As the excitement builds for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, several important updates have emerged ahead of the tournament’s commencement on February 19. According to Geo Super, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to hand over the iconic Gaddafi Stadium to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on February 11 in preparation for the tournament. Meanwhile, the main opening ceremony will take place on February 16 at Hazoori Bagh in Lahore, with prominent cricketers, national figures, and ICC officials expected to attend.
Initially, there were reports of no Opening Ceremony for the Champions Trophy due to the late arrival of the teams but it was later confirmed that the opening ceremony would take place. However, there will be no all-captains press conference or photoshoot prior to the event, which has sparked speculation that Indian captain Rohit Sharma may not be traveling to Pakistan for the tournament. The cancellation of the traditional photo session has fueled these rumors, though nothing has been confirmed by the ICC.
In a unique move, the PCB plans to host three separate cultural opening ceremonies before the tournament, showcasing Pakistan’s rich heritage. ICC Chairman Jay Shah’s attendance at the opening events in Pakistan remains unlikely, as the ICC has yet to release a clear schedule, leaving fans and officials waiting for further updates.
Chetan Phore
Jan 30, 2025 17:04