Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been selected as one of the official ambassadors for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, joining an esteemed lineup that includes India’s Shikhar Dhawan, Australia’s Shane Watson, and New Zealand’s Tim Southee. The announcement comes as excitement builds for the tournament, set to be hosted in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
A Champion Returns to the Spotlight
Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to a historic Champions Trophy victory in 2017, is no stranger to success in this tournament. Under his captaincy, Pakistan famously defeated India by 180 runs in the final, marking one of the country’s most celebrated cricketing moments. Reflecting on that triumph, Sarfaraz said:
“Winning the 2017 Champions Trophy was one of the most unforgettable moments of my career. Lifting that trophy, wearing the white blazer, and seeing the entire nation celebrate with us was beyond special. I’m thrilled to see this tournament return and even more excited that Pakistan will be hosting it.”
Tournament Format and Key Fixtures
The 2025 Champions Trophy will feature eight of the world’s best teams, divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
- Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia
The tournament opener on February 19 will see Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. However, the most anticipated clash will be the Pakistan vs. India encounter on February 23 in Dubai, a match that is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide. Other matches will be played in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi.
Role as an Ambassador
As an official ambassador, Sarfaraz will be actively involved in promoting the tournament. His role includes engaging with fans, providing exclusive insights, writing guest columns, and attending key matches. The ambassadors will also share their personal experiences and analysis, helping to create a more immersive experience for cricket enthusiasts around the world.
A Proud Moment for Pakistan
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s appointment is not just a recognition of his past achievements but also a testament to his continued influence in cricket. With Pakistan set to host a major ICC event after a long time, his presence as an ambassador adds further excitement to the tournament.
As cricket fans eagerly await the return of the Champions Trophy, Sarfaraz’s involvement promises to make the event even more special, both for Pakistan and the global cricketing community.