LAHORE: The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is currently underway at Lahore Fort, with several high-profile guests in attendance. The event has garnered significant excitement, with cricket fans eagerly awaiting the start of the tournament.

Pakistani cricketers who were part of the team's victory in the 2017 edition, including skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Azhar Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, and Haris Sohail, are among those attending the ceremony. The presence of these accomplished players adds to the occasion's significance, reflecting Pakistan's rich cricketing legacy.

Renowned singer Atif Aslam is set to perform at the ceremony, further enhancing the star-studded event. The performance of the official anthem of the tournament is expected to be a highlight.

Notable international personalities, such as former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee and South Africa's JP Duminy, who are among the ambassadors for ICC Champions Trophy 2025, are also in attendance. Along with them, ICC officials, including former CEO Jeff Allardice, Event Head Sarah Edgar, and former Pakistani cricketer Wahab Riaz, have made their presence felt.

The event has attracted key figures from Pakistan's political and sports circles as well. Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan and Sports Minister Faisal Javed Khan have also arrived at the venue to show their support for the prestigious tournament.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the global cricket community's close attention to Pakistan's readiness for hosting the Champions Trophy. He expressed that hosting the tournament is a matter of great honor for the country and an opportunity to showcase Pakistan's cricketing prowess to the world.

Naqvi further emphasized that Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium have been prepared in record time to ensure a successful and memorable event. The PCB chairman stressed that the tournament will serve as a platform for Pakistan to demonstrate its cultural richness, hospitality, and love for cricket, as the country's warmth will be reflected in every match.

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off on 19 February, with Pakistan, the defending champions, taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser at Karachi's National Bank Stadium. The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches over 19 days and will be held in Pakistan and Dubai.

Matches in Pakistan will take place across three venues: Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi, with each venue hosting three group-stage games. Lahore is set to host the second semi-final, while the final will take place on 9 March, unless India qualifies, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

The three group matches involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai due to political tensions. Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating this historic tournament, which promises to deliver exciting action on the field while showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Pakistan to the world.