"Real Task Now Is to Not Only Win Champions Trophy but Also Beat India in Dubai," Says Pakistan PM

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to kick off on February 19. The Pakistan will play the first match of this tournament against New Zealand in National Stadium Karachi. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently Unveiled their team jersey in a grand opening of the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan's team has a big challenge ahead. Their goal is not just to win the Champions Trophy but also to defeat India in Dubai on February 23. Pakistan is hosting the Champions Trophy, but India has refused to play in Pakistan. 

Sharif said at the inauguration of Gaddafi stadium.“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,” 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his speech at the Gaddafi Stadium inauguration ceremony, encouraged the Pakistani team players and offered advice to Shaheen Shah Afridi.#GaddafiStadium #ShehbazSharif #ShaheenShahAfridi #ShahidAfridi #ChampionsTrophy2025 #TOKCT25… pic.twitter.com/bzIIdx2zz8

— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) February 7, 2025

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The last edition of the ICC Champions Trophy was won by Pakistan in 2017 by beating India in the final. Their most recent ICC tournament win against India was in 2021 when Pakistan won a T20 World Cup match in Dubai.

Pakistan upgraded the stadiums in very little time. They upgraded the 35,000-seat Gaddafi Stadium in less than four months. This is an important tournament for Pakistan, as it is hosting an ICC event with eight teams for the first time in 29 years.

Sharif said, “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.”

To prepare for the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board has upgraded three stadiums in Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.

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