The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will commence in Pakistan on Wednesday with winners of the 2017 edition, Pakistan, taking on New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament

The ICC Champions Trophy begins on Wednesday with the opening match between host Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. The match will start at two in the afternoon.

The much-awaited International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy tournament finally took off today as hosts Pakistan won the toss and opted to field against New Zealand at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. WATCH: Our pre-tournament thoughts with Dawn’s very own Umaid Wasim and Mir Shabbar Ali.

The eight outfits of the Champions Trophy do not feature too many greenhorns and it is highly unlikely that among the potential game-changers, at least in batting, any new face will be emerging.

Pakistan enters the tournament as the defending champions, having won the 2017 edition by defeating India in final.

Pakistan's largest city was abuzz with anticipation and apprehension Wednesday as the hosts played the opening match of the nation's first major international cricket tournament in three decades. Pakistan last held a major international tournament as World Cup co-hosts with India and Sri Lanka in 1996.