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President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari are attending the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking the return of the prestigious tournament to Pakistan. The first game of the competition features the host nation and former champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. Pakistan has won the toss and elected to bowl first, looking to capitalise on favourable conditions. The event marks a significant moment for Pakistan, which is hosting the Champions Trophy for the first time since its inception. This year’s tournament see eight teams compete across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, UAE, from February 19 to March 9. This is the first time since the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup that Pakistan is hosting an ICC event, with the final of that tournament held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Ahead of the Champions Trophy, the three Pakistani venues – Gaddafi Stadium, National Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone extensive upgrades, offering world-class facilities for players and spectators alike. The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand, while Group B comprises Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. Following their opener against New Zealand, Pakistan will face India on 23 February in Dubai and Bangladesh on 27 February in Rawalpindi. The group stage will see matches played across the four venues: Dubai, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The first semi-final will be held on 4 March in Dubai, with the second semi-final scheduled for 5 March at Gaddafi Stadium. If India does not qualify for the final, it will be held in Lahore; otherwise, the final will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Apart from their 2017 victory, Pakistan has reached the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy three times: in 2000, 2004, and 2009. Over 12,000 cops deployed for Champions Trophy The Punjab Police spokesperson said over 12,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed for security duties in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The security team will include 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, and 1,200 upper subordinates, along with 10,556 constables and more than 200 female police officers. In Lahore, over 8,000 officers and personnel will be assigned to secure the matches. This includes 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors, and 700 upper subordinates, while 6,673 constables and 129 female constables will perform security and checking duties. In Rawalpindi, more than 5,000 officers and personnel will be on duty. The security force will comprise six senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, 500 upper subordinates, 4,000 constables, and over 100 female personnel. Traffic plan for Karachi matches According to the Deputy Inspector General Traffic, Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open during match days, though several roads will be closed to heavy traffic. Traffic plan issued by Karahi Traffic Police. — Facebook@karachitrafficpoliceofficial Special parking arrangements have been made for spectators. Parking areas will be available at the National Coaching Centre, the Expo Centre, and China Ground. Fans arriving from Karsaz will be directed to these parking zones via the flyover route. Heavy vehicles will be allowed to travel from Sohrab Goth to Nipa, Liaquatabad No 10 to Hassan Square, and PP Chowrangi to University Road. However, access will be restricted from Karsaz to the stadium, Millennium to New Town, and Stadium Signal to Hassan Square. Traffic authorities are advising spectators to avoid parking on roads or service lanes, urging them to use only the designated parking areas. VIP vehicles and those with special passes will be allowed to park within the stadium. Public access to the stadium will be via the main gates and gates No 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14, with VIP vehicles entering through gate 8. Vehicles equipped with CNG cylinders will not be permitted inside the stadium. The gates will open three hours before the match starts, while surrounding roads will remain open for general traffic. Pakistan's squad for Champions Trophy Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.
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