The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially finalized the schedule for the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, setting the stage for a spectacular launch of the much-anticipated tournament.
Opening Ceremony Schedule
The tournament will begin on February 19, but the celebrations will start much earlier with multiple opening ceremonies planned across different venues:
- February 7 – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Chief Guest: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif)
- February 11 – National Stadium, Karachi (Chief Guest: President Asif Ali Zardari)
- February 16 – Hazoori Bagh, Lahore (Official Opening Ceremony)
The official grand opening on February 16 will feature top cricketers, ICC officials, and national figures, marking a historic moment as Pakistan hosts the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years.
Champions Trophy 2025 Tournament Format
The tournament will be played in a hybrid model, with India’s matches and knockout rounds hosted in Dubai due to political reasons.
The eight participating teams are divided into two groups:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia
Key Matches:
- February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi (Opening Match)
- February 23 – Pakistan vs India, Dubai (Most Anticipated Clash)
Renovations & Preparations
Both Lahore and Karachi stadiums have undergone extensive renovations to meet international standards. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently updated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the preparations, earning praise for his efforts in making this event a success.
Ticket Information
How to Buy:
- For Pakistan matches: Available via ICC’s official ticketing portal and TCS Express Centers starting February 3.
- For UAE matches (including India’s games): Ticket details will be announced soon on the ICC website.
Ticket Prices:
- General Stand: Starting at Rs1,000
- Premium Seating: Starting at Rs1,500
Fans are encouraged to book tickets early to witness one of the biggest cricket events of 2025!