Mon Feb 17 15:16:46 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Buzzes as Champions Trophy Returns After Nearly 30 Years

**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – Pakistan is experiencing a surge of excitement as it hosts the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in almost three decades. The tournament, featuring the world’s top eight ODI teams, kicks off Wednesday with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. Former captains Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Aamer Sohail have all expressed the nation’s palpable enthusiasm.

Inzamam described the anticipation as widespread, stating that the Champions Trophy is the dominant topic of conversation across the country. He highlighted the tournament’s significance in overcoming the setback of a decade-long absence of international cricket following the 2009 Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team. This attack led to a period where Pakistan played “home” matches in the UAE, hindering the development of the sport domestically.

Misbah, Pakistan’s most successful Test captain, emphasized the importance of having international stars play in Pakistan for young cricketers and fans. He called the previous absence a significant impediment to the nation’s cricketing progress. Aamer Sohail pointed to the high attendance and Pakistan’s impressive performance in a recent warm-up match against South Africa as evidence of the renewed connection between players and fans.

While the tournament’s revival is a cause for celebration, the possibility of a Pakistan-India final is bittersweet. Due to political tensions, India will play all their matches in Dubai, negating a potential home-field advantage for Pakistan. Despite this, the former captains emphasized the immense significance of a Pakistan-India clash, describing it as a contest transcending the boundaries of sport and encompassing high expectations and intense emotions. They recalled past matches between the two nations as testaments to the fervent support from both sides, regardless of the outcome. The tournament marks a significant return to the international cricket stage for Pakistan, and a resurgence of the nation’s passion for the sport.

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