Pakistan officially set for the bright lights of the ICC Champions Trophy
Lahore Fort was lit up in spectacular fashion at the Champions Trophy Curtain Raiser Event. Here were the highlights.
Let the games begin.
Pakistan is officially ready to host an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, launching the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy at Dewan-e-Khas of Lahore Fort.
The Curtain Raiser event has successfully dialled up anticipation ahead of the tournament opener on February 19 between host nation Pakistan and fellow title contenders New Zealand.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Ultimate Guide: Everything you need to know
Gallery
Organisers lit Lahore Fort in all its glory, presenting a spectacular sight as a sign of what's to come right the way through the first Champions Trophy event since 2017.
It is hosts Pakistan that will look to defend their crown, having claimed the 2017 edition of the tournament in the United Kingdom.
Members of the trophy-winning squad from 2017 played a central role at the Curtain Raiser at Lahore Fort, helping ignite some great memories. That Pakistan team beat India by 180 runs at The Oval, London, in the Final.
Pakistan v India | Match Highlights | 2017 Champions Trophy Final
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chair Mohsin Naqvi confirmed how ready and excited Pakistan is to host what is the first Champions Trophy tournament in eight years, labelling it a 'momentous occasion' for the nation and their cricket-adoring people.
"The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will return to Pakistan for the first time in 29 years," Naqvi said at the Curtain Raiser event.
"This tournament is more than just cricket; it is an opportunity to showcase Pakistan's hospitality and passion."
Shastri, Ponting preview the epic ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 | The ICC Review
Every ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 squad
Lahore Fort was carefully hand-picked as a perfectly symbolic location to officially light the torch for the tournament.
"The significance of the venue, (it) not only represents Pakistan's rich cultural heritage but also underscores the deep-rooted legacy of cricket in the nation."
"This is your moment to fill the stadiums," Naqvi continued, addressing the Pakistan fans that have been patiently waiting for an ICC event to return.
Pakistan have been grouped with New Zealand, India and Bangladesh, while on the other side of the draw it's Australia, England, South Africa and tournament debutants Afghanistan.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.
