PCB reveals dazzling lineup for Gaddafi Stadium's post-renovation inauguration tomorrow
1. Ceremony will commence at 7pm; provisions free entry for all
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled an exciting lineup of stars for the highly anticipated inauguration ceremony of Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, set to take place on Friday (tomorrow) ahead of the much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi took to X to share a poster revealing that renowned singers Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, and Arif Lohar will grace the stage during the event. The inauguration ceremony, scheduled to begin at 7 pm, will also feature a spectacular fireworks display.
In an exciting move, the PCB has announced that the ceremony will be free of charge for attendees, allowing the public to enjoy the celebration at no cost.
Additionally, the PCB Chairman will host a special dinner tomorrow in honor of the workers who played a vital role in the extensive renovation of the venue over the past few months.
This announcement follows Naqvi’s earlier statement during a press conference last month, where he confirmed that both Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium would be inaugurated on February 7 and 11, respectively. The renovations were undertaken to prepare these venues for the Champions Trophy matches, alongside Rawalpindi's stadium.
Gaddafi Stadium is set to host its first Champions Trophy match on February 22, when cricketing rivals England and Australia will face off in what promises to be an exciting clash.
The eight-team tournament, consisting of 15 matches, will begin on February 19 and conclude on March 9.
The teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
Pakistan will kick off the tournament with a match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, while the much-anticipated showdown between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is set for February 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan will host a total of 10 matches, with four matches — including all three of India’s group-stage games and the first semi-final — being played in Dubai.
The final is scheduled to be held in Lahore, unless India qualifies, in which case it will take place in Dubai.
Here are the Champions Trophy matches at Gaddafi Stadium:
- February 22 — Australia v England
- February 26 — Afghanistan v England
- February 28 — Afghanistan v Australia
- March 5 — Semi-final 2
- March 9 — Final (unless India qualify, then in Dubai)
