KARACHI: Pakistan marks the return of an ICC event after 29 years as the ICC Champions Trophy begins today in Karachi. The tournament’s opening match will be played at the National Stadium, where Pakistan will take on New Zealand.
President Asif Ali Zardari will attend the opening match — set to commence at 2pm PST today — as the chief guest. The event will also feature an aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdils team.
The match marks Pakistan's return to hosting international cricket events since the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1996, which concluded with Sri Lanka's triumph over Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi celebrated the tournament's launch, deeming it a triumph for a peaceful and secure Pakistan. He expressed national pride in hosting a prestigious event, emphasising that the Champions Trophy symbolises more than just competition — it is also a celebration of culture and tradition.
Naqvi extended a heartfelt welcome to all participating teams, acknowledging the passion of the Pakistani people for cricket. He emphasised that the nation has once again proven its deep love for the sport.
Fast bowler Mohammad Amir expressed his excitement, saying that hosting such a major event in Pakistan is a moment of pride. He hoped that the national team would perform well in the tournament.
Commenting on team strategy while speaking in Geo News' programme 'Geo Pakistan', Amir opined that Babar Azam was best suited for the No 3 position rather than opening. He acknowledged Babar's experience and ability to score runs, calling him a great player.
Reflecting on the team's overall performance, Amir noted that Pakistan's performances have been inconsistent at times. However, he urged fans not to lose hope.
The eight-team tournament will be played across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February to 9 March.
In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy, the three venues in Pakistan – Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Bank Cricket Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone major upgrades, offering players and spectators world-class facilities.
The build-up has not been without problems after neighbours and arch-rivals India refused to play in Pakistan over long-standing political tensions. A powerhouse of the sport on and off the pitch, India will instead play their matches in Dubai.
The country has stepped up security, especially in host cities Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, even if attacks in major cities are increasingly rare.
Over 6,700 personnel from the Special Security Unit (SSU) and other law enforcement agencies have been deployed to ensure security during the ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi.
According to security officials, the SSU has assigned 1,045 commandos, including female officers, to manage security operations. Additionally, 1,745 personnel from the Security Division, 1,390 from the Traffic Police, and 328 officers from the Special Branch have been stationed across key locations.
Security personnel have been deployed at Karachi's National Bank Cricket Stadium, the airport, designated routes, parking areas, hotels, and other critical points. Sharpshooters have also been positioned at sensitive locations for added security.
A specialised unit of highly trained commandos remains on high alert and will conduct routine patrols around the stadium.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Security emphasised the importance of maintaining a peaceful and secure atmosphere. He confirmed that security arrangements have been coordinated with all relevant agencies to ensure a smooth event.
Additionally, the authorities have issued strict entry guidelines for spectators attending Champions Trophy matches at Karachi's National Bank Cricket Stadium. Fans must carry their original national identity card along with a physical copy of their match ticket for entry.
Online tickets will not be accepted at the stadium gates. Spectators who purchased tickets online must collect the physical copies from designated courier service centres before arriving at the venue.
Bringing any food or beverages from outside is strictly prohibited. Items such as drinks, glasses, plastic bottles, intoxicants, and other banned substances are not allowed. However, food and refreshments will be available at stalls inside the stadium.
A complete ban has been placed on carrying weapons, toy guns, explosives, fireworks, cigarettes, matchboxes, lighters, handbags, sharp objects, and any metallic or wooden items. Additionally, the use of drone cameras within and around the stadium is strictly forbidden.
Pakistan enter the tournament as the defending champions, having beaten India in the final of the 2017 edition. The team was led by Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Fakhar Zaman was the player of the final for his imperious 114 off 106 deliveries, while Hasan Ali was named the player of the tournament for his tally of 13 wickets in five games.
The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups with hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand pooled in Group A while Group B comprises Afghanistan, current ODI World Cup champions Australia, England and South Africa.
Following their opening encounter against New Zealand, Pakistan will play their next two group matches on February 23 against India in Dubai and on February 27 against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
In the group stage, three matches apiece will be played in Dubai, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The first semi-final will be played on March 4 in Dubai. The newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the second semi-final on March 5.
If India do not qualify, the final will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 9, however, if they qualify, it will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Apart from winning the tournament in 2017, Pakistan has also reached the semi-finals of this competition on three occasions: 2000, 2004 and 2009.
"A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, so I believe the entire nation is celebrating this historic occasion. There are no doubts about our performance, we have worked hard and learned from our mistakes. We hope that we play well tomorrow Insha'Allah," said Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan.
"Our sole focus is on winning the tournament for the country and our people and we hope that we achieve the desired results."
Pakistan's 15-player squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicket-keeper), 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 and Usman Khan.
Pakistan's group stage fixtures in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
19 Feb – vs New Zealand, Karachi
23 Feb – vs India, Dubai
27 Feb – vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
Football body takes action after Muhammad Riaz's video making jalebis surfaced online
“Something’s got to give… India can’t get everything," says former fast bowler Andy Roberts
PSG will meet either Aston Villa or Club Brugge in quarters, with Villa taking a 3-1 lead into Wednesday's second leg
"What happened made us arrive at this game even more determined to win," says Raphinha
Defendants risk prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted
Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya receive heroic welcome upon arrival at Mumbai airport
