Champions Trophy kicks off in style: Lahore's historic Diwan-e-Aam hosts glamorous curtain raiser

Lahore’s Diwan-e-Aam, a historic place which used to host important gatherings during the Mughal period, hosted the curtain raiser event of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will start with the opener between holders Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 at the National Stadium Karachi.

A dozen players from Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistan team, which conquered India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval, also graced the occasion.

Also present were the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Geoff Allardice, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee and former South Africa’s player JP Duminy.

Naqvi said that Pakistan is ready for the Champions Trophy.

“On behalf of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), I welcome you in the Dewan-e-Aam. The historic venue reflects not only Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage but also the deep-rooted legacy of cricket in this nation,” Naqvi said in his opening speech.

“This world is watching; you people are watching and I assure every cricket fan and supporter that Pakistan is ready for the Champions Trophy,” said the PCB chief.

“Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been a long effort requiring tireless dedication and sacrifices to ensure a world class experience which started with the upgradation of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium. Thanks to the efforts of the workers as both venues have been transformed into the state-of-the-art facilities in a record time. The world got its first glimpse of these venues during recent tri-nation series. My sincere gratitude goes to the ICC team as they have done an amazing job,” said Naqvi, also an interior minister.

“Now in 2025 the ICC Champions Trophy returns to Pakistan for the first time in 29 years. This event is more than just cricket. Its opportunity to show Pakistan’s hospitality and passion. For nearly three decades two generations of cricket lovers in Pakistan were deprived of experiencing a global ICC event on home soil. That changes now. This is your moment to fill the stadium,” Naqvi said.

The ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice also showed his excitement that Pakistan is going to host this event after a long time.

“It is my honor to represent ICC on this special occasion, celebrating the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 being hosted by the PCB. We are delighted to be here in Pakistan which is hosting the global event for the first time since 1996,” Geoff said.

“Its tremendous opportunity for the country to show its passion for cricket while extending its firmest hospitality to all the overseas visitors attending this event.”

“I remember Pakistan lifting the Trophy at the Oval in 2017 which was the last time this tournament was staged. We expect some exciting cricket this month. The top eight teams in the world come together to play 15 matches in 19 days across four iconic venues in Pakistan and the UAE.”

“I must congratulate the PCB chair on the impressive re-development of the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Stadium Karachi. I still find hard to believe the major renovation was completed in just 117 days. It’s so important for the ICC to take its major events to as many members countries as possible. The best promotion for its sports is for the aspiring cricketers of tomorrow to see the best players of the world performing in person,” he said.

“One of the great legacies of this tournament will be the improved venues and facilities for generations of players and cricket fans in Pakistan. Ensuring the stadiums are ready, the players across the world will enjoy two weeks of intense competition. I also would like to extend my gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board for their role in staging the fixtures,” Geoff said.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmad, who had led his side to the 2017 Champions Trophy final, also shared his memories.

“If we talk about the 2017 Champions Trophy final so it cannot be described in words. There are lots of memories of that finale. Both nations want to beat each other. Our nation extended a huge welcome to us after we won that event,” Sarfraz said.

Asked about Pakistan’s chances in the event Sarfraz said Pakistan team is very popular.

“Pakistan gets down and up. I rate very high the entire squad and wish good luck to it and inshaAllah it will defend the title in front of the home fans,” Sarfraz said.

Former New Zealand’s Test pacer Tim Southee believes that Kiwis are ready for the crunch games.

“Kiwis have been fairly good in the back up of the tri-nation series. They have been in these conditions for a while, having played three games and they would have been very happy with their preparation,” Southee said.

“It’s a tough tournament and there is no easy game and the first game against the home country will be very important to get the right momentum,” Southee said.

“It has been great tournament. Its short nature means you cannot afford any hiccup and each game is very important,” he was quick to add.

‘It’s our moment’

Former South Africa’s batting all-rounder JP Duminy thinks conditions can suit the Proteas.

“I think it’s our moment,” Duminy said.

“In 1988 we won the first Champions Trophy but since then we have not had the opportunity to get over the line. I think with the make-up of our squad, the balance that we have, the powerhouse from bowling point of view and conditions in Pakistan, I think really suit the line-up we have,” Duminy said.

“Yes, we will have to put up together with the ball as well. We certainly saw it in the tri-nation series against Pakistan and New Zealand. We got some work to do. It’s a tournament where we can gain momentum earlier on. You gain confidence very quickly. We have an opportunity this time around, the conditions I think can suit us and I am certainly confident that this event could be theirs (Proteas),” Duminy said.

Australian also arrived in Lahore on Monday while England are set to land in few hours. South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand and Afghanistan are in Karachi while Bangladesh have already arrived in Dubai to face India on February 20.

Australia will begin their journey with their game against England at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on February 22.

Dubia, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi are set to host the eight-nation event which will feature 15 matches to be conducted inside 19 days.