President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zze-Zoni participate in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking the return of the prestigious tournament to Pakistan.
The first game in the competition contains the host nation, and former Masters Pakistan takes on New Zealand in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
Pakistan has won the cast and chosen to bowl first looking for favorable conditions.
The event marks a significant moment for Pakistan, hosting Champions Trophy for the first time since its inception.
This year’s tournament sees eight teams competing across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, UAE, from February 19 to March 9.
This is the first time since the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996 that Pakistan hosts an ICC event with the final of the tournament held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Prior to Champions Trophy, they have three Pakistani venue-Gaddafi Stadium, National Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium-through extensive upgrades offering both world class to players and spectators.
The tournament contains eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand, while Group B consists of Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa.
After their opening against New Zealand, Pakistan will face India on February 23 in Dubai and Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
The group phase will watch matches the game across the four venues: Dubai, Karachi, Lahore and Rawal Pindi. The first semi -final will be held on March 4 in Dubai, with the second semi -final, scheduled for March 5 at Gaddafi Stadium. If India does not qualify for the final, it will be held in Lahore; Otherwise, the final takes place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Apart from their victory in 2017, Pakistan has reached the semi -finals of the Champions Trophy three times: in 2000, 2004 and 2009.
Over 12,000 police who are deployed to Champions Trophy
The Punjab police spokesman said over 12,000 police officers and staff will be deployed for security tasks in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The security team will include 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors and 1,200 upper subordinates along with 10,556 constables and more than 200 female police officers.
In Lahore, over 8,000 officers and staff are awarded to secure the matches. This includes 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors and 700 upper subordinates, while 6,673 constables and 129 female constables will perform security and control tasks.
In Rawalpindi, more than 5,000 officers and staff will be on duty.
The security force will include six senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, 500 upper subordinate, 4,000 constables and over 100 female staff.
Traffic Plan for Karachi -Fights
According to the vice president’s general traffic, Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open during the course of match days, although more roads will be closed for heavy traffic.
Traffic plan issued by Karahi Traffic Police. – Facebook@Karachitrafficpolice Official
Special parking events have been taken for spectators.
Parking areas will be available in the National Coaching Center, Expo Center and China Ground. Fans arriving from Karsaz will be led to these parking zones via the flight override.
Heavy vehicles are allowed to travel from Sohrab Goth to NIPA, Liaquatabad # 10 to Hassan Square and PP Chowrangi to University Road. However, access will be limited from Karsaz to the stadium, millennium to New Town and Stadium Signal to Hassan Square.
Traffic authorities advise spectators to avoid parking on roads or service habits and encourage them to use only the designated parking areas. VIP vehicles and those with special passports are allowed to park within the stadium.
Public access to the stadium will be via the main gates and gates # 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14, with VIP vehicles coming in through Gate 8. Vehicles equipped with CNG cylinders will not be allowed inside The stadium.
The gates open three hours before the match starts, while the surrounding roads remain open to general traffic.
Pakistan’s team to Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain and Wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain), Saud Shakeel, Shahe Shah ARA At Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.
