The opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore sets the stage for an eagerly awaited tournament

 The 2025 Champions Trophy officially kicked off in Lahore on Sunday with a modest, yet significant opening ceremony, marking a momentous occasion for Pakistan. The ceremony, which took place at the historic Lahore Fort, was a low-key affair compared to the extravagant launches typically seen in ICC events. In place of the usual captains’ event or glamorous photoshoots, the focus was on the tournament itself and its historic return to Pakistan—the first time since the 1996 World Cup.

Attending the ceremony were key figures from Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy-winning team. These included then-captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, alongside other notable players such as Mohammad Amir, Azhar Ali, Junaid Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, and Haris Sohail. Their presence served as a reminder of the country’s cricketing achievements on the global stage.

The opening ceremony also featured a special appearance by former New Zealand bowler Tim Southee, who serves as the ambassador for the 2025 Champions Trophy, as well as retired South African all-rounder JP Duminy. Their participation underscored the global significance of the event and the warm welcome extended to international cricket figures in Pakistan.

In addition to speeches and formalities, the ceremony included vibrant performances from top Pakistani music artists, offering a cultural touch to the event. The evening ended with an impressive display of fireworks, adding a celebratory flair to the occasion.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi delivered the opening speech, expressing confidence in the country’s preparedness for the tournament. “I assure every cricket fan and supporter that Pakistan is ready for the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi said. “As we speak, four teams have already arrived in Karachi, and England and Australia will land in the next 48 hours.”

The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to bring together the world’s top cricketing nations for an unforgettable contest, and the anticipation is high as the tournament officially begins.