The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting February 19 in Pakistan, marks the return of the ODI tournament after an eight-year break. Group A includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, promising exciting matches.

Unfortunately, Pakistan will be without the services of Saim Ayub, who is currently recuperating from an ankle injury sustained during the team’s tour of South Africa. Fakhar Zaman, a key player from the 2017 Champions Trophy, is making his return and is expected to lead the attack.

Pakistan will host a first major multi-country cricket tournament in nearly three decades next week and its cricket chief is hopeful that a successful Champions Trophy will bring a flood of other such events.