Champions Trophy set to ignite Pakistan’s passion for Cricket, say former captains

English , Snippets , Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Monday, February 17th, 2025

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RKI Network
With the Champions Trophy set to return to Pakistan after nearly three decades, former captains are confident that the tournament will reignite the country’s love for cricket. The tournament, which starts Wednesday in Karachi, will feature the world’s top eight teams in one-day internationals, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match.
The Champions Trophy will be Pakistan’s first major global cricket event since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, which kept international cricket away from the country for years. Inzamamul Haq, former captain and batting legend, expressed the palpable excitement surrounding the event, noting that cricket discussions are taking place everywhere in the country. “The buzz around the Champions Trophy is unstoppable. It’s all anyone’s talking about,” he said.
Misbahul Haq, another former captain, highlighted the significance of hosting international cricket matches on home soil once again. “For fans and young cricketers, watching the stars play live is a big deal,” he said. The revival of home matches in 2018, after a long period of hosting in the UAE, has already brought a sense of vibrancy back to Pakistan cricket.
Former captain Aamer Sohail emphasized the importance of the connection between players and fans, recalling the overwhelming support during a warm-up game against South Africa. The rivalry with India, which will be played in Dubai due to political tensions, also adds to the tournament’s emotional significance.
As Pakistan eyes a potential showdown with India in the final, the return of the Champions Trophy offers a much-needed opportunity to reconnect with the sport and reignite national pride.