The ceremony will showcase a star-studded lineup with performance of renowned singer Atif Aslam. He will perform the official anthem of the tournament.

The eight-team Champions Trophy is scheduled to commence from February 19, with the opening match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand.

The officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) will attend the event.

However, it is surprising that the ICC and the PCB chose Lahore as the venue for the event given that four teams out of total eight, which are participating, in Karachi.

Tradition demands the participating teams to attend the opening ceremony before the start of the first match of the Champions Trophy. However, no such ceremony will be taken place this time due to the Indian government’s refusal to send its team to Pakistan to play any match under the Champions Trophy. Indian matches will be played at neutral venue in Dubai.

The England and Australian teams also delayed their arrival. The England squad will reach Lahore on Feb 18 and the Australian team will arrive on Feb 19.