PCB Unveils Multi-Venue Opening for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a multi-venue opening celebration for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the main ceremony scheduled for February 16 at Hazuri Bagh, Lahore.

Before the grand event, separate opening ceremonies will be held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 7 and at National Stadium, Karachi, on February 11. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to attend the Lahore event, while President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest in Karachi.

However, England and Australia will miss all opening ceremonies due to late arrivals. England is set to reach Pakistan on February 18, while Australia will arrive a day later. Their delayed schedules also mean both teams will skip their warm-up matches.

Other teams, including Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, will already be in the country following a tri-nation ODI series. India and Bangladesh are set to land on February 15, while Afghanistan will arrive on February 12.

Pakistan will host at least ten matches of the tournament, while Dubai will stage three games featuring India, including the first semi-final. If India qualifies for the final, it will be held in Dubai; otherwise, Lahore will host the title clash on March 9. The tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand is set for February 19 in Karachi.