LAHORE: Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan on Tuesday, expressed his determination to meet the expectations of their fans in the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held from February 19 to March 19.
In a statement, released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rizwan shared that the national team’s recent performances in ODIs add to the excitement for the eight-team tournament and also that the team is eager to excel in front of their home crowd.
“As a cricket loving country, we are all very excited to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Having done well with the help of Almighty in the ODIs recently adds to the excitement and build-up towards the mega-event, and we eagerly look forward to playing in front of our home crowd and excelling in the eight-team tournament,” said Rizwan.
“Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy is a great occasion as Pakistan welcomes first ICC event to its shores in 28 years and especially as we are the defending champions. We will try to meet the expectations of our fans,” he added.
Mohammad Rizwan further highlighted the hospitality of the nation and expects the fans to not only support Pakistan team but also to acknowledge other participating sides during the eight-team tournament.
“Our country is known for its great hospitality and I am sure the fans will not only support our team, but also appreciate the performances of other teams,” Rizwan said.
For the unversed, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the schedule of the men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played across three venues of Pakistan – Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore, while at least four matches will be played in Dubai.
The eight teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan will host a total of 10 matches in their country, while four matches, including all three of India's group-stage matches and the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.
The final of the tournament is scheduled to be played in Lahore but if India qualify then it will also be held in Dubai.
Furthermore, a reserve day has also been allocated for the final clash as a precautionary measure to combat any weather-related hindrance.
Atique ur Rehman Atique ur Rehman is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Mohammad Rizwan