LAHORE: The cricketing world turns its gaze towards Pakistan as the nation proudly hosts the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking its first major international cricket event in nearly three decades.
This long-awaited return of high-profile cricket to the country is a moment of pride for millions of fans and an affirmation of Pakistan’s readiness to host international sporting events on a grand scale.
The anticipation reached a crescendo with a spectacular curtain-raiser event at the historic Mughal-era Lahore Fort, setting the stage for the tournament's commencement on February 19 with a thrilling opening match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
The iconic Dewan-e-Khas of Lahore Fort was bathed in vibrant lights, reflecting Pakistan's rich cultural heritage and its deep-rooted passion for cricket. The grandeur of the event underscored the nation’s commitment to hosting a tournament that will not only captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide but also showcase Pakistan’s unique blend of history, hospitality, and sporting excellence.
The ceremony featured dazzling performances, traditional music, and an awe-inspiring light show that illuminated the historical architecture of the fort. Dignitaries, former cricketers, and international officials graced the occasion, marking the significance of Pakistan’s reemergence as a premier host of global cricketing events.
Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), addressed the gathering with palpable enthusiasm. "Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy after 29 years is a momentous occasion for Pakistan," Naqvi remarked. "This tournament is more than just cricket; it is an opportunity to showcase Pakistan's hospitality and passion. The entire country is prepared to welcome teams and fans from across the world with open arms, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved."
Champions Trophy 2025 groups
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight of the world’s best cricketing nations, each vying for the prestigious title in a fiercely contested format. The teams have been divided into two groups as follows:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand
- Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan
Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for March 9 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, unless India qualifies, in which case it will be held in Dubai due to political considerations. This decision ensures smooth execution of the tournament while allowing all teams to compete on neutral ground when necessary.
Match venues and India’s fixtures in UAE
The tournament will be played across multiple venues in Pakistan, including:
- National Stadium, Karachi – The opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – Semi-finals and final (unless India qualifies)
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – Group-stage matches
Due to ongoing diplomatic constraints, the matches involving India will be played in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), a neutral venue that has previously hosted numerous ICC tournaments successfully. Dubai’s state-of-the-art cricketing facilities will provide a fitting battleground for high-stakes encounters, particularly the much-anticipated Pakistan vs. India clash, a fixture that never fails to captivate audiences worldwide.
International team arrivals
To ensure a seamless and secure tournament, the Pakistan government and security agencies have implemented stringent measures to guarantee the safety of all players, officials, and spectators. The hosting of recent international cricket tours by teams like England, Australia, and New Zealand has proven Pakistan’s ability to provide a safe environment for world-class sporting events.
In a significant development, international teams have already begun arriving in Pakistan for the mega event. Today, the Australian squad landed in Lahore to a warm and enthusiastic reception, signifying the global cricketing fraternity’s confidence in Pakistan’s security and organisational capabilities. Several teams have also scheduled pre-tournament training sessions at various venues to acclimatise to local conditions ahead of their first matches.
Prize money
The ICC has increased the tournament's prize money significantly, making this edition the most lucrative in the history of the Champions Trophy. The total prize pool has risen to $6.9 million, marking a 53% increase from the 2017 edition.
- Winners: $2.24 million
- Runners-up: $1 million
- Semi-finalists: $500,000 each
- Participation Fee: Each team will receive a base amount for participation
Where to watch Champions Trophy 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be broadcast globally, ensuring that fans from all corners of the world can tune in to witness the action live.
- Pakistan: PTV Sports, Ten Sports
- India: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar
- Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports
- UK: Sky Sports
- Middle East & North Africa: Etisalat, Starzplay
- USA & Canada: Willow TV
Additionally, fans worldwide can access live streaming via ICC.tv, except in regions where exclusive broadcast deals apply. In Pakistan, online streaming platforms like Tamasha and Myco will also provide coverage.
Pakistan: The defending Champions
Having previously won the Champions Trophy in 2017, the Green Shirts will be eager to reclaim their dominance on home soil. The team, led by star players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, is expected to be a formidable contender.
Beyond cricketing excellence, the tournament’s success will have long-term implications for Pakistan’s ability to host major international sporting events in the future. The country's cricket board hopes the Champions Trophy 2025 could pave the way for Pakistan to bid for even larger events, including the ICC Cricket World Cup.