Pakistan all set to defend title as Champions Trophy 2025 begins tomorrow
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ICC Champions Trophy title at Islamabad's Faisal Mosque on November 16, 2024 - X/@TheRealPCB
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The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin in Pakistan, with the winners of the 2017 edition on Wednesday (tomorrow), which fought New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament at the National Stadium in Karachi.
The first ball of the match will be bowled at PST at 2pm.
Pakistan is ready to host the ICC event for the first time since the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, which ended with a final at Gaddafi Stadium, where Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets.
After attacking a bus carrying a Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Pakistan became a nine -go zone for international parties in 2009, injuring several players and killing eight policemen and civilians. But with a massive crackdown that began in 2014 and continued for many years, security in the South Asian nation has improved greatly.
Test cricket 2019 and returned to Pakistan in Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa, later visited the country, which helped Pakistan bid to host the tournament.
The tournament of eight teams will be played in three places in Pakistan-Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi-Similarly in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (United Arab Emirates) from February 19 to March 9.
This has not been a construction work after neighbors and rivals refuse to play in Pakistan during long -standing political tensions. India will play their matches in Dubai instead, a game -and -out game powerhouse, India.
The country has accelerated security, especially in the host cities in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, even if attacks in major cities are rapidly less.
In the ICC Champions Trophy lead, three places in Pakistan-Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium-have offered global facilities to players and spectators.
“Pakistan is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy,” said Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Fans will be provided with all possible facilities at the stadium.
“After 29 years, it is a matter of pride for Pakistan to hold the ICC tournament after 29 years and we will honor the country by hosting the Champions Trophy successfully.”
The Cricket Board, in a statement jointly stated that an air show will be presented by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Acrobatic team ‘Sher Dulles’ and the famous F -16 fighter jets at the highly expected opening ceremony, while the president. Asif Ali Zardari will be the guest of honor.
The journey to Pakistan
Pakistan entered the tournament as a defending champion, which defeated India in the final of the 2017 edition. The team was led by Sarfraz Ahmed. Fakhr Zaman was the final player for his 114 off 106, while Hassan Ali was named the tournament player to support 13 wickets in five games.
Eight teams are divided into two groups with host Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand, while Group B in Group B comprises Afghanistan, the current One -Day World Cup champions Australia, England and South Africa.
Following his inaugural clash against New Zealand, Pakistan will play their next two group matches against India on February 23 in Dubai and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
In the group stage, three matches will be played in Dubai, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The first semi -final will be played in Dubai on March 4. The newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the second semi -final on March 5. If India does not qualify, the final will be at Gaddafi Stadium on March 9, however, if they qualify, it will be in Dubai. International Cricket Stadium.
In addition to winning the tournament in 2017, Pakistan has also reached the semi -finals of the match on three occasions: 2000, 2004 and 2009.
“A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, so I am sure the whole nation is celebrating this historic opportunity. There is no doubt about our performance, we have worked and learned from our mistakes. We hope that we are playing well with Insha Allah tomorrow, “said Mohammad Rizwan, captain of Pakistan.
“Our only focus is on winning the tournament for the country and our people and we hope we will get the desired results.”
Pakistan 15 Player Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain and Wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fahim Ashraf, Fakhr Zaman, Harsh Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khusadel Shah, Mohammad Hasanan, Nesum Shah, Salman Ali Egha (Vice-Sopton), Saud Shad Shah Afridi, Taib Tahir and Usman Khan.
Pakistan Group Stage Fixer in ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
February 19. Vs New Zealand, Karachi
February 23 – Vs. India, Dubai
February 27 Vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
– with additional input from AFP
