KARACHI: Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, featuring the world's top eight cricket teams.

The tournament will begin on February 19 with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi, and the final is scheduled for March 9.   Teams participating include Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.The opening ceremony will take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, with special plans for fans. According to reports, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets, including the JF-17 Thunder and F-16, will perform aerobatic displays during the ceremony.

  The renowned 'Sherdil' team will execute these daring maneuvers, adding excitement to the event. Rehearsals for the aerial stunts were underway on Friday.  This marks Pakistan’s first major multi-country cricket tournament in nearly 30 years, the first since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.   Pakistan has previously hosted international sporting events such as the Hockey World Cup (1990) and the World Amateur Snooker Championship (1993).  The ICC also revealed a prize pool for the tournament, increasing by 53% from the last edition. The winning team will receive $2.24 million, with runner-up and semi-finalists getting substantial payouts. Teams will also earn $34,000 for each group-stage match they win, with participation rewarded with $125,000 for every team.