PIA to provide special arrangements for Champions Trophy
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- Web Desk
- Feb 17, 2025
LAHORE: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will provide travel facilities for all teams participating in the ICC Champions Trophy, a spokesperson stated on Monday.
The PIA spokesperson said that special arrangements have been made for the domestic travel of the teams. Games will be taking place between three locations in Pakistan, including National Stadium Karachi, Rawalpindi Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium, as well as a fourth stadium in Dubai where all three of India’s group stages matches, and one semi-final, will take place. The PIA will provide nine special charter flights for travel between the three stadiums in Pakistan.
The spokesperson added that special measures are being taken to introduce the visiting teams to Pakistani culture.
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The first match of the Champions Trophy is set for this Wednesday February 19, as Pakistan faces New Zealand in the opener. Pakistan’s two other group stage matches will take place on February 23 and 27, and will feature games against India and Bangladesh respectively. The match against rivals India will take place in Dubai, while the game against Bangladesh will take place in Rawalpindi.
The opening ceremony for the tournament took place yesterday, February 16 at Gaddafi Stadium.
As for teams’ arrivals, New Zealand and South Africa’s squads were already in Pakistan for the tri-nation series. Afghanistan touched down in Lahore last week, and India recently arrived in Dubai. The Australian team arrived in Lahore earlier today.
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 opening ceremony.
The tournament’s ambassador 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.
Pakistan has a golden opportunity: ICC CEO
Speaking at the event’s launch, the ICC chief executive appeared excited about Pakistan hosting the popular 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.
He praised the rapid renovation of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium Karachi, calling the 117-day transformation a remarkable achievement.
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