Staff Rerporter
LAHORE – Pakistan’s moment of pride has arrived as the much-awaited Champions Trophy 2025 is less than a day away.
Eight top-notch cricket teams are set to show their prowess at several venues in Pakistan and Dubai, where India will play their matches under a ‘fusion’ model.
All teams, except India, reached Pakistan in the past one week or so with a promise to make it big in the cherished event – second only to World Cup in significance.
The mega event will begin with host Pakistan’s encounter with New Zealand in Karachi’s new-look National Stadium on Feb 19.
On Feb 23 (Sunday), Pakistan will take on India in what is traditionally known as the crown of matches at a Dubai stadium.
MOMENT OF CELEBRATION
Cricket fans in Pakistan are in celebratory mode even before the first bowl being delivered.
The hosting rights for the mega event are considered an honour for the country and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made elaborate arrangements to make it a roaring success.
The celebrations go beyond the cricket fields, with the PCB transforming the tournament into an extravaganza.
Come to think of it, a flying past of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft fleet will precede the opening ceremony in the proverbial city of lights.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made arrangements to facilitate the aerial show, which will be the first-of-its kind event ahead of any cricket fixture.
Earlier, a majestic opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was held at historic Diwan-e-Aam of Lahore Fort.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, while expressing his delight over country’s crowning achievement, stressed that the global cricket community was closely monitoring Pakistan’s preparedness for the tournament.
He called the opportunity to host the event a “great honour” for the country and highlighted the swift renovations of Pakistan’s premier stadiums – Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Stadium in Karachi.
Naqvi also reiterated PCB’s commitment to showcasing Pakistan’s rich culture and hospitality, stating that the tournament would reflect the warmth and love of the Pakistani people.
The PCB in run-up to the event also showcased the grandeur of the two stadiums by organising inauguration in a fitting manner.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the renovated National Cricket Stadium in Karachi. The grand opening of the stadium, which is also known as National Bank Cricket Arena, featured a blend of music and star power.
The PCB invited several Test cricketers from Karachi to turn up and add glitter to the event.
GADDAFI STADIUM
Another major venue for the Champions Trophy 2025 was inaugurated on Feb 7 after its completion in “record 117 days”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the renovated stadium which, he remarked, was a proof of efficient supervision by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. “This is an era of Mohsin Speed,” the prime minister quipped during his address.
As a goodwill gesture, Mohsin Naqvi praised the labourers who took part in the renovation of the stadium. He said some of the workers had not gone to their homes for the past three months, which showed their dedication to the task.
The PCB chairman also hosted a special luncheon in the honour of more than 1,500 labourers for their contribution to the completion of Gaddafi Stadium in a “record time”.
