Champions Trophy Archives

Champions Trophy: PCB provides update on Fakhar Zaman’s injury

KARACHI: Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury scare during the ongoing match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand here on Wednesday.

The left-hander fell awkwardly while fielding in the first over of New Zealand’s innings and had to leave the ground for medical assessment.

Fakhar Zaman did return to the field after some time, attempting to continue, but he soon walked off again, raising concerns about his fitness.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later released a statement, saying, “Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain and further updates will be provided in due course.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Pakistan will now be anxiously waiting for further medical reports, hoping that the injury isn’t serious, given Fakhar’s importance to the team’s batting lineup.

For the unversed, after today’s game against New Zealand, the Pakistan cricket team will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Shubman Gill once again dethrones Babar Azam as No.1 ODI batter

Champions Trophy: Fakhar Zaman eyes Shahid Afridi’s record against New Zealand

KARACHI: Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman is on the brink of surpassing the record of legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand here on Wednesday.

Fakhar, known for his aggressive stroke play, has had a stellar record against the BlackCaps, amassing 1,053 runs at an impressive average and strike rate.

With just 26 more runs, he will overtake Afridi’s tally of 1,078 runs and climb to third place on the list of Pakistan’s highest ODI run-getters against New Zealand.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

At the top of the list stands Inzamam-ul-Haq with 1,283 runs, followed closely by Saeed Anwar (1,260 runs). Fakhar, with significantly fewer innings than the others on this elite list, has a golden opportunity to etch his name further in history.

Most ODI Runs for Pakistan against New Zealand

Inzamam-ul-Haq – 1,283 in 42 innings.
Saeed Anwar – 1,260 runs in 32 innings.
Shahid Afridi – 1,078 runs in 35 innings.
Saleem Malik – 1,054 runs in 41 innings.
Fakhar Zaman – 1,053 runs in 19 innings.

With significantly fewer innings than those ahead of him, Fakhar Zaman has a strong chance to move up the list of the batters with the most runs against New Zealand.

For the unversed, after today’s game against New Zealand, Pakistan cricket team will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

READ: Shubman Gill once again dethrones Babar Azam as No.1 ODI batter

New Zealand outplay Pakistan by 60 runs in Champions Trophy opener

KARACHI: Will Young and Tom Latham’s centuries and clinical bowling performance propelled New Zealand to a comprehensive victory against Pakistan by 60 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener at National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

PAK 260 (46 Overs)

47.2: Henry to Naseem Shah, OUT! New Zealand win by 60 runs. Agony for the hosts as they lose their first match

Naseem Shah 13 (15b 0x4 1×6 27m) SR: 86.66

PAK 260/9 (45 Overs)

46.6: Santner to Haris Rauf, OUT

Haris Rauf 19 (10b 0x4 3×6 11m) SR: 190

Santner continues

PAK 245/8 (44 Overs)

O’Rourke to continue

PAK 236/8 (43 Overs)

Santner returns

PAK 229/8 (42 Overs)

43.4: O’Rourke to Khushdil, OUT

Khushdil Shah 69 (49b 10×4 1×6) SR: 140.81

O’Rourke continues

PAK 225/7 (41 Overs)

Henry continues

PAK 213/7 (40 Overs)

O’Rourke back for bowling

PAK 200/7 (39 Overs)

Matt Henry into the attack

PAK 196/6 (38 Overs)

Phillips continues

PAK 187/6 (37 Overs)

Bracewell continues

PAK 183/6 (36 Overs)

Phillips returns

PAK 175/6 (35 Overs)

Bracewell continues

PAK 166/6 (34 Overs)

Santner to continue

PAK 156/6 (33 Overs)

Bracewell returns

PAK 153/6 (32 Overs)

33.6: Santner to Babar Azam, OUT, big wicket

Babar Azam 64 (90b 6×4 1×6) SR: 71.11

Santner continues

PAK 146/5 (31 Overs)

Smith continues

PAK 130/5 (30 Overs)

Santner continues

PAK 128/4 (29 Overs)

30.4: Smith to Salman, OUT. Salman goes!

Salman Agha 42 (28b 6×4 1×6) SR: 150

Nathan Smith into the attack

PAK 124/3 (28 Overs)

Santner continues

PAK 119/3 (27 Overs)

Phillips continues

PAK 104/3 (26 Overs)

Santner continues

PAK 94/3 (25 Overs)

Phillips continues

PAK 84/3 (24 Overs)

Santner continues

PAK 83/3 (23 Overs)

Phillips from the other end

PAK 80/3 (22 Overs)

Santner continues

PAK 72/3 (21 Overs)

Bracewell continues

PAK 70/3 (20 Overs)

Santner comes into bowl

PAK 69/3 (19 Overs)

20.5: Michael Bracewell to Zaman, OUT. Silence in the stands as Fakhar is bowled!

Fakhar Zaman 24 (41b 4×4 0x6) SR: 58.53

Bracewell continues

PAK 66/2 (18 Overs)

Phillips continues

PAK 65/2 (17 Overs)

Bracewell continues

PAK 60/2 (16 Overs)

Phillips continues

PAK 55/2 (15 Overs)

Bracewell to continue

PAK 55/2 (14 Overs)

Phillips continues

PAK 49/2 (13 Overs)

Bracewell continues

PAK 41/2 (12 Overs)

Glenn Phillips comes to bowl.

PAK 24/2 (11 Overs)

Michael Bracewell into the attack

PAK 22/2 (10 Overs)

9.6: O’Rourke to Rizwan, OUT. Flying Glenn Phillips takes screamer.

Mohammad Rizwan 3 (14b 0x4 0x6) SR: 21.42

O’Rourke continues

PAK 21/1 (9 Overs)

Henry to continue

PAK 19/1 (8 Overs)

O’Rourke continues

PAK 14/1 (7 Overs)

Henry continues. A maiden over…

PAK 14/1 (6 Overs)

O’Rourke to continue

PAK 12/1 (5 Overs)

Henry continues

PAK 8/1 (4 Overs)

3.4: O’Rourke to Saud Shakeel, OUT.. gone! New Zealand with an early breakthrough. He is caught on the third man.

Saud Shakeel 6 (19b 0x4 0x6) SR: 31.57

O’Rourke continues

PAK 5/0 (3 Overs)

Henry to continue from the other end

PAK 3/0 (2 Overs)

Will O’Rourke will take the new ball from the other end.

PAK 1/0 (1 Over)

Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel to open for Pakistan. Matt Henry will bowl the first over for New Zealand.

PAKISTAN vs NEW ZEALAND (2nd INNINGS)

Will Young and Tom Latham struck centuries to power New Zealand to 320-5 in the their 50 overs.

NZ 320/5 (50 Overs)

49.4: Haris Rauf to Phillips, OUT!!

Glenn Phillips 61 (39b 3×4 4×6 62m) SR: 156.41

Haris Rauf to bowl the last over.

NZ 306/4 (49 Overs)

48.1: Fifty for Phillips. His quick-fire fifty includes four sixes and one four.

Shaheen Afridi continues

NZ 294/4 (48 Overs)

Haris Rauf returns

NZ 283/4 (47 Overs)

46.2: Shaheen Afridi to Latham, pushes on to the on side for a run, and here it is his eighth ODI hundred.

Shaheen Afridi is back in the attack

NZ 265/4 (46 Overs)

Naseem Shah into his final over

NZ 256/4 (45 Overs)

Haris Rauf returns

NZ 240/4 (44 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed continues

NZ 224/4 (43 Overs)

Khushdil continues

NZ 215/4 (42 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed comes into the bowl

NZ 212/4 (41 Overs)

Khushdil comes back into the attack

NZ 207/4 (40 Overs)

Naseem continues

NZ 198/4 (39 Overs)

Shaheen Afridi continues

NZ 193/4 (38 Overs)

37.2: Length ball, Young heaves to the leg side… and it’s brilliantly taken by sub fielder Faheem Ashraf.

Will Young 107 (113b 12×4 1×6) SR: 94.69

Naseem Shah returns to the attack

NZ 187/3 (37 Overs)

Shaheen Afridi returns

NZ 183/3 (36 Overs)

Haris Rauf continues

NZ 175/3 (35 Overs)

34.2: Will Young sweeps to his century! A measured innings, that did not start smoothly, particularly with wickets at the other end, but a tidy ODI hundred, his first of four overseas.

Abrar Ahmed continues

NZ 171/3 (34 Overs)

Haris Rauf continues

NZ 164/3 (33 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed continues

NZ 159/3 (32 Overs)

Haris Rauf returns

NZ 151/3 (31 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed returns

NZ 148/3 (30 Overs)

Khushdil Shah continues

NZ 139/3 (29 Overs)

Naseem Shah continues

NZ 129/3 (28 Overs)

Khushdil Shah returns

NZ 124/3 (27 Overs)

Naseem Shah to bowl

NZ 119/3 (26 Overs)

Salman Ali Agha continues

NZ 113/3 (25 Overs)

Shaheen continues

NZ 110/3 (24 Overs)

Salman Ali Agha continues

NZ 105/3 (23 Overs)

Shaheen continues

NZ 98/3 (22 Overs)

Salman Ali Agha replaces Khushdil

NZ 94/3 (21 Overs)

Shaheen returns

NZ 93/3 (20 Overs)

Khushdil Shah continues

NZ 86/3 (19 Overs)

Haris Rauf continues

NZ 80/3 (18 Overs)

Khushdil Shah continues

NZ 77/3 (17 Overs)

16.2: Haris Rauf angles the ball in towards the batter, and Mitchell’s attempt to move leg side to create room for the pull doesn’t work and hits high up on the bat and pops apologetically towards mid-on.

Daryl Mitchell 10 (24b 0x4 0x6) SR: 41.66

Haris Rauf continues

NZ 73/2 (16 Overs)

Khushdil Shah comes on to bowl his left-arm spin

NZ 71/2 (15 Overs)

Haris Rauf continues

NZ 68/2 (14 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed continues

NZ 64/2 (13 Overs)

Haris Rauf to bowl his first over

NZ 55/2 (12 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed continues

NZ 50/2 (11 Overs)

Naseem continues

NZ 48/2 (10 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed continues

NZ 45/2 (9 Overs)

8.1: Back of a length, hitting the surface hard enough to find some precious movement away from the batter, who is defending with a full face. The bowl finds a edge and Rizwan takes a low catch.

Kane Williamson 1 (2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50

Naseem continues

NZ 40/1 (8 Overs)

7.3: Perfect length, pushing Conway back, and then enough grip off the surface to move from leg stump to knock back off!

Devon Conway 10 (17b 2×4 0x6) SR: 58.82

Abrar Ahmed continues

NZ 39/0 (7 Overs)

Naseem returns from the other end

NZ 33/0 (6 Overs)

Abrar Ahmed introduced into the attack

NZ 30/0 (5 Overs)

Shaheen continues

NZ 24/0 (4 Overs)

Naseem to continue

NZ 3/0 (3 Overs)

Shaheen continues

NZ 3/0 (2 Overs)

Naseem Shah to bowl from the other end

NZ 3/0 (1 Over)

Devon Conway and Will Young to open the innings for New Zealand. Shaheen Afridi will take the new ball for Pakistan.

PAKISTAN vs NEW ZEALAND (1st INNINGS)

Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and New Zealand have competed in a total of 118 ODI matches. Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 61 victories, while New Zealand has won 53 matches. Additionally, three matches have ended without a result, and one match ended in a tie.

However, New Zealand have the edge in the Champions Trophy as they boast an undefeated record against the Green Shirts.

Overall ODIs: Matches 118, Pakistan 61, New Zealand 53, NR 3, Tie 1

Champions Trophy: Matches 3, Pakistan 0, New Zealand 3

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

This tournament marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year break, with the last tournament being held in 2017, where Pakistan defeated their arch-rivals India in the final.

The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches over 19 days, taking place in Pakistan and Dubai.

The teams are divided into two groups for the initial stage. Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

Group A consists of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

READ: Shubman Gill once again dethrones Babar Azam as No.1 ODI batter

Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan win toss, bowl first against New Zealand

KARACHI: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke

HEAD TO HEAD

However, New Zealand have the edge in the Champions Trophy as they boast an undefeated record against the Green Shirts.

Overall ODIs: Matches 118, Pakistan 61, New Zealand 53, NR 3, Tie 1

Champions Trophy: Matches 3, Pakistan 0, New Zealand 3

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

This tournament marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year break, with the last tournament being held in 2017, where Pakistan defeated their arch-rivals India in the final.

The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches over 19 days, taking place in Pakistan and Dubai.

The teams are divided into two groups for the initial stage. Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

Group A consists of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

READ: ‘Our belief is same’ Babar Azam issues bold statement ahead of Champions Trophy

Ashwin names THIS player to surpass Babar, Rizwan as Pakistan’s best batter

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped high praise on Pakistan vice-captain Salman Ali Agha ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted Salman Ali Agha and Tayyab Tahir as key players to watch in the tournament.

“I am very excited about two players: Tayyab Tahir and Agha Salman. Actually, Agha Salman should be mentioned first—what a player he is,” Ashwin remarked

“He has quality, he can handle pressure situations, and he has a presence at the crease that I haven’t seen in a Pakistani player for a long time.”

Ravichandran Ashwin didn’t hold back in his praise for Salman, even making a bold comparison statement that he can surpass even Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the future.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“And I mean it—he has that presence. I just hope he doesn’t follow the path of some other players,” he added.

“If he continues playing like this, he could become a poster boy for Pakistan cricket. I genuinely believe Agha Salman has the ability to surpass even Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.”

The 38-year-old also spoke highly of Tayyab Tahir, calling him an “exceptional middle-order player” and emphasizing that Pakistan has found a solid option in that role after a long time.

“Tayyab Tahir is an exceptional middle-order player. Pakistan has found one after a long time,” he stated.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

READ: ‘Our belief is same’ Babar Azam issues bold statement ahead of Champions Trophy

PCB chairman reaches National Bank Stadium for Champions Trophy opener

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has arrived at the National Bank Stadium here on Wednesday ahead of the much-anticipated opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Mohsin Naqvi, entrusted with overseeing the final arrangements, expressed his satisfaction as preparations reached their pinnacle ahead of the highly anticipated opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

With great enthusiasm, he is set to extend a warm welcome to President Asif Ali Zardari, who will grace the occasion as the chief guest for the grand opening ceremony at the National Bank Stadium.

This event marks a significant moment, as Pakistan proudly hosts an ICC tournament for the first time in 29 years.

The presence of the chairman highlights the PCB’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless and impeccably organized tournament that promises to deliver thrilling cricket to fans and participants alike.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan and New Zealand have competed in a total of 118 ODI matches. Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 61 victories, while New Zealand has won 53 matches. Additionally, three matches have ended without a result, and one match ended in a tie.

However, New Zealand have the edge in the Champions Trophy as they boats an undefeated record against Pakistan.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

READ: Skipper Rizwan urges Pakistan to enjoy Champions Trophy 2025

Skipper Rizwan urges Pakistan to enjoy Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan said on Tuesday the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would be a “historic occasion” for the country, a day before the hosts kick the tournament off against New Zealand.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is the first major cricket event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades and is regarded as second only to the World Cup in the one-day game.

“A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years so I think the whole nation should enjoy this historic occasion,” Rizwan told a news conference on the eve of the tournament, which runs until March 9.

Pakistan had been due to host the tournament in 2008 but was thrown into cricketing isolation by a security crisis as violence spilled over from the long-running war in neighbouring Afghanistan.

However, major teams have toured Pakistan in the past five years as security improved, opening the way for the cricket-mad nation to stage the tournament.

“Pakistan has suffered enough and for a long time, but we have also won during this phase like the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup,” Rizwan said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Still, the build-up has not been without problems after neighbours and arch-rivals India refused to play in Pakistan over long-standing political tensions. India will instead play their matches in Dubai.

Pakistan’s opponents in the tournament opener in Karachi beat them twice this month during a tri-series event that included South Africa.

“There shouldn’t be any doubts on our performance,” Mohammad Rizwan said. “We may not have played on our abilities but we all want to win the event for the country and people.”

Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

READ: Shahid Afridi believes THIS player deserved a place in Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Shahid Afridi believes THIS player deserved a place in Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has expressed his belief that off-spinner Sajid Khan deserved a place in the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking to a private TV channel, the former Pakistan captain lamented the absence of spinner Sajid Khan who played a leading role in Pakistan’s victories in the recent Test home series.

“His confidence is very high and he is also a very good fielder. He [Sajid Khan] is a strong character who can also hit sixes in batting,” Shahid Afridi said.

Afridi was of the view that Sajid deserved to be in the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, considering the fact that Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in the squad.

Meanwhile, he agreed that the team India was entering the Champions Trophy 2025 with the right combination.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It is a perfect team, from openers to fast bowlers. I know there is no Bumrah, but they have bowlers such as Shami who can bowl exceptionally with the new ball,” Shahid Afridi said when asked about team India.

The former Pakistan captain was of the view that the abundance of quality spinners in the Indian side would help them defend low totals on pitches in Dubai.

“They have so many spinners who will cover Bumrah’s area. They are coming with a plan knowing they will play all of their games in Dubai,” Shahid Afridi said.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

READ: Mohammad Rizwan confirms Babar Azam’s batting position for Champions Trophy

WATCH: Suresh Raina’s semi-final predictions for Champions Trophy stir confusion

Former Indian Batter Suresh Raina caused a buzz among fans after his semi-final predictions for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Raina, former England batter Kevin Petersen, and cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra were asked to reveal their final four teams of the eight-team tournament.

While Pietersen named Pakistan, India, England, and Australia the semifinalists, Suresh Raina picked India, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan as his top four of the Champions Trophy 2025.

However, Raina’s prediction created confusion as three of his four semifinalists were from the same group.

For the unversed, Group A of the upcoming tournament includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan are placed in Group B.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

According to the tournament rules, only two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy 2025.

It is pertinent to note that the eight-team tournament will begin with the opening game between Pakistan, defending champions and hosts, and New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.

This will be the first global cricketing event in Pakistan in three decades. The last major tournament that the country hosted was the 1996 ODI World Cup, won by Sri Lanka.

India will begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign by taking on Bangladesh on February 20.

They will then face Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai after the BCCI refused to send its team to the country for the tournament.

India’s group-stage games will conclude with their third game against New Zealand on March 2.

India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy.

READ: More than cricket as Pakistan hosts first major tournament in 29 years

More than cricket as Pakistan hosts first major tournament in 29 years

Pakistan will host a first major cricket tournament ICC Champions Trophy in almost three decades from Wednesday in a move hailed as a landmark just a few years after the country was off-limits because of security fears.

Staging the Champions Trophy in three cities over the next two-and-a-half weeks will be a huge boost to the South Asian nation’s reputation if authorities can pull it off smoothly and safely.

“Convincing the world that Pakistan is a safe country and that it is capable of delivering such a global event from an administration point of view took serious hard work and convincing,” former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja told AFP.

“The world eventually understood our viewpoint,” said Raja, under whose tenure the event was awarded in 2021.

The build-up has not been without problems after neighbours and arch-rivals India refused to play in Pakistan over long-standing political tensions.

A powerhouse of the sport on and off the pitch, India will instead play their matches in Dubai, but the other seven countries will be based in Pakistan.

The country has stepped up security, especially in host cities Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, even if attacks in major cities are increasingly rare.

Pakistan had been due to host the Champions Trophy, the premier ODI event after the World Cup, in 2008.

It was instead staged in South Africa a year later because of a security crisis that spilled over from the war in neighbouring Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks.

Pakistan became a no-go zone for international sides in 2009 after Islamist gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lanka’s team in Lahore, wounding several players and killing eight policemen and civilians.

But since a sweeping military crackdown that started in 2014 and lasted several years, security has vastly improved.

Test cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019 and Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa later toured the country, helping Pakistan’s bid to host the tournament.

Those teams will all be in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

‘Terrorism took everything’

For 77-year-old businessman Haji Abdul Razzak, a global event coming back to Pakistan is like another birthday.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The last time Pakistan held a major international cricket tournament was as co-hosts, with India and Sri Lanka, in 1996.

Razzak raised the Sri Lankan flag on March 17, 1996 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore when the islanders defeated Australia to clinch the title.

Twenty-nine years later the cricket fanatic will attend the opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi on Wednesday between holders Pakistan and New Zealand.

“It is fresh in my mind,” a teary-eyed Razzak told AFP. “My country was thriving back then and cricket was on everyone’s mind.”

He added: “Terrorism took everything away from us. I am overjoyed to see a global event coming back to our country and I am feeling like it will be my birthday.”

Although militancy is still a threat in Pakistan, the violence is nearly entirely limited to the remote border regions from north to south, far away from the stadiums.

With the capital Islamabad placed in lockdown, Pakistan recently hosted a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and a global meeting on girls’ education, raising its profile on the international stage.

As a test case for its readiness, Pakistan last week staged a tri-series with New Zealand and South Africa and crowds flocked to the recently renovated stadiums in Lahore and Karachi.

Raja, a former Pakistan captain who played in the 1987 World Cup hosted by Pakistan and India, said holding the Champions Trophy has enormous significance that goes beyond sport.

“This Champions Trophy is a crucial step toward normalising its standing in the global cricket community,” he said.

“It’s also about national pride and sending a strong message about resilience and determination.

“It is about youth engagement, cultural promotion and building a global image.

“Now the onus is on us to deliver.”

READ: Azhar Ali blames ‘can’t play them’ hashtag for Pakistani fast bowlers downfall