![Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony [Source: @icc, @therealpcb/instagram.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739774367487_ChampionsTrophyopeningceremony(1).jpg?type=mq)
Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony [Source: @icc, @therealpcb/instagram.com]
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 got officially underway with a glitzy opening ceremony at the historic Diwan-e-Aam of Lahore Fort on Sunday. With star-studded appearances, an electrifying fly-past by the Pakistan Air Force, and a celebration of Pakistan’s cricketing legacy, the event had everything to get the adrenaline pumping ahead of the big tournament.
Champions Trophy 2025 Launched in Grand Style
The global cricket fraternity had its eyes fixed on Lahore, and the host nation delivered a show to remember. The opening ceremony displayed Pakistan’s incredible cricket passion.
Members of Pakistan’s victorious Champions Trophy 2017 squad stood proudly alongside tournament ambassadors which marked a full-circle moment for the nation that last lifted this prestigious trophy eight years ago.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi took centre stage and stated what a "great honor" it was for Pakistan to host such a major ICC event. With cricketing giants and dignitaries in attendance, Naqvi highlighted the rapid renovations of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium to ensure a top-class experience for players and fans alike.
Adding to the evening’s charm was fly-past by the Pakistan Air Force, which quite literally took the celebrations to new heights.
Among the distinguished guests were Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Faisal Ayub Khokhar, and tournament brand ambassadors Tim Southee and JP Duminy.
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Champions Trophy 2025 Kicks Off with Pakistan vs New Zealand
The real action begins on February 19, when defending champions Pakistan take on New Zealand in the tournament opener at Karachi’s National Stadium. A brief opening ceremony will precede the match, keeping the excitement levels high before the first ball is bowled.
The Champions Trophy 2025 features eight teams battling it out across 15 matches over 19 days, with games split between Pakistan and Dubai.
Here’s how the Champions Trophy venues are lined up:
- Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi will each host three group-stage matches.
- Lahore will host the second semi-final and the grand finale on March 9.
- If India qualifies for the final, the match will be shifted to Dubai.
- Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days to avoid any rain interruptions.
Meanwhile, India will play all their group matches in Dubai, including the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23.
 "Jatin")
