LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalised the schedule for the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ensuring a grand launch for the prestigious tournament.
According to reliable sources, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has given final approval for all planned events, with high-profile dignitaries expected to attend.
The first major event will take place on February 7 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to be the chief guest.
The celebrations will then move to the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, on February 11, with President Asif Ali Zardari expected to attend.
The main Champions Trophy opening ceremony is scheduled for February 16 at Hazoori Bagh, Lahore, where top government officials, legendary cricketers, and ICC representatives will be present.
It’s worth noting that the England cricket team is set to arrive in Pakistan on February 18, followed by Australia on February 19.
Due to their delayed arrival, the official photoshoot has been cancelled, and the joint press conference of all captains will no longer take place.
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However, sources confirm that all captains will be required to attend individual pre-match press conferences ahead of their respective matches.
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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