Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opening match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
The country has been graced with the opportunity of hosting an international cricket event after 29 years.
The eight-team tournament will be played across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February to 9 March.
The cricket fever is high among fans as Pakistan is hosting an ICC event after a 29-year hiatus.
Pakistan last hosted an ICC event in 1996 — ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, which concluded with the final at the Gaddafi Stadium, where Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi hailed the tournament’s commencement as a victory for a peaceful and secure Pakistan. He stated that the entire nation, including himself, takes pride in hosting the event. He further remarked that the Champions Trophy is not just a tournament but also a celebration of culture and tradition.
