President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari attend the initial match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking the return of the prestigious Pakistan tournament.
The first game of the competition presents the host nation and the former Pakistan champion who faces New Zealand at the Karachi National Bank stadium.
Pakistan has won the raffle and chosen to play first, seeking to capitalize favorable conditions.
The event marks a significant moment for Pakistan, which is the host of the Champions Trophy for the first time since its inception.
This year’s tournament sees eight teams compete in three places in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, as well as in Dubai, Eau, from February 19 to March 9.
This is the first time from the 1996 Cricket ICC World Cup that Pakistan is organizing an ICC event, with the final of that tournament held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Before the Champions Trophy, the three Pakistani places: the Gaddafi stadium, the National Stadium and the Cricket Rawalpindi stadium) have suffered wide improvements, offering world -class facilities for both players and spectators.
The tournament presents eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa.
After his first game against New Zealand, Pakistan will face India on February 23 at Dubai and Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
The group stage will see matches played in the four places: Dubai, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The first semifinal will take place on March 4 in Dubai, with the second semifinal scheduled for March 5 at the Gaddafi Stadium. If India does not qualify for the final, it will take place in Lahore; Otherwise, the final will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In addition to his 2017 victory, Pakistan has reached the semifinals of the Champions Trophy three times: in 2000, 2004 and 2009.
More than 12,000 police deployed for Champions Trophy
The Punjab police spokesman said that more than 12,000 police and personnel will be deployed for security tasks in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The security team will include 18 higher officers, 54 DSP, 135 inspectors and 1,200 upper subordinates, along with 10,556 agents and more than 200 police women.
In Lahore, more than 8,000 officers and personnel will be assigned to ensure the parties. This includes 12 higher officers, 39 DSP, 86 inspectors and 700 upper subordinates, while 6,673 agents and 129 police officers will carry out security and verification tasks.
In Rawalpindi, more than 5,000 officers and personnel will be on service.
The security force will include six higher officers, 15 DSP, 50 inspectors, 500 upper subordinates, 4,000 agents and more than 100 female personnel.
Traffic plan for Karachi matches
According to the deputy inspector, Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open during the game days, although several roads will be closed to heavy traffic.
Traffic plan issued by the Karahi Traffic Police. – Facebook@karachitrafficiceFicial
Special parking arrangements have been made for spectators.
The parking areas will be available at the National Training Center, the Expo and China Ground center. Fans arriving from Karsaz will be aimed at these parking areas through the high passage route.
Heavy vehicles can travel from Sohrab Goth to NIFE, Liaquatabad no 10 to Hassan Square and PP Chowrangi to University Road. However, access will be restricted from Karsaz to the stadium, Millennium to New Town and Stadium Signal to Hassan Square.
Traffic authorities are advising viewers to avoid parking on roads or service lanes, urging them to use only designated parking areas. VIP vehicles and those with special passes can park inside the stadium.
Public access to the stadium will be through the main doors and the doors No. 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14, with VIP vehicles that enter through the door 8. Vehicles equipped with CNG cylinders will not be allowed inside the stadium.
The doors will open three hours before the game begins, while the surrounding roads will remain open for general traffic.
Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain and Wicktkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasin, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Aha AFHAH Aphridi Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.
