LAHORE: The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took place at the historic Lahore Fort on Sunday, attended by national and international cricketers, including ICC CEO Geoff Allardice.
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Punjab’s Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan, former cricketers, including members of Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy squad, graced the event.
Players like Sarfaraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Haris Sohail attended, along with international stars JP Duminy and Tim Southee.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice also participated, with Naqvi welcoming the guests at the opening ceremony.
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Speaking at the event, the ICC chief executive expressed excitement about Pakistan hosting the prestigious tournament.
“Pakistan has a great opportunity to showcase its passion for cricket. I remember watching them lift the Champions Trophy at The Oval in 2017,” said Allardice.
He praised the rapid renovation of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium Karachi, calling the 117-day transformation a remarkable achievement.
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The PCB chairman said Pakistan hosting the ICC Champions Trophy is a historic moment. “An entire generation missed out on such global events, but we are fully prepared to deliver an unforgettable tournament.”
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Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed recalled about the team’s 2017 victory, saying, “It would take a whole day to talk about that final!” He recalled the grand reception the team received upon returning home.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, New Zealand former pacer Tim Southee acknowledged Pakistan as a strong opponent. “The opening match of the Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand will be thrilling,” he said.
Australian cricketer and tournament ambassador Shane Watson, in a video message, called the Champions Trophy a ‘mini World Cup’ due to the participation of only eight elite teams.
Meanwhile, Indian former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan highlighted the intensity of Indo-Pak matches. “Whenever India and Pakistan face off, it feels like magic is in the air.”
The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi on February 19.