Lahore:
Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that it will be a real challenge for his team to win the ICC Champions Trophy (ICC Champions Trophy 2025) but to defeat his arch-rivals India in Dubai on 23 February. Sharif said during the opening ceremony of the renewed Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night that his players would have to perform their best against India. Sharif said, ‘Our team is very good and has done well in recent times, but now in front of them, the real challenge in front of them will not only win the Champions Trophy but will have to defeat our priest India in the match in Dubai. Pakistan’s team has the support of the entire country. “

Sharif said, “This is a big opportunity for Pakistan because we are hosting an ICC competition after about 29 years. I am confident that our team will raise the head of the country in the Champions Trophy as well.” The renewal work of Gaddafi Stadium was completed in 117 days. Famous singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar and Aima Baig also entertained the audience at its inauguration ceremony.

India and Pakistan have a long history of cricket rivalry and the Indian team has dominated the ICC competitions against this opponent since the 90s. Pakistan won the last win against India in a T20 World Cup in Dubai in 2021. Pakistan will participate in the Champions Trophy as the defending champion. He had earlier won the tournament held in England in 2017.