LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation on Sunday, visited Gaddafi Stadium here to evaluate preparations for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
The delegation, which included key ICC officials, broadcasters and logistics personnel, conducted a thorough review of the venue's arrangements.
Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), provided a detailed briefing to the delegation, showcasing various enclosures, media boxes, dressing rooms and other essential areas of the stadium.
The Gaddafi Stadium is undergoing substantial upgrades, which are expected to be completed this month.
The stadium is set to host at least four exciting matches during the Champions Trophy, including the second semi-final, scheduled on March 5.
It is pertinent to mention that the eight-team tournament, comprised of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, across three venues – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – in Pakistan and Dubai.
The eight teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Champions Trophy Schedule:
19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan
20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai
21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan
22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan
23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai
24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan
27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan
1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan
2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai
4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai
5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan
9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)
10 March, Reserve day
*All matches will be day-night encounters
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.
