KARACHI (Kashmir English): The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 commences in Pakistan today (Wednesday) with winners of the 2017 edition, Pakistan, and New Zealand playing in the opening match here at the National Stadium.
The eight-nation tournament will be played across three venues in Pakistan –Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is for the first time Pakistan is hosting an ICC event since the World Cup 1996.
In the lead-up to the mega event, National Stadium Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium undergone major upgradation.
Pakistan enter the tournament as the defending champions, having beaten India in the 2017 final, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed.
The eight competing teams have been placed into two groups with hosts Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand pooled in Group A while Group B comprises current ODI World Cup champions Australia, Afghanistan, England and South Africa.
Following the opening encounter against New Zealand, Pakistan will play their next two group matches against India and Bangladesh. Pakistan-India match will be played on 23 February in Dubai and on 27 February Pakistan will play against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
The first semi-final of the tournament 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 9 March, however, if they qualify, it will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan’s squad for Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & 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.
