ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set for dazzling opening ceremony in Lahore today

Excitement is set to reach new heights as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off with a grand opening ceremony at the historic Diwan-e-Aam, Lahore Fort this evening (Sunday).

The event promises a dazzling mix of cricketing glory and cultural splendour while being set against the majestic backdrop of Pakistan's rich heritage. With esteemed cricket personalities, top officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and die-hard fans in attendance, the night promises to be a memorable one.

Adding to the excitement, cricket legends will engage in a special panel discussion, sharing insights and nostalgia with fans worldwide. The highlight of the evening will be none other than Pakistan’s music icon, Atif Aslam, who will perform the official tournament anthem, setting the stage for a thrilling competition ahead.

Meanwhile, rehearsals for the ceremony are in full swing, with the Pakistan Air Force participating in the preparations with breathtaking fly-past to ensure the event takes off in grand style.

As Lahore prepares to welcome the world, the Champions Trophy 2025 is set for an electrifying start. Besides Lahore, the cricket festival is ready to light up the stadiums of Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.

The tournament will kick of on February 19 (Wednesday) with the opening match in the port city between Pakistan and New Zealand, which will be played after a small ceremony at the National Bank Cricket Stadium.

Meanwhile, Indian team has arrived in Dubai, where Bangladesh are already practicing for the mega event. The two sides will face each other in the tournament on February 20.

Before that, the Tigers will compete against Pakistan’s Shaheens in a practice match on February 17. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan team will play their second practice match against New Zealand in Karachi today.

However, the most anticipated clash, as always, will be the high-stakes showdown between arch-rivals Pakistan and India, set to take place on February 23 in Dubai.

All the Champions Trophy matches will be telecast live on Geo Super. Here is the complete schedule of the tournament.

Champions Trophy schedule

February 19, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi

February 20, Bangladesh v India, Dubai, UAE

February 21, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi

February 22, Australia v England, Lahore

February 23, Pakistan v India, Dubai

February 24, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi

February 25, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi

February 26, Afghanistan v England, Lahore

February 27, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi

February 28, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore

March 1, South Africa v England, Karachi

March 2, New Zealand v India, Dubai, UAE

March 4, Semi-final 1, Dubai, UAE

March 5, Semi-final 2, Lahore

March 9, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, then it will be played in Dubai)

March 10, Reserve day