The opening ceremony of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, to be held at National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, will witness breathtaking aerial maneuvers by the Sherdil Squadron of Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The match in Pakistan assumes significance as no top team in international cricket had toured the country since the attack on the Sri Lankan team in March 2009. Besides, Pakistan has not hosted an ICC tournament since 1996 when it co-hosted the ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.
Sherdils Squadron is the PAF's aerobatic display team. Barrel rolls, loops, bomb bursts and the coloured smoke will grace the city's skies during the colourful show at the opening ceremony.
Multi-role combat aircraft JF-17 Thunder—developed jointly by Pakistan and China—and F-16 fighter jets apart from the advanced trainer aircraft Karakoram-8 would be part of the highly entertaining aerial demonstrations by the PAF.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest at the event.
Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority has issued a NOTAM (notice to airmen) to commercial airlines about the aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force. Commercial flights arriving at Karachi Airport have been advised to take necessary precautions. A designated air corridor will remain closed and airlines have also been instructed to carry additional fuel in their aircraft.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the country is fully prepared to host the Champions Trophy and added that “International standard facilities will be provided to all the teams. Fans in the stadiums will be given all possible facilities."