Champions Trophy 2025: How Pakistan Is Planning to Play Perfect Hosts.
Photo : AP
Pakistan is all set to play hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy beginning on Feb 19 in Lahore. Before the lung-opener against New Zealand, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi categorically stated that the 50-over ICC showpiece would be hosted in a manner that would live long in the memory of cricket fans across the globe. For fans in Pakistan, it is even more special as it marks the first major global tournament hosted by Pakistan in 29 years.
Naqvi assured that all security measures had been taken and expressed confidence in providing a secure environment for visiting teams.
“We are ready to host the event successfully and also provide the best experience and facilities to the spectators who come to the grounds,” Naqvi said while speaking after a high-level meeting of the PCB in Lahore.
While workers are still making last-minute installation of billboards in preparation, the country has also put in place a comprehensive security cover that includes more than 20,000 police personnel.
For fans, special charter flights have also been announced by Pakistan’s national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). These will be operated in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
According to reports, former President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest in the opening match.
The tournament will be held in a hybrid model, with Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sharing hosting duties. Matches will be played at three venues in Pakistan—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—while Dubai will host the games. India will play all its matches in Dubai.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule:
Match 1: 19 February, Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
Match 2: 20 February, Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
Match 3: 21 February, Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
Match 4: 22 February, Australia vs England, Lahore, Pakistan
Match 5: 23 February, Pakistan vs India, Dubai
Match 6: 24 February, Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Match 7: 25 February, Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Match 8: 26 February, Afghanistan vs England, Lahore, Pakistan
Match 9: 27 February, Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Match 10: 28 February, Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
Match 10: 1 March, South Africa vs England, Karachi, Pakistan
Match 11: 2 March, New Zealand vs India, Dubai
Semi-final 1: 4 March, Dubai
Semi-final 2: 5 March, Lahore, Pakistan
Final: 9 March, Lahore (unless India qualifies, else it will be played in Dubai)
Reserve day: 10 March
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