The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 may commence without the traditional opening ceremony or captains’ press conference due to a modified arrival schedule for the participating teams.
This year, the England and Australia cricket teams will arrive in Pakistan nearer to the commencement of the event.
Sources inside the International Cricket Council (ICC) have verified that teams, including England and Australia, will arrive in Pakistan following their separate tours.
England is set to complete its tour of India by February 12, but Australia will conclude their series in Sri Lanka on February 14.
Consequently, both teams have retracted from the warm-up matches, a decision aligned with prior ICC events, where tardy attendance hindered practice matches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated interest in staging an opening ceremony; but, logistical issues related to the teams’ arrival dates resulted in its postponement.
The PCB stated that although the occurrence was not officially verified, it has consistently been regarded as a potentiality.
Although the opening ceremony and press conference have been cancelled, the PCB is dedicated to organising an alternative event to commemorate the importance of hosting the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years.
The inaugural match of the tournament, featuring Pakistan and New Zealand, is set for February 19 in Karachi.
The PCB has stated that a celebration for fans will be organized ahead of the match to highlight the excitement surrounding the event.
