LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday unveiled an exciting lineup of performances for the post-renovation inauguration ceremony of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, set to take place on Friday, ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on social media that renowned Pakistani singers Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, and Arif Lohar will entertain the audience during the event. The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 7 pm, will also feature a dazzling fireworks display, marking the stadium’s grand reopening.

The PCB has made the event free of charge, allowing fans to witness the celebrations without any cost. Additionally, the PCB Chairman will host a special dinner to honor the workers who have contributed to the extensive renovation of the stadium, which has undergone months of work to prepare for the prestigious tournament. This announcement follows PCB’s earlier statement that both Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium would be inaugurated in February, with renovations completed in time to host the Champions Trophy 2025.

The Gaddafi Stadium is set to host its first Champions Trophy match on February 22 between England and Australia. The Champions Trophy will begin on February 19, with the opening match featuring hosts Pakistan against New Zealand in Karachi. Gaddafi Stadium will host a total of four matches, including a highly anticipated clash between traditional rivals England and Australia on February 22. The tournament, consisting of 15 matches, will run until March 9, with Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in Group A, while Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia make up Group B.

The final match of the tournament will be held in Lahore on March 9, unless India qualifies, in which case the final will be played in Dubai. Champions Trophy Matches at Gaddafi Stadium: February 22 - Australia v England February 26 - Afghanistan v England February 28 - Afghanistan v Australia March 5 - Semi-final 2 March 9 - Final (if India doesn’t qualify)