Pakistan all set to defend title as Champions Trophy 2025 begins today

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Set to Begin in Pakistan

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off today (Wednesday) in Pakistan, with the defending champions of the 2017 edition, Pakistan, facing New Zealand in the tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match is scheduled to begin at 2 PM PST.

This marks Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC event since the 1996 Cricket World Cup, which concluded at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium with Sri Lanka defeating Australia by seven wickets in the final.

Cricket Returns to Pakistan

International cricket in Pakistan suffered a major setback in 2009 when a terrorist attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus in Lahore led to the country being deemed unsafe for visiting teams. However, a comprehensive security crackdown starting in 2014 significantly improved safety conditions. Test cricket returned in 2019, followed by tours from Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa, strengthening Pakistan’s case to host the tournament.

Tournament Venues and India’s Stance

The eight-team competition will be played at three venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—as well as in Dubai, UAE. The tournament runs from February 19 to March 9. However, arch-rivals India have refused to play in Pakistan due to long-standing political tensions and will play all their matches in Dubai.

Pakistan has ramped up security measures, particularly in the host cities, ensuring a safe environment for players and spectators. In preparation for the tournament, major upgrades have been carried out at Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), National Stadium (Karachi), and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to provide top-tier facilities.

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Statement

“Pakistan is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “All teams will be provided international-standard facilities, and fans will enjoy the best possible experience at the stadiums. Hosting an ICC tournament after 29 years is a proud moment for Pakistan, and we are committed to making it a success.”

The opening ceremony will feature an air show by the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) acrobatic team, 'Sher Dils,' and iconic F-16 fighter jets. President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest.

Pakistan’s Journey and Group Stage Matches

Pakistan enters the tournament as the reigning champions, having defeated India in the 2017 final. Fakhar Zaman was the standout performer in that match with a century (114 off 106), while Hasan Ali was named Player of the Tournament for his 13 wickets in five games.

The eight participating teams are divided into two groups:

• Group A: Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand
• Group B: Afghanistan, Australia (current ODI World Cup champions), England, South Africa

Pakistan’s group stage fixtures:

• Feb 19: vs New Zealand (Karachi)
• Feb 23: vs India (Dubai)
• Feb 27: vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)

Three group-stage matches will be played in each of the four venues—Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.

Semi-Finals & Final

• March 4: First semi-final (Dubai)
• March 5: Second semi-final (Lahore)
• March 9: Final (Lahore, unless India qualifies; in that case, Dubai will host the final)

Pakistan has previously reached the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy in 2000, 2004, and 2009.

Pakistan’s Captain Speaks

"A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, and I believe the entire nation is celebrating this historic occasion,” said Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan. “We have worked hard, learned from our mistakes, and are focused on winning the tournament for our country.”

Pakistan’s 15-Player Squad

• Captain & Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan
• 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