Cricket's Grand Return: Pakistan Hosts the Champions Trophy

A Nation Reawakened by the Roar of the Crowd

After a decade-long exile from hosting major international cricket tournaments, Pakistan is buzzing with anticipation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The return of world-class cricket has ignited a spark, rekindling the nation's passionate love affair with the sport.

From bustling markets to quiet homes, the upcoming tournament is the talk of the town. Former batting legend Inzamam-ul-Haq captures the excitement perfectly: "Right now, everyone is talking about the Champions Trophy – in schools, houses, markets, offices, everywhere.”

Emerging from the Shadows of 2009

The 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus cast a long shadow over Pakistani cricket. Top international teams turned their backs, leaving Pakistan isolated in the cricketing world. The road to recovery has been arduous, but the Champions Trophy marks a significant milestone. As Inzamam reflects, "The events of 2009 feel like a bad dream. We were punished for 10 years. Our cricket went backwards.”

A Catalyst for Growth and Inspiration

During the years of exile, Pakistan played its "home" matches in the UAE. While the team, often led by Misbah-ul-Haq, achieved relative success, something vital was missing: the connection with the home crowd. Misbah, Pakistan’s most successful Test captain, emphasizes the importance of this connection: “For fans and young cricketers to see the stars playing live is a big deal. Not having that meant the whole cricket machinery was jammed.”

Reconnecting Players and Fans

The recent warm-up game against South Africa, where Pakistan achieved their highest successful ODI run chase, provided a glimpse of the electrifying atmosphere that awaits. Former captain Aamer Sohail observes the symbiotic relationship between the fans and players: "What was heartening in the game is that people turned up, and then the players turned up. It was kind of reciprocating, wasn’t it?”

The India-Pakistan Rivalry: A Match Beyond Cricket

The Champions Trophy holds the potential for a highly anticipated India-Pakistan final, although geopolitical tensions mean any such match would be played in Dubai. This rivalry transcends the boundaries of sport, becoming a cultural phenomenon laden with emotion and expectation. Misbah eloquently sums it up: “A Pakistan-India match is not just a game of cricket – it’s a game of expectations, of emotions.”

Inzamam recalls a 2004 ODI against India in Karachi where, despite losing, he received a standing ovation along with the Indian team. "Supporters from both sides would have wanted to see this match," he notes, highlighting the mutual respect and desire for this iconic clash.

Aamer Sohail, forever etched in cricketing history for his on-field spat with Venkatesh Prasad during the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal, underscores the global significance of this rivalry. "It’s not just important for both the countries. I think this rivalry is important for international cricket," he states.