Champions Trophy: Even if we lose, there will be celebrations in Pakistan, such a day has come after 29 years

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is starting today (19 February). The first match will be played between New Zealand and Pakistan in Karachi. As soon as the first ball of this match is bowled, the whole of Pakistan will breathe a sigh of relief. Its 29-year wait will end with this. Because Pakistan is going to host an ICC event after 29 years. Whatever the result of the match, but this will be a happy moment for Pakistan because it has been longing to see this day for 29 years.

Pakistan's 29 years of misery will end today

The last ICC tournament on Pakistani soil was in 1996. Then Pakistan organized the ODI World Cup which was won by Sri Lanka. After this, no ICC tournament was held in Pakistan. The biggest reason for this is considered to be Pakistan giving shelter to terrorism and continuous terrorist activities. In 2008, there was a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. In 2002, when the New Zealand team visited Pakistan, there was a bomb blast right outside the team hotel. After this, New Zealand left the Pakistan tour midway.

After these terrorist incidents, Pakistan was not considered safe for players. No team toured Pakistan for years. But a few years ago, international cricket started again in Pakistan and now its misery is going to end after 1996. But keep in mind that Team India has not toured Pakistan due to security reasons. All the matches of India will be played in Dubai.

Pakistan-New Zealand clash will be held in Karachi

A total of eight teams are participating in the Champions Trophy. A total of 15 matches including the final will be played in this tournament. In the opening match, Pakistan and New Zealand will face each other at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Whatever be the result of the match, this will be a moment of joy and pride for the Pakistani public, Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistani cricketers. Former Pakistani cricketer and former chairman of PCB Rameez Raja has also described the organization of this tournament as a milestone in Pakistan cricket.