ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB plans blockbuster opening ceremonies, full schedule for events leaked

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalized the plans for the opening ceremonies of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on February 19. Notably, the Pakistan Cricket Board is also set to complete the renovation of three venues, which will be handed over to the ICC soon.

The upcoming Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan and Dubai. India will play all their matches in Dubai, while the non-India games will be hosted in Pakistan at venues in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. It’s worth mentioning that these three venues in Pakistan are currently undergoing renovation.

PCB Finalizes Plans for Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony

🚨 Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony:

First event: 7 Feb, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Second event: Feb 11, Karachi

Main opening ceremony: Feb 16, Hazoori Bagh, Lahore

No Captains Meet or Press Conference. pic.twitter.com/603vWb4QAx

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 30, 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board has received final approval from Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for all events related to the tournament. The main opening ceremony will be held on February 16 at Hazuri Bagh in Lahore, with high-profile dignitaries expected to attend the grand event.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host its opening on February 7, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the likely chief guest. The celebrations will then move to the National Stadium in Karachi on February 11, where President Asif Ali Zardari is expected to attend the opening ceremony.

"Fakhta has said that the Pakistan Cricket Board has prepared the schedule for the opening ceremonies of the Champions Trophy. PCB is ready to present the Champions Trophy in a grand manner; Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has given final approval to all the ceremonies," Qadir Khawaja tweeted.

Breaking News
فاختہ نے بتایا ہے کہ پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ نے چیمپینز ٹرافی کی افتتاحی تقریبات کا شیڈول تیار کر لیا, پی سی بی چیمپینز ٹرافی کو بھرپور طریقے سے پیش کرنے کے لیے تیار, چیئرمین محسن نقوی نے تمام تقریبات کی حتمی منظوری دے دی, 7 فروری کو قذافی سٹیڈیم کی افتتاحی تقریب منعقد…

— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) January 30, 2025

CT to Kick Off with Pakistan vs New Zealand Match

The ICC 50-over event will begin with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. Pakistan will host a minimum of 10 matches, while Dubai will host three matches involving India and the first semi-final.

If India doesn't qualify for the March 9 final, it will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore; otherwise, it will be held in Dubai. Gaddafi Stadium is set to host three group games, the second semi-final, and the final (if India doesn't make it). Karachi and Rawalpindi will each host three group games.

England and Australia to Miss Warm-up Matches for Champions Trophy

According to reports, both England and Australia will miss the warm-up matches for the Champions Trophy due to their late arrivals. England is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on February 18, and Australia will land on February 19. England has chosen a one-week break after the month-long tour in India.

Australia will conclude their series in Sri Lanka on February 14 before heading to Lahore. Bangladesh and India are scheduled to reach Dubai by February 15, and Afghanistan will arrive in Islamabad on February 12. New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa will participate in a tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan.

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