The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins on Wednesday, with host nation Pakistan facing off against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Both teams are eager to start their campaign on a strong note in this prestigious tournament.
Pakistan enters the competition as the second-favorites, just behind India, despite suffering a defeat against New Zealand in their last warm-up match. Meanwhile, defending Cricket World Cup champions Australia remain a formidable force, but all eyes are on this opening clash between two ambitious teams.
The last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017 saw Pakistan clinch the title with a memorable victory over India. However, since then, their inconsistency has been a recurring challenge. Star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be key to their success, yet the team’s unpredictability remains a concern.
Off-field issues have also plagued Pakistan, with coaching changes adding to the instability. Gary Kirsten’s brief tenure as white-ball coach ended last year, followed by Jason Gillespie, who also stepped down despite positive relations with the squad.
New Zealand, winners of the 2000 Champions Trophy and runners-up in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, are perennial dark horses. Despite a smaller talent pool compared to other major teams, they continue to produce world-class players who shine in international and domestic competitions.
Currently ranked fourth, the Kiwis are strong contenders but face stiff competition from tournament favorites India, reigning world champions Australia, and 2019 winners England.
Hosting international cricket in Pakistan has been a long-awaited moment, following years of security concerns after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team’s bus in Lahore.
The Champions Trophy marks the nation’s return to hosting a global cricket event after nearly three decades.
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