Thu Jan 30 08:42:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Gears Up for Champions Trophy with Lavish Opening Ceremony in Lahore
**LAHORE, PAKISTAN** – Pakistan is set to host a spectacular opening ceremony for the upcoming Champions Trophy on February 16th in Lahore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced. The ceremony, to be held at the historic Huzoori Bagh within the Lahore Fort, will feature officials from various cricket boards, celebrities, cricketing legends, and government dignitaries. The event precedes the tournament’s first match between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19th in Karachi.
In the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, the PCB will also officially reopen the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7th, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as the chief guest. The renovated National Stadium in Karachi will be unveiled on February 11th, with President Asif Ali Zardari attending the ceremony. A captains’ press conference and photo shoot are also planned for Lahore on February 16th.
While the PCB and ICC are finalizing the details, the participation of Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the Lahore events remains unconfirmed. India will play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai under a hybrid model agreement between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI. Should India reach the final, it will also be held in Dubai on March 9th.
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