Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has urged the national cricket team to add up another responsibility of securing victory against India along with defending the Champions Trophy title.
Speaking at the inauguration of the renovated Gaddafi Stadium, Sharif expressed confidence in the team. He reminded them their past wins against India, inlcuding the Champions Trophy finals in 2017 edition.
He also highlighted the importance of Pakistan hosting an ICC event after nearly thee decades.
“We have a very good side, and they have done well in recent times, but the real task now is to not only win the Champions Trophy but also defeat our arch-rival, India, in the upcoming match in Dubai. The entire nation stands behind them” said Shehbaz Sharif.
Pakistan players at the special inauguration ceremony of the newly revamped Gaddafi Stadium 👏🎆 pic.twitter.com/zooB6sVMW6
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 8, 2025
“It is a big occasion for Pakistan that we are hosting a big ICC event after nearly 29 years. I have full confidence that our team will continue to make the nation proud in the upcoming Champions Trophy,” concluded Shehbaz Sharif.
The cricket rival between Pakistan and India have historically favoured India in ICC events since the 1990s. Pakistan’s most recent victory in an ICC tournament occured in Dubai during the 2021 T20 World Cup.
The 35,000 capacity Gaddafi Stadium has been upgraded in less than four months for country’s first major ICC tournament in 20 years when it will host Champions Trophy 19.
Meanwhile India is the only participating team which will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Instead, India will play all its games in Dubai, including the electrifying clash against Pakistan on February 23.
If India qualifes to the knock out stages their matches will be played in Dubai. The final will be also played in Dubai if India is one of the teams.
Pakistan’s first match will be against New Zealand on February 19 at National Stadium Karachi.
The inauguration event drew numerous notable attendees, including politicians, government officials, PCB representatives, national cricket team members, PSL franchise owners, and former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf and Najam Sethi.
