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Flags of seven teams, excluding the Indian tri-colour, was seen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of Champions Trophy.
Flags at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium as PCB head Mohsin Naqvi spoke at Champions Trophy curtain riaser (X and Youtube)
The Champions Trophy Curtain Raiser event was held in Lahore on Sunday night ahead of the start of the tournament, which gets underway on February 19 between host nation Pakistan and fellow title contenders New Zealand.
There will be 15 matches across Pakistan and Dubai, after India refused to travel to their neighbours, instead agreeing to play their matches in the neutral United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was dressed up as flags of seven teams, except India were displayed, as per a tweet.
No Indian flag in Karachi: As only the Indian team faced security issues in Pakistan and refused to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, the PCB removed the Indian flag from the Karachi stadium while keeping the flags of the other guest playing nations.– Absolute Cinema,… pic.twitter.com/2zmcATn7iQ
– NOWZ) – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English) February 16, 2025
This tournament marks the first time Pakistan will host an ICC event since 1996 with the Pakistan leg will feature games in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Hosts Pakistan are defending champions, having claimed the 2017 edition of the tournament after beating India by 180 runs at The Oval, London, in the summit clash.
Members of the trophy-winning squad from 2017 were in attendance at the Curtain Raiser event at Lahore Fort, which was lit in all its glory.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan hosting the Champions Trophy tournament is a ‘momentous occasion’ for the nation and its cricket-adoring people.
“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will return to Pakistan for the first time in 29 years,” Naqvi said at the Curtain Raiser event.
“This tournament is more than just cricket; it is an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s hospitality and passion.”
“The significance of the venue, (it) not only represents Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage but also underscores the deep-rooted legacy of cricket in the nation.”
“This is your moment to fill the stadiums,” Naqvi added.
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Pakistan have been grouped with New Zealand, India and Bangladesh, while on the other side of the draw it’s Australia, England, South Africa and tournament debutants Afghanistan.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.
- Location :
Lahore, Pakistan
