ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Trophy Tour Continues Across Pakistan
The glittering ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy has entered the second leg of its Pakistan tour, beginning with a visit to the historical Hiran Minar complex in Sheikhupura. Over the next 14 days, the trophy will travel to ten different cities across Pakistan, building excitement ahead of the global event.
The trophy’s journey initially began in Pakistan on November 16, before traveling to the seven participating countries from November 26 to January 26. Now back in Pakistan, it will be displayed in key cities, including Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Quetta.
Iconic Locations on the Trophy Tour
During this tour, the trophy will make stops at some of Pakistan’s most iconic locations, such as:
- Multan Fort (Multan)
- Noor Mahal (Bahawalpur)
- Arbab Niaz Stadium (Peshawar)
- National Bank Stadium (Karachi)
- Niaz Stadium (Hyderabad)
- Iqbal Stadium (Faisalabad)
A major highlight will be its appearance at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 8, during the opening match of the tri-nation series between Pakistan and New Zealand. The tour will conclude in Karachi on February 14, just days before the tournament kicks off on February 19.
Asad Shafiq Clarifies Pakistan’s Opening Pair Strategy
Asad Shafiq, a member of Pakistan’s selection committee, has addressed concerns about Pakistan’s opening pair for the upcoming tri-nation series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
With Fakhar Zaman as the only specialist opener, and both Saim Ayub (injured) and Abdullah Shafique (dropped) unavailable, the team is exploring different combinations. According to Shafiq, either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel will partner Fakhar at the top, depending on conditions and match strategy.
“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy,” Shafiq stated in a PCB press release.
He emphasized that both players are capable in this role, with Babar having opened in T20Is and proving his adaptability by scoring two half-centuries in the Cape Town Test during Saim Ayub’s absence.
ICC Announces Match Officials for the Tri-Series
The ICC has confirmed the match officials for the tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
- Match Referee: David Boon (Australia) – ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees
- On-Field Umpires: Michael Gough (England), Richard Illingworth (England), Faisal Khan Aafreedi (Pakistan), Rashid Riaz (Pakistan), Asif Yaqoob (Pakistan), Ahsan Raza (Pakistan)
Key Matches & Officials
- Pakistan vs New Zealand (Feb 8, Lahore)
- On-field umpires: Michael Gough, Faisal Khan Aafreedi
- Third umpire: Richard Illingworth
- Fourth umpire: Rashid Riaz
- New Zealand vs South Africa (Feb 10, Lahore)
- On-field umpires: Richard Illingworth, Rashid Riaz
- Third umpire: Michael Gough
- Fourth umpire: Asif Yaqoob
- Pakistan vs South Africa (Feb 12, Karachi)
- On-field umpires: Asif Yaqoob, Michael Gough
- Third umpire: Richard Illingworth
- Fourth umpire: Faisal Khan Aafreedi
- Final (Feb 14, Karachi)
- On-field umpires: Ahsan Raza, Richard Illingworth
- Third umpire: Michael Gough
- Fourth umpire: Asif Yaqoob
With the trophy tour in full swing, Pakistan’s squad finalizing their strategy, and top ICC officials overseeing the series, the countdown to the Champions Trophy 2025 is truly underway!
Who do you think should open with Fakhar Zaman—Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🏏
