ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Officially Launched with Grand Ceremony in Lahore
Lahore, The Gulf Observer: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was officially launched on Sunday evening with a spectacular opening ceremony at the historic Diwan-e-Aam of Lahore Fort. The event, set against the stunning backdrop of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, seamlessly blended cricketing excellence with vibrant traditions, marking the commencement of one of the sport’s most eagerly awaited tournaments.
Cricket legends, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, and passionate fans gathered to witness the ceremony, which featured a special panel discussion with iconic cricketers reflecting on memorable moments from past tournaments. Their anecdotes and insights delighted the audience, setting the tone for an exciting competition. The event also honored the Pakistan squad that triumphed in the 2017 Champions Trophy, defeating arch-rivals India by 180 runs in the final.
Adding to the grandeur of the evening, music icon Atif Aslam performed the official anthem of the Champions Trophy, while the Pakistan Air Force mesmerized attendees with an awe-inspiring fly-past, further elevating the sense of occasion.
The launch underscored Pakistan’s deep-rooted sporting and cultural heritage, kicking off a global cricketing celebration that will unfold across multiple venues, including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
The tournament officially commences on February 19, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium, followed by an intense schedule of fixtures. A highlight of the tournament will be the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan showdown on February 23 in Dubai.
Ahead of the tournament, the Indian team has arrived in Dubai, while Bangladesh has begun preparations for their first match. On February 17, Bangladesh will face Pakistan’s Shaheens in a practice match, while Afghanistan will take on New Zealand in another practice game in Karachi today.
