Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Karachi with opening match today
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Members of the media and officials gather around the ICC Champions Trophy kept on display during a ceremony at the Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on February 6, 2025. — AFP
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KARACHI: Pakistan identified the return of the ICC event after 29 years when the ICC Champions Trophy will start in Karachi today. The opening match of the tournament will be played at the National Stadium, where Pakistan will face New Zealand.
President Asif Ali Zardari will attend the opening match – which is scheduled to start with PST at 2 pm this evening – as a guest. The program will also be presented by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sheikhs team.
The match has identified the return of Pakistan’s international cricket programs since the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1996, which ended with Sri Lanka’s victory in Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi celebrated the start of the tournament, and considered it a victory for a peaceful and secure Pakistan. He expressed his national pride in hosting a prestigious program and emphasized that the Champions Trophy is more symbolized than mere competition – it is also a celebration of culture and tradition.
Naqvi welcomed all the participating teams, and acknowledged the spirit of Pakistani people for cricket. He emphasized that the nation has once again proved its deep love for the game.
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir expressed his enthusiasm and said that it is a moment proud to host such a major incident in Pakistan. He hoped that the national team would perform well in the tournament.
Commenting on the team’s strategy while speaking in Geo News ‘Program’ Geo Pakistan, Aamir said that Babar was perfect for the number 3 position instead of opening. He recognized Babar’s experience and his ability to score, and called it an excellent player.
Considering the overall performance of the team, Aamir noted that sometimes Pakistan’s performance has been contradictory. However, he urged the fans not to lose hope.
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.
In the ICC Champions Trophy lead, Pakistan’s three places-Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Bank Cricket Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium-have offered global facilities to the players and fans.
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.
Security preparation
More than 6,700 personnel have been deployed to ensure security during the ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi and other law enforcement agencies.
According to security officials, SSU has assigned 1,045 commandos, including female officers, to manage security operations. In addition, 1,745 personnel of the Security Division, 1,390 from Traffic Police, and 328 officers of the Special Branch are deployed to key locations.
Security personnel have been deployed in Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium, airports, designated routes, parking areas, hotels and other important points. Additional security L -Sharp shooter has also been positioned at sensitive locations.
A special unit of highly trained commandos is on high alert and will perform routine patrols around the stadium.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful and safe environment. He confirmed that security arrangements have been integrated with all relevant agencies to ensure a smooth incident.
In addition, authorities have issued strict enrollment guidelines for fans who participated in the Champions Trophy matches at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi. Fans should also have their original national identity card with a physical copy of their match tickets to enroll.
Online tickets will not be accepted at the stadium gates. Speakers who buy online tickets will have to collect physical copies from the designated courier service centers before reaching the venue.
Bringing any food or drinks from outside is strictly forbidden. Items such as drinks, glasses, plastic bottles, intoxicants and other prohibited material are not allowed. However, food and freshness will be available at the stalls inside the stadium.
A complete ban has been imposed on weapons, toy guns, explosives, fireworks, cigarettes, match boxes, lighter, handbags, sharp items, and any metal or wood. In addition, the use of drone cameras inside and around the stadium is strictly forbidden.
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 at 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 hard and learned from our mistakes. We hope that we are playing well tomorrow, ‘Allah, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan.
“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, Khazal Shah, Mohammad Hasan, 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
