A grand opening ceremony in Karachi, featuring a
breathtaking aerobatic display by the Pakistan Air
Force’s (PAF) world-renowned Sherdil Squadron
Staff Reporter
Karachi: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 officially began with a grand opening ceremony in Karachi, featuring a breathtaking aerobatic display by the Pakistan Air Force‘s (PAF) world-renowned Sherdil Squadron.
PAF Steals the Show with Dazzling Aerobatic Display
The highlight of the ceremony was the PAF flypast, gracing Karachi’s skies after a five-year hiatus. The Sherdil Squadron, meaning “lion-hearted” in Urdu, performed intricate manoeuvres with Karakoram-8 aircraft, including barrel rolls, loops, and bomb bursts, leaving trails of coloured smoke. Pakistani-made JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets added to the spectacle, making it a historic first for a Champions Trophy ceremony.
President Asif Ali Zardari attended as the chief guest, alongside Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and other dignitaries.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Tournament Opener at National Bank Stadium
Following the ceremony, Pakistan faced New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. Pakistan’s playing XI featured key players like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, and captain Muhammad Rizwan. New Zealand’s squad included Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, and Tom Latham.
New Zealand outclassed Pakistan, securing a 60-run victory to start their campaign on a high note. Pakistan will now head to Dubai for their highly anticipated clash against India on February 23, while New Zealand takes on Bangladesh on February 24.
Airspace Closed for PAF Flypast
To ensure smooth operations during the flypast, a specific air corridor was closed from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm, with rehearsals held from February 17 to 19. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), advising commercial flights arriving at Karachi Airport to carry extra fuel and take necessary precautions.
