ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony date unveiled

The official opening ceremony for the Champions Trophy will take place on February 16 in Lahore.


News Desk January 30, 2025
The PCB is set to host ICC Champions Trophy in February and March. Photo: AFP/File

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalised the schedule for the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, setting the stage for a grand and spectacular launch of the prestigious tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19, will reportedly start with the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium is set for February 7, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to attend as the chief guest.

On February 11, the National Stadium in Karachi will host its opening ceremony, with President Asif Ali Zardari slated to be the guest of honour.

The official opening ceremony for the Champions Trophy will take place on February 16 in Lahore at Hazoori Bagh, followed by a brief ceremony at the venue.

Notable national figures, cricketers, and ICC officials are expected to be present to mark the occasion and celebrate the commencement of the event.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Champions Trophy 2025 will be held in a hybrid format, with India’s matches, including the knockout rounds, being played in Dubai.

The PCB aims to highlight the excitement of the Pakistani people as the country hosts the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years.

Both the Karachi and Lahore stadiums have undergone significant renovations to meet international standards, showcasing the extensive efforts put into hosting the event.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches from February 19 to March 9, with games held across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. The teams are divided into two groups:

Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia

Hosts Pakistan will begin the tournament against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. The much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Mohsin Naqvi briefs PM on Champions Trophy 2025 preparations

Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, where he provided an update on his recent trip to the United States. During his visit, Naqvi held discussions with senior American officials, business leaders, and investors.

Mohsin Naqvi also briefed the Prime Minister on the preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with Shehbaz Sharif praising Mohsin and his team at the PCB for their efforts.

Additionally, the Mohsin Naqvi updated the Prime Minister on the progress of ongoing development projects in Islamabad, which was appreciated by the Prime Minister for the swift pace of work.

Mohsin Naqvi also shared information on the progress made in operations against human traffickers and gave an overview of the overall law and order situation in the country.

How to purchase tickets

Tickets for matches held in Pakistan can be purchased through the official ICC Champions Trophy ticketing portal or via designated TCS Express Centers. Fans are urged to act quickly to secure their seats for this prestigious event.

Prices for general stand tickets in Pakistan start at Rs1,000, with premium seating beginning at Rs1,500. Multiple ticket categories are available for matches in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Physical tickets will be available from February 3 at TCS Express Centers across Pakistan. Further details on the outlets will be announced soon.

Ticket details for India’s games, which will take place in the UAE on February 20, 23, and 2 March, will be released shortly. Fans can register their interest in tickets through the ICC’s official platform.

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