ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ambitious plans to kick off the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a grand opening ceremony, marking the historic return of a mega international cricket event to Pakistan after 29 years.

The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, depending on the warm-up match itinerary, and promises to be a spectacular celebration of mega events revival in the country.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will be Pakistan’s first major ICC tournament since the nation co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Well-placed sources confirmed to The News that the PCB has formally informed the ICC about its plans for the event.

“All team captains will participate in the opening ceremony,” a source revealed. “This is a standard practice for ICC events and symbolizes the unity and grandeur of international cricket. The ICC has been informed, and the governing body is expected to ensure the participation of all teams.”

Interestingly, even though India has chosen to play its matches in Dubai due to political tensions, their team and captain are still expected to join the opening ceremony in Pakistan. “The ICC will instruct all participating teams to take part in this curtain-raiser event. It’s a global tradition. While India’s decision on the size of their delegation is up to them, participation is mandatory,” the source emphasized.

On the issue of visas for Indian players, officials, and fans, the PCB reassured that it is committed to fulfilling all host nation responsibilities. “Pakistan will provide visas to all players, officials, commercial partners, media, and spectators, just as it did recently for the ICC inspection team, which included three Indian nationals,” the source added. The opening ceremony is poised to set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling and historic Champions Trophy, celebrating Pakistan’s pivotal role in the global cricketing arena.