Marking the return of the ICC event on the 19th of February 2025, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has made a return with a bang and has selected Pakistan as its host. It was previously played in England, in 2017, with Pakistan taking the trophy home.
Why the Long Wait for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Since its commencement in 1998, the Champion’s Trophy has been played every two years. However, in 1998 the cycle of the tournament was moved to 4 years. After 2017, the 2021 champion’s trophy was set to be hosted in India, but it was replaced with the T20 World cup.
Now, everyone’s on the edge of their seats as the climax draws near with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 schedule release and we know that the first match between Pakistan and New Zealand is all set to start.
Where are the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan Matches Held?
Pakistan’s leg of the matches will commence in Karachi, and continue to be held in Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Due to this, the National Stadium in Karachi and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore are undergoing notable renovations.
Most of the teams are set to visit Pakistan for the matches, and the final is expected to be on the 9th of March 2025, in the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Opening Ceremony of Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The PCB is set to kick off the tournament with a special event in Lahore on February 16. However, there won’t be a captains’ meet or a press conference due to some logistic challenges.
There’s more to it than just that, the special event will be counted as the opening ceremony, and we are excited to see what the cricket board has in store for the awaiting fans.
When Did Pakistan Last Host an ICC Tournament?
The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC tournament was way back in 1996 when they co-hosted the ODI World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan was initially set to host the 2008 Champions Trophy, but due to security concerns, the tournament was relocated to South Africa in 2009.
Just like the 2017 edition, this year ICC Champions Trophy Pakistan squad 2025 will comprise eight teams that will compete for glory. The major shake-up? Afghanistan has secured a spot this time, replacing Sri Lanka. The teams are split into two groups:
- Group A: India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
As hosts, Pakistan automatically secured their place in the tournament. The remaining seven teams qualified based on their standings in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Check out the full squads here!
Conclusion
For decades, Pakistan has been an integral part of the global sports industry, making its mark across various disciplines. The national hockey team has long been a dominant force, securing multiple Olympic and World Cup titles and cementing its legacy as one of the best in the world. In squash, legends like Roshan Khan paved the way for Pakistan’s supremacy, watch his documentary, inspiring generations with his unmatched skill and determination.
Now, as the country takes bold steps to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on our home soil, it marks not just the return of the game but a renewed hope for all sports. The successful hosting of international cricket teams signals a future where Pakistan can once again become a hub for global sports, welcoming athletes from across the world, not just for cricket but for hockey, squash, football, and beyond!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is the favorite to win the Champions Trophy 2025?
according to cricket experts and past wins, the strongest contender to winning is said to be Australia. despite many players not participating due to injuries, their former opener David Warner, and the team remain positive that they’ll take the trophy home.
However, as it’s a home game for Pakistan, many fans are speculating that this year would definitely be for the country as all cricket fans will be looking at the team to take the trophy home!
How many ICC trophies has Pakistan won?
In the past, Pakistan has scored three major ICC Trophies:
- The most famous 1992 Cricket World Cup, under the captaincy of Imran Khan
- 2009 ICC T20 World Cup: Led by Younis Khan, Pakistan won the T20 World Cup.
- 2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Captained by Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan triumphed in the Champions Trophy.
How to watch the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be broadcast live through various channels. Television channels set to broadcast are PTV Sports and A Sports HD. Fans can also stream the matches live online via the PTV Sports app, Jazz TV, Daraz, Tamasha, and TapMad TV.