Tickets for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sold out within minutes of going live on Monday. The overwhelming demand saw over 150,000 cricket fans rush to secure their spot online, resulting in wait times of over an hour. The much-awaited match will take place on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and is a crucial group-stage fixture in the tournament, which will be held under a hybrid model in Pakistan and the UAE.
As the tournament approaches, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reassured fans about Pakistan’s readiness to host the event. Despite concerns regarding venue preparation, Naqvi confirmed that the three primary venues—Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi—are on track to host the Champions Trophy matches. The tournament will kick off on February 19, and with the images of ongoing construction at some venues, doubts were raised about their completion. However, Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan is well-prepared to host the prestigious event.
He further clarified that Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which is set to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on February 7, will be ready for the tournament. While some minor work will continue at the National Stadium in Karachi and Rawalpindi Stadium after the event, Naqvi assured that all necessary upgrades for an optimal experience would be completed ahead of the National Stadium’s inauguration on February 11.
Addressing recent criticism regarding the quality of seating at Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi mentioned that the new chairs were sourced from China and come with a 20-year warranty, assuring fans that they are durable and of high quality. With the excitement building up, the Champions Trophy is set to showcase the best cricketing talent from the world’s top eight teams.
