Pakistan’s 29-year wait to host a major International Cricket Council tournament ended Wednesday when it won the toss and elected to field in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy kicked off in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi on Wednesday, marking the first-ever major sports event in the country after a 29-year hiatus. Following a flypast by Pakistan Air Force aircraft, President Asif Ali Zardari, along with his daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, inaugurated the event.

Pakistan have won the toss in Karachi and have decided to field against New Zealand in the first match of the Champions Trophy 2025.

In a significant development, the Indian national flag has been spotted at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan, on the eve of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener. This comes after a controversy erupted when a viral video showed the absence of the Indian flag at the stadium, sparking widespread debate and criticism.

PAK vs NZ Live Cricket Score, Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Score Online: Pakistan will look to gain a measure of revenge against New Zealand for the recently-concluded Tri-Series final loss when the two sides meet once again In the Champions Trophy opener.

Champions Trophy gets underway on Tuesday, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. After a turbulent build-up, which was plagued by uncertainty over whether and where India would play their games,

The Champions Trophy is back on the calendars of cricket enthusiasts as the extravaganza fest returns after over seven years of absence with a high-profile match between Pakistan and New Zealand beginning the tournament in the revamped Karachi Stadium on Wednesday.

Follow live coverage of Pakistan vs New Zealand from the ICC Champions Trophy today. The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner.

Pakistan are clashing against New Zealand in the tournament opener which is taking place in National Stadium Karachi, on February 19.