The ICC Champions trophy 2025 opening ceremony took place at the historic Lahore Fort on Sunday. The event featured a mix of cricket and cultural performances highlighting Pakistan’s rich heritage.
Speaking at the event Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the global cricket community was closely observing Pakistan’s preparations. He called hosting the tournament a “great honor” and emphasized that both Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi were upgraded in record time.
Naqvi also stated that Pakistan is eager to showcase its culture and hospitality. He added that the tournament would reflect the warmth and passion of the Pakistani people.
Traditionally opening ceremonies include all teams and a captains’ photo shoot before the first match. However, this time in ICC Champions trophy 2025 opening ceremony no such event takes place. The Indian government refused to send its team to Pakistan for matches the inauguration or the photo shoot. As a result all of India’s matches will be played in Dubai.
Apart from Lahore matches will also take place in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Dubai.
The tournament will officially begin on February 19,with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. A short ceremony will be held before the game.
Meanwhile India has arrived in Dubai where Bangladesh is already training. The two teams will face each other on February 20. Before that Bangladesh will play a practice match against Pakistan Shaheens on February 17. The Afghanistan team also face New Zealand in a practice match in Karachi today.
The most anticipated match of the tournament will be the Pakistan vs India clash on February 23 in Dubai.
Read more: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Live matches Broadcast details
ICC Champions trophy 2025 Schedule
- February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi)
- February 20 – Bangladesh vs India (Dubai)
- 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)
- March 4 – Semi-final 1 (Dubai)
- March 5 – Semi-final 2 (Lahore)
- March 9 – Final (Lahore) (Dubai if India qualifies)
