Champions Trophy 2025: opening ceremony kicks off at Lahore Fort today

LAHORE: The opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be held today at the Royal Fort in Lahore. The tournament is set to kick off on Wednesday, with the first match to be played between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Afghan cricket team has reached Karachi. Afghanistan team will play a warm-up match against New Zealand today. The warm-up match will start at 2 PM at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

The Indian cricket team will be playing its matches in the UAE, and is scheduled to arrive in Dubai today as well.

All matched of the Champions Trophy will be telecast live on Ten Sports in Pakistan.

Update: Champions Trophy opening ceremony lights up Lahore Fort

The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took place at the historic Lahore Fort on Sunday, attended by national and international cricketers, including ICC CEO Geoff Allardice.

Punjab’s Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan, former cricketers, including members of Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy squad, graced the event.

Players like Sarfaraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Haris Sohail attended, along with international stars JP Duminy and Tim Southee.

Speaking at the event, the ICC chief executive expressed excitement about Pakistan hosting the prestigious tournament. 

“Pakistan has a great opportunity to showcase its passion for cricket. I remember watching them lift the Champions Trophy at The Oval in 2017,” said Allardice.