The ICC Champions Trophy 2025’s opening match broke out between Pakistan and New Zealand on Wednesday (February 19). The match was played at the National Stadium in Karachi. But Pakistan’s poll was revealed in the first match between all the claims and promises. Actually, in this opening match of Pakistan, the number of spectators looked very low. In the match, Pakistani captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and decided to field first.
During the live telecast of TV, it was clear that many stands of Karachi’s National Stadium were empty. The audience capacity of this stadium is around 30 thousand. Since it was believed that the Pakistani team has a domestic match in Karachi, the stadium will be houseful. In the photo that Pakistan Cricket Board shared on X, you can clearly see this thing below.
,@Icc #Championstrophy Time!
National stadium, karachi welcomes the action 🏏#Pakvnz , #Wehavewwewill pic.twitter.com/nfstwi7gmn
– Pakistan Cricket (@Terealpcb) February 19, 2025
Many stands remained vacant during the first innings during the match. Significantly, before the Champions Trophy, the Gaddafi stadium in Karachi and Lahore was renovated. Questions were also raised about Pakistan’s preparations for organizing the Champions Trophy. However, the Champions Trophy has started in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s playing playing 11: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/captain), Salman Aga, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Nasim Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand’s playing playing 11: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Derryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicket -keeper), Glenn Philips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Mat Henry, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rurke.
ICC tournament hosted for the first time since 1996
Champions Trophy 2025 is considered a major achievement for Pakistan. Because they are hosting the International Cricket Council (ICC) organizing. This is the first time since 1996 that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is hosting any ICC event. Pakistan had last hosted the ODI Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
The Champions Trophy will be played in the 2025 hybrid model, in which India and semi -final matches will be played in Dubai. At the same time, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi of Pakistan will host the rest of the tournaments. This major event started on 19 February. Its final will be held on 9 March. The finals of the final will depend on India’s performance. If India is successful in qualifying for the decisive match of the title, then it will be in Dubai, otherwise this mega event will be in Pakistan.
Group of Champions Trophy
Group A – Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B – South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Full schedule of Champions Trophy …
February 19- Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
February 20- Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
February 21- Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
February 22- Australia vs England, Lahore
February 23- Pakistan vs India, Dubai
February 24- Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25- Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
26 February- Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
27 February- Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
28 February- Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
March 1- South Africa vs England, Karachi
March 2- New Zealand vs India, Dubai
March 4- semi-final-1, Dubai
March 5- Semi-2, Lahore
March 9- Final, Lahore (will be played in Dubai when India reaches final)
March 10- Reserve Day