Cricket meets culture as Champions Trophy begins
LAHORE:
Cricket legends, board officials, and passionate fans gathered in the Lahore Fort on Sunday night for a colourful curtain raiser event that offered a perfect blend of the game's excellence and vibrant Pakistani traditions to mark the opening of the Champions Trophy, 2025.
The first match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi on February 19. This match will launch a series of high-octane contests over the next 19 days.
Against the stunning backdrop of Pakistan's rich cultural history, the grand opening ceremony packed the historic Diwan-e-Aam of the Lahore Fort. The event honoured the Pakistan squad that won the Champions Trophy in 2017, while Atif Aslam performed the official anthem of the tournament.
To add grandeur to the spectacular evening, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) dazzled the attendees with a remarkable fly-past, elevating the sense of occasion to new heights. The decoration at the venue highlighted Pakistan's rich sporting and cultural heritage.
The tournament curtain raiser was attended by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, Punjab Sports Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, PCB advisers Aamir Mir and Wahab Riaz and chief selector Asad Shafiq, besides former South African batsman JP Duminy and New Zeland fast bowler Tim Southee.
Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi said that having the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan was a historic opportunity. "A generation has been deprived of such global events." He told the audience that the Gaddafi Stadium was ready for the tournament.
Addressing the opening ceremony, ICC chief Allardice said that the fans would see the best cricket for the next two weeks. "Pakistan has a golden opportunity to show its passion for cricket in the ICC Champions Trophy, I have seen the Pakistan team win the Champions Trophy at the Oval," he added.
The ceremony featured a special panel discussion with iconic cricketers, reflecting on memorable moments from the past tournaments. Their anecdotes and insights delighted the audience, setting the tone for an exciting tournament.
The tournament officially begins with Pakistan-New Zealand encounter at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi on February 19. However, the most anticipated contest would be seen four days later, when Pakistan take on India in Dubai on February 23.
Dubai is home to large Pakistani as well as Indian expatriate communities. According to a report aired on the state television, their excitement among the fans was building in the emirate. "We are planning a huge gathering at the Dubai Sports City to watch the matches," said an overseas Pakistani.
"It is going to be a fantastic experience, cheering on our team with fellow Pakistanis!" he said, adding that "one thing is certain, the Champions Trophy is going to be an unforgettable experience" for cricket fans across these cities.
At home, according to the report, the tournament, which featured the world's top cricketing nations, promised thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. "I have been waiting for this moment for months" explained a cricket enthusiast from Karachi.
In Lahore, students at the Punjab University were planning a massive screen to watch the opening match. "We will cheer on our team with flags, banners and plenty of food," said a student. "It is going to be an electric atmosphere!"
Rawalpindi's cricket fans are equally enthusiastic, the report said. "I have been following Pakistan's cricket team since I was a kid," said a local resident. "This tournament is going to be a real test of their skills. I am confident they will make us proud", he believed.
The PCB hoped a big attendance at the stadiums during the matches. It announced that tickets for the tournament would be sold online. "We are expecting a high demand for tickets, and we urge fans to purchase them online to avoid any inconvenience," a PCB spokesperson said.
"We are thrilled to host the ICC Champions Trophy and will provide an opportunity for fans to watch their favourite teams in action," the spokesperson said. He also credited the government for its support in reviving the international cricket in Pakistan.
"The government's efforts to improve security and provide a conducive environment for cricket have been instrumental in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan," the spokesperson said. "We are grateful for their support and look forward to hosting more international tournaments in the future."
A separate press release stated that additional tickets for the three-group stage India matches and the first semi-final in Dubai went on sale on Sunday. India would play against Bangladesh on February 20 against Pakistan on February 23 and against New Zealand on March 2.
There are also limited tickets available for the first semi-final taking place on March 4. The tickets for the Champions Trophy final, to be played on Sunday March 9 will be available for purchase following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.
The thrilling two-week competition will see the world's top eight teams put it all on the line in 15 intense matches across the 19 days, with every match counting in the pursuit of the iconic white jackets.
For the tournaments, the teams had already been announced. The Indian side had arrived in Dubai, while Bangladesh begun preparations with a warm-up tie against Pakistan's Shaheens on Monday (today). Afghanistan will take on New Zealand in another practice game in Karachi.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
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