The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan as the official host. The tournament will kick off with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, details of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament's opening ceremonies have been finalized, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif confirmed as the chief guest.

Multiple ceremonies planned

As per a report in Pakistan's sports news website A Sports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has scheduled three separate opening ceremonies at different venues. The first will take place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 7, with PM Shahbaz Sharif in attendance. The second is set for February 11 at Karachi's National Stadium, where Pakistan's President Asif Zardari will be the chief guest.

The final ceremony will be held in Lahore on February 16, attended by former cricketers and ICC officials. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has already met with PM Shahbaz Sharif to finalize the arrangements.

Rohit Sharma's participation uncertain

Before the tournament, a captains' photoshoot and press conference are traditionally held in the host country. However, there is uncertainty regarding whether Indian captain Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan for the event. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to issue an official statement on his participation. It is yet to be confirmed whether the Indian captain will travel to Lahore for the scheduled events.

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Concerns over stadium readiness

With less than three weeks left until ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament begins, reports indicate that Pakistan's stadiums are still not fully prepared. According to The Dawn, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is struggling to complete the necessary renovations on time, raising concerns about whether the tournament can be hosted in Pakistan as planned.