Champions Trophy 2025 Opening Ceremony Set for Lahore Amid Venue Controversy

The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy is set to be held in Lahore on 16th February. The event will be held at Huzoori Bagh, Lahore Fort.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)has finalized plans for the event. The plans have been made in coordination with the International Cricket Council. However, uncertainty looms over whether India’s captain Rohit Sharma will attend. It has been reported the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed concerns over travel to Pakistan.

With India playing all their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model, speculation is rife that the BCCI may push for the ceremony to be shifted.

Pakistan’s Venue Preparations and Inaugurations

Ahead of the tournament, Pakistan is revamping its cricket stadiums. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be officially reopened on February 7. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been invited as the chief guest.

Similarly, the National Stadium in Karachi will be launched on February 11, with President Asif Ali Zardari expected to attend.

The first match of the Champions Trophy will take place on February 19 in Karachi, featuring Pakistan vs. New Zealand.

Will Rohit Sharma Attend the Ceremony?

The BCCI is reportedly pushing for the captains’ photoshoot and press conference to be held in Dubai instead of Lahore.

A source revealed that: “With India playing all their matches in Dubai, the BCCI wants the ICC to move the opening ceremony and captains’ meet there as well. The ICC has yet to confirm if Rohit Sharma will travel to Lahore.”

Further complicating matters, the BCCI has also refused to wear jerseys displaying Pakistan’s name in any official branding.

India’s Matches to be Played in Dubai Under Hybrid Model

Due to political tensions, India will not play any matches in Pakistan. India’s matches will be played in Dubai. The ICC, BCCI, and the PCB have agreed upon a hybrid mode. If India qualifies for the final, it will also be held in Dubai on March 9 rather than in Pakistan.

However, Pakistan has not yet handed over the stadiums to the ICC. The Gaddafi Stadium was supposed to be ready by December 2024. However, renovations remain incomplete. The stadium is expected to be handed over to the ICC by 11th February.

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