LAHORE, Feb 8: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan’s main objective is not merely to win the ICC Champions Trophy but to triumph over their long-standing rivals, India, in Dubai on February 23.
While inaugurating the modernized and enhanced Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night, Sharif stressed the importance of players delivering their best performance against India.
“We possess a strong team that has been performing admirably, but our primary goal now is not only to clinch the Champions Trophy but also to overcome our arch-rival, India, in the forthcoming match in Dubai. The entire nation is rallying behind them,” Sharif stated.
The rivalry between Pakistan and India in cricket is well-known, with the Indian team often holding the upper hand in ICC competitions since the 1990s.
Pakistan last claimed victory against India in an ICC event in 2021 during the T20 World Cup staged in Dubai.
With India opting not to send their team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, alongside the recent strained relations between the two cricket boards, the match on February 23 carries additional significance.
As the defending champions, Pakistan enters the tournament after having last won the event in England in 2017.
“It is a monumental occasion for Pakistan as we are hosting a significant ICC event after nearly 29 years,” Sharif remarked.
Sharif conveyed his enthusiasm about hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan after almost three decades.
He expressed pride in the revamped stadium and its enhanced facilities, noting that it now embodies the spirit of Pakistan’s cricketing passion.
“I have complete faith that our team will continue to bring pride to the nation in the upcoming Champions Trophy.”
The inauguration ceremony saw the attendance of numerous notable personalities, including politicians, government officials, PCB representatives, national men’s cricket team members, PSL franchise owners, and former PCB chairmen Zaka Ashraf and Najam Sethi.
The event marked the successful completion of Gaddafi Stadium’s renovation in just 117 days.
Renowned artists Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig performed for the audience, followed by an impressive fireworks display, a lively drum show, and an extraordinary light presentation. (Agencies)
