After an eight-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy is set to return on Wednesday, with defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening clash at Karachi's National Stadium. The prestigious 50-over tournament, featuring the world's top eight teams, is back in the international cricket calendar after its last edition in 2017.

This edition marks a historic moment as Pakistan hosts its first major ICC event since the 1996 World Cup. However, political tensions have led to a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in the UAE. Afghanistan, making its tournament debut, replaces Sri Lanka, who failed to qualify for the first time.

The format remains unchanged, with teams divided into two groups of four, playing three matches each before the knockout stage. Adding to the excitement, cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be making their final ICC tournament appearances, while multiple injuries have sidelined key players, including Jasprit Bumrah and Australia's pace duo, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

With history, rivalries, and legacy on the line, the 2025 Champions Trophy promises drama, high-intensity clashes, and unforgettable moments. Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await this epic showdown.