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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Low-Key Curtain-Raiser Held In Lahore
Follow UsMembers of the 2017 Champions Trophy winners were present at the event held on February 16 (Sunday)
A low-key ICC Champions Trophy 2025 curtain-raiser was held at the Lahore Fort on February 16 (Sunday) in Lahore. Members of Pakistan's triumphant Champions Trophy squad, Mohammad Amir, Azhar Ali, Junaid Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, and Haris Sohail, were present at the event. Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to the title eight years ago, was also present.
JP Duminy and Tim Southee were among the international contingent present at the event. The event started off with a music and dance shows and the stage was then set open for the speeches from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) representatives and others.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi addressed the gathering. "I assure every cricket fan and supporter that Pakistan is ready for the Champions Trophy. As we speak, four teams have already arrived in Karachi, while England and Australia will land in Lahore in the next 48 hours," Naqvi said.
"Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been a long effort requiring tireless dedication and sacrifices. To ensure a world-class experience we started the upgradation of Gaddafi and National Stadium. Thanks to the efforts of the workers, both venues have been transformed into state-of-the-art facilities in record time."
During a panel discussion, former skipper Sarfaraz said that he hopes Pakistan retain the title on home soil. "I hope the team can defend the title on home soil," he said.
None of the captains or team members from the eight participating teams were present at the event. Initially, there were talks of having a captain's photoshoot in Lahore; however, India refused to send their captain, Rohit Sharma. The entire plan was scrapped after that.
However, an opening ceremony is expected to be held ahead of the first game of the tournament between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.