The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony has been officially called off due to the delayed arrival of two participating teams. This also means that the traditional pre-tournament press conference and photoshoot featuring the eight team captains in Karachi will not take place. Indian captain Rohit Sharma will also not be attending the event, putting an end to widespread speculations by Indian media.
According to sources within the International Cricket Council (ICC), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have provided their arrival schedules, confirming that England will land in Lahore on February 18, while Australia will arrive on February 19. Bangladesh and India will reach Dubai on February 15, and Afghanistan will arrive in Islamabad on February 12. Meanwhile, New Zealand and South Africa will already be in Pakistan, having participated in a tri-series from February 8 to 14.
With the tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand scheduled for February 19 in Karachi, the ICC and PCB had initially explored the possibility of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony. However, due to England and Australia’s late arrival and concerns over player workload management, the plan was deemed unfeasible.
Despite the cancellation of the opening ceremony, the PCB remains committed to celebrating this prestigious event, marking Pakistan’s first time hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in 29 years. At least 10 matches will be held in Pakistan, while Dubai will host three, including India’s games and the first semi-final. If India does not qualify for the final on March 9, it will be played in Lahore; otherwise, Dubai will host the finale.
