Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the renovated and upgraded Gaddafi stadium on Friday night, Sharif said the players must give their best against India.

Shehbaz Sharif’s comment on the upcoming India vs. Pakistan Champions Trophy clash has sparked a debate. Sharif’s remark raises question about the team’s priorities ahead of the ICC tournament. Pakistan and India will face each other in the group-stage on 23 February.

Pakistan and India have a history of cricket rivalry and generally the Indian team has held the advantage in ICC events since the 90s. Pakistan's last win in an ICC event against India came in 2021 when they won in Dubai in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan will showcase its newly upgraded stadium at Lahore when it takes on New Zealand in the opening game Saturday of a tri-series cricket tournament, which also involves an understrength South Africa.

Pakistan revealed their official jersey for the ICC Champions Trophy during the Gaddafi Stadium's opening ceremony ahead of the ODI tri-series that will feature Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.

The highly anticipated clash will occur at Dubai International Stadium, as India has opted not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan as the official host. However, Team India will play all its matches in Dubai.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has challenged Pakistan’s cricket team to not only aim for the ICC Champions Trophy but also to defeat India on February 23 in Dubai. The revamped Gaddafi Stadium was unveiled at a grand event.

Pakistan opened a renovated stadium for the Champions Trophy in Lahore on Friday, one of three to be used in its first major international cricket event in almost 30 years. The eight-team Champions Trophy will be staged from February 19 to March 9 in Lahore,