The event took place at the historic Shahi Qila (Royal Fort) Ground in Lahore, where Punjab's Minister for Sports, Faisal Ayub Khokhar, and Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan, were also present.
PCB Chairman’s advisor Aamir Mir, Wahab Riaz, and members of the 2017 Champions Trophy-winning team arrived at the venue.
Among the cricketers in attendance were Sarfaraz Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Haris Sohail. Additionally, former South African batsman JP Duminy and New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee were also present.
Team selector Asad Shafiq and former Test cricketer Wahab Riaz participated in the ceremony, while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice were also in attendance, with the PCB Chairman welcoming them upon arrival.
ICC Champions Trophy Curtain Raiser Ceremony Begins
In his speech at the opening ceremony, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that Gaddafi Stadium has been fully prepared for the ICC Champions Trophy, calling it a historic moment for Pakistan to host the event.
'Champions Trophy is a Golden Opportunity for Pakistan'
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, speaking at the Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony at Lahore’s Shahi Qila, said that cricket fans will witness top-quality matches over the next two weeks.
He emphasized that the ICC Champions Trophy provides Pakistan with a great opportunity to showcase its passion for cricket. "I witnessed Pakistan winning the Champions Trophy at The Oval," he recalled.
Geoff Allardice further expressed his delight at seeing the modernized Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium in Karachi, adding that the completion of Gaddafi Stadium in just 117 days was a remarkable achievement.
He concluded by saying that the coming two weeks will bring thrilling cricket action for fans in Pakistan.
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