Pakistan opened the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a low-profile ceremony at Lahore Fort. The event featured Pakistan’s 2017 winning team, featuring former captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, and Wahab Riaz, without teams.
Sarfraz said he hoped to defend his championship at home after the 2017 win. The Ian Bishop conversation included international cricket veterans J.P. Duminy and Tim Southee. Duminy predicted Afghanistan’s underdog status based on tournament characteristics.
Pakistan participates in Group A with New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh, while Afghanistan, Australia, South Africa, and England are in Group B. The competition runs from February 19 to March 9. India will play all their matches in the UAE without a captains’ photoshoot or pre-tournament press conference because they won’t visit Pakistan.
ICC CEO Geoff Allardice lauded Pakistan’s cricket passion and the PCB’s stadium upgrades in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the event would highlight Pakistan’s hospitality and culture.
Pakistan is hosting its first ICC tournament since the 1996 World Cup; thus, this Champions Trophy promises excitement and goodwill off the pitch.
