Pakistan Begins Champions Trophy Title Defence Against New Zealand

Pakistan Begins Champions Trophy Title Defence Against New Zealand

Hosts Ready for Historic ICC Event on Home Soil

The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament's opening match at the National Stadium, Karachi. As the defending champions, Pakistan will look to repeat their 2017 triumph, when they famously defeated India in the final. This year’s edition is even more special, as it marks the return of an ICC global event to Pakistan for the first time since 1996.

The tournament, featuring eight of the world’s best teams, will be held across three venues in Pakistan Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi as well as in Dubai, UAE. The teams have been divided into two groups, with Pakistan placed in Group A alongside India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B consists of Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

The National Stadium, Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium have undergone major renovations to provide world-class facilities for players and fans. This ensures that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be a landmark event in Pakistan's cricketing history.

Pakistan’s title defence will continue with a highly anticipated clash against India on February 23 in Dubai, followed by their final group stage match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi. The tournament’s knockout stage will see the semi-finals on March 4 and 5, while the final will take place on March 9 either in Lahore or Dubai, depending on India’s qualification.

Pakistan has an impressive record in the Champions Trophy, having won the 2017 edition and reached the semi-finals in 2000, 2004, and 2009. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan has emphasized the team’s determination to bring the trophy home, stating that they have worked hard, learned from past mistakes, and are focused on delivering a memorable campaign.

With Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Naseem Shah in the squad, Pakistan boasts a formidable lineup. The entire nation will be rallying behind their team as they aim to lift their second Champions Trophy in front of their home crowd.