Pakistan is once again at the centre of international cricket as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off today in Karachi. Historic Moment: ICC This marks the return of an ICC event to Pakistan after nearly three decades, with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Bank Historic Moment: ICC Cricket Stadium.
Historic Moment for Pakistan Cricket Historic Moment: ICC
President Asif Ali Zardari will grace the opening ceremony as the chief guest, while the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdils will perform an aerial display to mark the occasion.
Pakistan last hosted an ICC event in 1996, when the country was one of the co-hosts of the Cricket World Cup, which saw Sri Lanka triumph over Australia in the final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hailed the event as a testament to Pakistan’s security improvements, calling it a symbol of peace, culture, and tradition. He extended a warm welcome to all teams and emphasized the nation’s deep-rooted love for cricket.
Pakistan’s Squad and Tournament Structure Historic Moment: ICC
Pakistan, the defending champions, won the last ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, defeating India in the final. The team is led by Mohammad Rizwan, with Salman Ali Agha as the vice-captain.
Pakistan’s 15-Player Squad:
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & WK), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan.
Pakistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- February 19: vs New Zealand (Karachi)
- February 23: vs India (Dubai)
- February 27: vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand
- Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, South Africa
Upgraded Stadiums & Security Measures
Matches will be held at three upgraded venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—as well as in Dubai, UAE.
Given India’s refusal to play in Pakistan due to political tensions, all of India’s matches will be played in Dubai. Meanwhile, Pakistan has stepped up security to ensure a smooth tournament.
Security Details in Karachi:
- 6,700+ security personnel deployed
- 1,045 commandos, including female officers for security management
- Sharpshooters positioned at sensitive locations
- Strict entry rules: Fans must bring original national identity cards and printed tickets
Banned items include food, beverages, weapons, drones, and other hazardous materials. However, food and drinks will be available inside the stadium.
Road to the Final
The tournament’s knockout stage will feature:
- March 4: First Semi-Final (Dubai)
- March 5: Second Semi-Final (Lahore)
- March 9: Final in Lahore (if India does not qualify) OR in Dubai (if India qualifies)
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Legacy
Pakistan has reached the semi-finals three times (2000, 2004, 2009) and lifted the Champions Trophy in 2017 under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy.
Pakistan’s star batter Fakhar Zaman was the hero in the 2017 final, scoring 114 off 106 balls, while Hasan Ali was the Player of the Tournament with 13 wickets in five games.
Players’ Excitement & Hopes
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir expressed his excitement about Pakistan hosting the event, calling it a moment of pride. He also suggested that Babar Azam should bat at No. 3 instead of opening, emphasizing his run-scoring ability.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan assured fans that the team is prepared, stating:
“A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years. We have worked hard and learned from our mistakes. Our focus is on winning the tournament for our country.”
