The opening ceremony of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, at National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, witnessed breathtaking aerial maneuvers by the Sherdil Squadron of Pakistan Air Force (PAF).The match in Pakistan assumes significance as no top team in international cricket had toured the country since the attack on the Sri Lankan team in March 2009. Besides, Pakistan has not hosted an ICC tournament since 1996 when it co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
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New Zealand opening duo of Will Young and Devon Conway prepared to take charge in the middle as planes flew over their heads. Some players even seemed to have gotten scared as the air show began. The PAF air show was scheduled by the Pakistan Cricket Board as part of the opening ceremony, which was conducted over multiple days in different venues.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari was the chief guest at the event. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the country is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy and added that “International standard facilities will be provided to all the teams. Fans in the stadiums will be given all possible facilities. "Pakistan brought in Haris Rauf for this match after the express pacer recovered from injury in time for the opening match. On the other hand, the Kiwis included Matt Henry in their line-up. Both teams are placed in Group A along with India and Bangladesh
