Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @icctrophytour
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning an elaborate opening ceremony to inaugurate the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking the return of a major international cricket tournament to Pakistan after nearly three decades.
Scheduled for February 16 or 17, depending on the warm-up match schedule, the ceremony will highlight the revival of mega cricket events in the country.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will be the first ICC tournament hosted by Pakistan since co-hosting the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. According to sources, the PCB has officially communicated its plans to the ICC.
“All team captains will participate in the opening ceremony,” a source confirmed, according to The News. “This is a standard practice for ICC events and symbolizes the unity and grandeur of international cricket. The ICC has been informed, and the governing body is expected to ensure the participation of all teams.”
Despite India’s decision to play its matches in Dubai due to political issues, their team and captain are expected to attend the ceremony in Pakistan. “The ICC will instruct all participating teams to take part in this curtain-raiser event. It’s a global tradition. While India’s decision on the size of their delegation is up to them, participation is mandatory,” the source explained.
Regarding visas for Indian players, officials, and fans, the PCB affirmed its commitment to fulfilling host nation obligations. “Pakistan will provide visas to all players, officials, commercial partners, media, and spectators, just as it did recently for the ICC inspection team, which included three Indian nationals,” the source said.
The ceremony aims to set the stage for an exciting and historic Champions Trophy, showcasing Pakistan’s key role in global cricket.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
