Cricket fever is at an all-time high as Pakistan gears up to host an ICC event for the first time in 29 years. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off today in Karachi, with the opening match at the National Bank Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan will take on New Zealand.
The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony, which will also feature a spectacular aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdils team. The first ball of the match is scheduled to be bowled at 2 PM PST.
Pakistan’s Return as an ICC Event Host
The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC event was the 1996 Cricket World Cup, with the final played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called the event a testament to a peaceful and secure Pakistan. He emphasized that hosting the tournament is a source of pride for the entire nation, describing it as a celebration of cricket, culture, and tradition.
Naqvi extended a warm welcome to all participating teams, highlighting Pakistan’s deep-rooted passion for cricket. Fast bowler Mohammad Amir echoed this sentiment, expressing his pride in Pakistan hosting such a major event and his hopes for a strong national team performance.
Tournament Venues and Challenges
The eight-team tournament will be played across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with some matches hosted in Dubai, UAE, from February 19 to March 9.
In preparation for the event, Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), National Bank Cricket Stadium (Karachi), and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have undergone major renovations, offering world-class facilities for players and spectators.
However, the buildup to the tournament has not been without hurdles. Due to longstanding political tensions, India refused to play in Pakistan and will instead play their matches in Dubai.
To ensure safety, Pakistan has ramped up security, particularly in the host cities. Despite fewer security threats in recent years, authorities are taking no chances.
Security Measures in Karachi
More than 6,700 personnel from the Special Security Unit (SSU) and law enforcement agencies have been deployed in Karachi. The SSU has assigned 1,045 commandos, including female officers, while 1,745 Security Division personnel, 1,390 Traffic Police officers, and 328 Special Branch officials have been stationed at key locations.
Security personnel are present at the stadium, airport, designated routes, parking areas, hotels, and other critical locations. Sharpshooters have been deployed at sensitive sites, and highly trained commandos will conduct routine patrols.
Spectator Guidelines
Authorities have issued strict entry guidelines for fans attending matches at National Bank Cricket Stadium, Karachi:
- Spectators must carry their original national identity card and a physical copy of their match ticket for entry.
- Online tickets will not be accepted at stadium gates. Fans who purchased tickets online must collect physical copies beforehand.
- Outside food and beverages are prohibited. However, refreshments will be available at designated stalls inside the stadium.
- Items such as weapons, toy guns, fireworks, cigarettes, lighters, handbags, sharp objects, and drones are strictly banned.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy History
Pakistan enters the tournament as defending champions, having won the 2017 edition by defeating India in the final.
- Fakhar Zaman was the Player of the Final, scoring 114 off 106 deliveries.
- Hasan Ali was named Player of the Tournament, taking 13 wickets in five games.
Pakistan has also reached the semi-finals in 2000, 2004, and 2009.
Tournament Format
The eight participating teams are divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand
- Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa
Pakistan’s Group Stage Matches
- Feb 19 – vs New Zealand (Karachi)
- Feb 23 – vs India (Dubai)
- Feb 27 – vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
Three matches each will be played in Dubai, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
Knockout Rounds
- First Semi-Final: March 4 in Dubai
- Second Semi-Final: March 5 in Lahore
- Final: If India qualifies, it will be held in Dubai; otherwise, it will be at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on March 9.
Pakistan’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Captain: Mohammad Rizwan (Wicket-Keeper)
Vice-Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Squad Members: Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan
Pakistan’s Aspirations
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan described hosting the event as a historic moment. “A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, and the entire nation is celebrating. We have worked hard, learned from our mistakes, and our only goal is to win the tournament for our country.”
With home advantage, passionate fans, and a strong squad, Pakistan aims to defend their Champions Trophy title and add another glorious chapter to their cricketing history.
