The grand opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took place at the historic Shahi Qila Ground in Lahore, featuring participation from national and international cricketers, including ICC CEO Geoff Allardice.
The event was attended by Punjab’s Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan, and PCB Chairman’s Advisors Aamir Mir and Wahab Riaz. Several members of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning squad, including Sarfaraz Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Azhar Ali, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Haris Sohail, were also present.
Former South African batsman JP Duminy and New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee were among the international cricketers in attendance. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcomed ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice and other distinguished guests at the ceremony.
Addressing the audience, Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan is a historic moment and confirmed that Gaddafi Stadium has been fully upgraded to meet international standards. ICC CEO Geoff Allardice praised Pakistan’s cricket enthusiasm, recalling Pakistan’s victory at The Oval in 2017. He lauded the rapid renovation of Gaddafi Stadium within 117 days and assured fans of top-quality cricket over the next two weeks
