Champions Trophy to embark on final tour as it arrives in Pakistan

LAHORE: The majestic and prestigious ICC Men's Champions Trophy returned to Pakistan after concluding its world tour on Thursday. 

The silver trophy arrived in Pakistan after visiting each participation nation part of the eight-team tournament scheduled to start on February 19.

The trophy will embark on its second tour of the country and will be displayed in major cities like Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sargodha and Sheikhupura until February 15. 

Meanwhile, it will also be exhibited during the opening ceremonies at the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Karachi’s National Stadium on February 7 and 11, respectively.

The Champions Trophy already toured several cities in Pakistan in November last year.

During the tour, the trophy was exhibited in major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, Murree, Nithia Gali, Taxila and Abbottabad but was not exhibited in Lahore.

The eight-team tournament, comprising 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, across three venues — Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi — in Pakistan and Dubai.

The eight teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B is consisted of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.

Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi, while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Pakistan will host a total of 10 matches, while four matches, including all three of India's group-stage matches and the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

The final of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played in Lahore but if India qualify then it will be held in Dubai.

Furthermore, a reserve day has also been allocated for the final clash as a precautionary measure to combat any weather-related hindrance.