Not for its mouth-watering cuisine, funny memes or strained ties with India — this time, Pakistan will be the cynosure of all eyes for the next 19 days as it gets set to host its first major cricket event in almost three decades.

The preparations are finally done and the wait is all but over as the Champions Trophy — the first major International Cricket Council (ICC) event hosted by Pakistan since 1996 — begins on Wednesday.

The ‘new era’ of cricket in the country, which once boasted of an enviable line-up of international stars, will begin with New Zealand facing hosts Pakistan in the opening game at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

For the younger generation of Pakistani fans, it will be their first experience of watching their favourite international stars play live.

The last time Pakistan hosted a major international cricket tournament was the 1996 World Cup, with India and Sri Lanka as co-hosts.

Pakistan’s exile from international cricket began after the March 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka squad in Lahore. The shocking incident made other international teams avoid tours to Pakistan for almost a decade. However, things went back to normal as Test cricket returned to Pakistan in 2019, with teams such as Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa touring the country. In 2019, Sri Lanka were the first to play a Test series in Pakistan.

Hosting a major event after decades came with its share of troubles for Pakistan. Their tussle with India, who refused to play in the country, dragged out for months. After the threat of the tournament being moved out of the country loomed over Pakistan, the matter was finally resolved when the neighbouring countries and ICC agreed upon a hybrid model of India playing their games in Dubai.

There were also reports about ill-equipped infrastructure and security concerns, which put the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under immense pressure.

However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan is “fully prepared” for the Champions Trophy. “Pakistan is fully prepared for the Champions Trophy. The comeback of the tournament in Pakistan, after 29 years, is a matter of pride,” said Naqvi, who confirmed that Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest for the opening game.

The eight-nation 50-over tournament is returning after a gap of eight years. In 2017, Pakistan beat India in the final in England. The eight participating teams this time were selected on the basis of rankings after the 2023 World Cup in India, with Pakistan qualifying automatically as hosts. India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh are in Group A, while England, South Africa, Australia and Afghanistan are in Group B. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.

Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host three matches each of the group stage. Dubai will host all three of India’s group games, including their blockbuster meeting with Pakistan on February 23. The semifinals will be played in Lahore and Dubai. Dubai will also host the final if India qualify, otherwise it will be played in Lahore.