Lahore: The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took place at the historic Lahore Fort on Sunday, attended by national and international cricketing stars, including ICC CEO Geoff Allardice.
Punjab’s Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan, and former cricketers, including members of Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy squad, graced the prestigious event.
Star players such as Sarfaraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Haris Sohail were present, alongside international cricketing figures like JP Duminy and Tim Southee.
Pakistan Has a Golden Opportunity: ICC CEO
Speaking to the event held at Lahore Fort, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his enthusiasm for Pakistan hosting the global tournament.
“Pakistan has a great opportunity to showcase its passion for cricket. I remember watching them lift the ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval in 2017,” said Allardice.
He also commended the rapid renovations of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium Karachi, calling the 117-day transformation a remarkable achievement.
A Historic Moment for Pakistan: PCB Chairman
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy a historic milestone. “An entire generation missed out on such global events, but we are fully prepared to deliver an unforgettable tournament,” he stated.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed reminisced about the team’s 2017 victory, saying, “It would take a whole day to talk about that final!” He fondly recalled the grand reception the team received upon their return home.
New Zealand’s former pacer Tim Southee acknowledged Pakistan as a formidable opponent. “The opening match of the Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand will be thrilling,” he remarked.
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International Reactions and Expectations
Australian cricketer and tournament ambassador Shane Watson, in a video message, called the Champions Trophy a ‘mini World Cup’ due to the participation of only eight elite teams.
Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan highlighted the intensity of Indo-Pak matches. “Whenever India and Pakistan face off, it feels like magic is in the air,” he said.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi on February 19, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
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