time to ensure a seamless tournament.
Reaffirming PCB’s commitment, Naqvi expressed confidence that the event would not only showcase top-tier cricket but also reflect Pakistan’s rich culture, hospitality, and the warmth of its people to the world.
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Speaking at the opening ceremony, International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Geoff Allardice has praised the rapid redevelopment of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium.
“Pakistan has a golden opportunity to showcase its passion for cricket,” he said. “I witnessed Pakistan’s victory in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval, and I look forward to seeing great cricket here.”
He commended the upgraded infrastructure of both stadiums, particularly highlighting the swift completion of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. “The transformation of Gaddafi Stadium in just 117 days is a major accomplishment,” he noted.
The ICC CEO also assured fans of an action-packed tournament. He said, “Over the next two weeks, cricket lovers will witness some of the best cricket in Pakistan.”
The much-anticipated cricket tournament will kick off on February 19 (Wednesday) with the opening match in the port city between Pakistan and New Zealand, which will be played after a small ceremony at the National Bank Cricket Stadium.
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, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
March 10, Reserve day
