Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began with a modest opening ceremony at the historic Lahore Fort’s Deewan-e-Aam on Sunday, where Pakistan’s 2017 title-winning players provided the star presence in the absence of participating teams.
Hosts Pakistan, the defending champions, will compete in the tournament from February 19 to March 9, after the ICC revived the event following its initial discontinuation.
During a panel discussion, Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain, expressed hope that the team would defend its title on home soil.
“Those were unforgettable moments for us after lifting the trophy,” Sarfraz recalled, joined by fellow 2017 squad members Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Haris Sohail, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, and Shadab Khan in the audience.
The discussion, hosted by former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop, also featured ex-South African batter J.P. Duminy, who predicted Afghanistan as a potential dark horse for the semi-finals.
Tournament Groups:
🔹 Group ‘A’: Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Bangladesh
🔹 Group ‘B’: Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, England
Pakistan and New Zealand will face off in the tournament opener on Wednesday, while Afghanistan, New Zealand, and South Africa have already arrived in Karachi for their opening matches next week.
Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee, who recently played in a tri-series against Pakistan, looked forward to the main event. “We’re in for some very entertaining cricket in the next few days,” he said.
This marks the first ICC tournament on Pakistani soil since the country co-hosted the 1996 ODI World Cup. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed optimism, saying, “The Pakistani nation has great passion for cricket,” while also acknowledging Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts in renovating stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi for the event.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the tournament is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its hospitality and rich culture.
India’s Absence from the Opening Ceremony
For the first time in Champions Trophy history, the opening ceremony was held without the participating teams, following India’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan.
Additionally, there will be no traditional captains’ photoshoot or pre-tournament press conference, as all of India’s matches will be played in the UAE under a hybrid model.
The arrangement also ensures that Pakistan’s matches in future ICC events hosted by India will be held at neutral venues.
