Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was on Wednesday named as one of the four event ambassadors for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to run from February 19 to March 9.
The wicketkeeper batter, who led Pakistan to their maiden title with a crushing 180-run victory over arch-rivals India in the blockbuster final of the 2017 edition, is joined by India’s Shikhar Dhawan, Australia’s Shane Watson and New Zealand’s Tim Southee.
Sharing his excitement over the recognition, Sarfaraz Ahmed said he will “never forget” winning the prestigious title and wearing the white jackets.
“Seeing the nation get behind us and celebrate that success is also something that’s very close to my heart, so I am delighted to see the competition return to the cricket calendar and see my country given the opportunity to host such a special event.
“The format means that every game is so important, and I can’t wait to play my part as an Ambassador and witness the tournament first-hand,” he added.
With a wealth of experience in the Champions Trophy, over the course of the coming weeks, the ambassadors would provide fans with unrivalled insights into the competition through guest columns and match attendance, sharing their thoughts on what promises to be a thrilling event.
Meanwhile, two-time champion Watson said that the ICC tournament is a truly unique event “that has provided us with so many unforgettable moments down the years”.
“With the top eight teams going head-to-head for the iconic white jackets, we are sure to see some extraordinary do-or-die cricket across three thrilling weeks,” he added.
Dhawan, who was named Player of the Series in India’s 2013 trophy-winning campaign, said it is such a special feeling to be part of a Champions Trophy, and to be given the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming edition as an Ambassador was an honour.
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll see the best sides in the world competing for the white jackets knowing that one mistake or one loss could spell the end of their hopes. It’s the ultimate competition where it’s all on the line, and that is what makes it such a thrilling spectacle,” he added.
It is pertinent to mention that the eight-team tournament, comprised of 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 comprised 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.
