Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will participate in the grand opening ceremony for the ICC Champions Trophy. The PAF will perform a spectacular flypast welcoming the guest teams for the tournament.
With the breathtaking flypast, PAF will display the country’s airpower. The prestigious Sherdil Aerobatics Team, along with JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets, will take center stage, delivering an aerial display expected to captivate cricket fans worldwide.
The opening ceremony is scheduled in Karachi on February 19th, 2025. The opening match will be played between New Zealand and defending champion Pakistan.
With Pakistan hosting the ICC Champions Trophy, preparations are in full swing. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium Karachi were inaugurated after renovations and major upgrade.
Just days before the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially unveiled the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, ushering in a new chapter for the iconic venue, which has stood for 65 years.
The evening was filled with memorable performances by renowned artists, including Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig. The celebrations also featured an energetic drum performance and an impressive fireworks display. To further enhance the occasion, a spectacular light show added to the grandeur of the event.
Read more: Gaddafi Stadium Reopens in Grand Style Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
In his speech, PM Shehbaz expressed great pride in the successful completion of the renovation, acknowledging the collective efforts of everyone involved, from the contractors and workers to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who supervised the project.
He also recognized the support of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, thanking both her and the provincial government for their contributions. Referring to the rapid pace of the renovation, he humorously quipped, “Shehbaz Speed” is a thing of the past, now we have “Mohsin Speed.”
A similar star-studded event was organized at National Stadium Karachi earlier this week. Ali Zafar, Sahir Ali Bagga, and Shafqat Amanat Ali entertained the audiences with their mesmerizing performances.