The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 may begin without the usual opening ceremony or captains’ press conference, following a revised arrival schedule of the participating teams.
This year, the English and Australian cricket teams will arrive in Pakistan closer to the tournament’s start. Sources from the ICC confirmed that England and Australia will arrive in Pakistan after their tours.
England is scheduled to conclude its tour of India by February 12, while Australia will finish its series in Sri Lanka on February 14.
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As a result, both teams have withdrawn from the warm-up matches, a decision consistent with previous ICC events. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did plan an opening ceremony, but it was cancelled due to logistical issues with the teams’ arrival schedules.
The PCB clarified that while the event was not officially confirmed, it was always considered a possibility. Despite cancelling the opening ceremony and press conference, the PCB is focused on organising an alternative event to celebrate hosting the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years.
The first match of the tournament, between Pakistan and New Zealand, is scheduled for February 19 in Karachi. A celebration for fans will be organised ahead of the match to highlight the excitement surrounding the event.
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