Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi are all set to host the much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025 with upgraded and renovated stadiums and a palpable buzz in the air as cricket fans eagerly await the premier international event.
After nearly three decades, Pakistan will once again host one of the biggest cricketing events on home soil, following the 1996 World Cup. The excitement among fans is at an all-time high, with tickets for the event flying off the shelves.
This year, three major stadiums-National Bank Stadium (Karachi), Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), and Rawalpindi Stadium-are fully renovated to provide a state-of-the-art experience for fans. These stadiums have been designed to not only host thrilling cricket matches but also to create an unforgettable atmosphere for spectators.
With international stars gearing up to play in Pakistan, fans are eagerly anticipating watching their cricket heroes live. This event is especially significant for Pakistani fans, as they get the rare opportunity to witness such a prestigious tournament in their home country.
The first match of the Champions Trophy 2025 will take place at National Bank Stadium in Karachi where Pakistan will face New Zealand. Karachi is also scheduled to host two other exciting matches: Afghanistan vs South Africa on February 21 and South Africa vs England on March 1.
These matches are expected to draw a huge crowd of passionate fans eager to witness high-stakes cricket.
The excitement surrounding the Champions Trophy has led to a rush for tickets, with fans standing in long queues at courier centres across Karachi. The demand for tickets is so high that many fans are finding it challenging to secure tickets.
“I woke up early to get the lower-priced tickets. I successfully bought 10 tickets for the opening match and my whole family will watch it,” said Iqbal Ahmed, a 20-year-old fan who was thrilled to secure tickets for the much-awaited opening match.
“I’m supporting the Pakistan team throughout the tournament, and I hope they will win on home soil,” he added.
For many fans, the Champions Trophy is a golden opportunity to watch world-class cricketers live. Sohail Aftab, another fan, shared, “Due to the excitement, I took special leave from work to watch the opening match with my family. My 8-year-old son is especially thrilled to see international cricketers at National Bank Stadium.”
For young fans like 10-year-old Abrar Iqbal, this will be their first time attending such a prestigious event. “I am very happy to have bought the tickets because this will be my first time going to the stadium with my parents to watch an ICC event,” said Abrar, his excitement evident.
Despite the high demand, some fans were unlucky in securing tickets. Many general tickets were sold out by the time their turn came, leaving them disappointed. Muneeb Iqbal, who was unable to secure tickets for the opening match, urged the PCB to increase the number of tickets available. “I wanted to buy the lower-priced tickets, but they were all sold out by the time I reached the counter,” Muneeb said.
“I’m a fan of Kane Williamson, and I wanted to see him play at National Stadium Karachi. It’s disappointing that the tickets sold out so quickly,” he added.
Many fans are hopeful that the PCB will increase the number of tickets available to allow more supporters to witness the opening match live. “I wish the PCB would increase the quota of tickets for fans, especially for the opening match,” said Mudassir Aftab, a fan who secured VIP tickets despite missing out on general seating.
Before the Champions Trophy officially kicks off, Karachi is already buzzing with excitement over the Tri-Nation Series. Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand are competing in this series, with matches being held at National Bank Stadium. Fans are already flocking to the stadium to watch their favourite teams in action, creating a pre-Champions Trophy atmosphere that has added to the excitement.
The final match of the Tri-Nation Series will be held on February 14, just days before the Champions Trophy kicks off.
The Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan is set to be a landmark event, with cricket fans from across the country and around the world eagerly anticipating the tournament.
With tickets in high demand and stadiums fully prepared to host the best teams in the world, this promises to be an unforgettable cricketing experience for fans.
The countdown to February 11, when the National Stadium’s opening ceremony will take place, is already underway, and fans can hardly wait to witness the excitement unfold.