KARACHI: Renowned national singers Shafqat Amanat Ali, Ali Zafar and Sahir Ali Bagga are set to light up the stage at the ‘grand’ opening ceremony of the newly-renovated National Bank Stadium here, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday.
According to Mohsin, the ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 11 to celebrate the timely renovation of the above-mentioned venue ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
During the grand opening ceremony, cricket fans can enjoy live singing, stunning fireworks and a unique light show.
“Get ready for another unforgettable night,” Mohsin wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
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“The grand inauguration of Karachi Stadium is happening on 11th February with spectacular musical performances by Ali Zafar, Shafqat Amanat and Ali Sahir Ali Bagga,” said Chairman PCB.
“Plus, a breathtaking fireworks & light show to light up the sky,” said Mohsin.
It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
The eight-team tournament will consist of 15 matches over 19 days and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.
In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host Champions Trophy 2025 matches. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.
Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.
Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days. The three group matches involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.
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