Pakistan is set to host its first major cricket tournament in nearly three decades as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off on February 19. This landmark event marks a significant moment for Pakistan, a country that was previously off-limits for ICC events due to security concerns.
With matches being held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, the tournament aims to reaffirm Pakistan’s position as a premier cricketing destination.
The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy will feature eight of the best ODI teams competing for the title. Defending champions Pakistan will play host, while India’s matches will be played in Dubai due to the hybrid model agreed upon by the ICC.
Hosts and defending champions Pakistan face New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament on Wednesday. New Zealand are favourites going into the game after beating Pakistan in the tri-nation final at the same venue recently.
Pakistan vs New Zealand – Opening Match Details

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Squads
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
The tournament consists of two groups:

With the tournament returning after an eight-year hiatus, all eyes will be on Pakistan as they aim to successfully host the event and put up a strong title defense. Cricket fans can expect an electrifying start as Pakistan faces New Zealand in the highly anticipated opener.