India has refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, which is hosting its first major global tournament in almost 30 years.

As hosts Pakistan face New Zealand in their Champions Trophy opener at the National Stadium in Karachi today, the defending champions would hope to emulate their 2017 title-winning campaign. The Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan team has included talents like Tayaab Tahir and Salman Agha in the squad and former Indian spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Salman Agha can be the poster boy for Pakistan cricket with a dominating performance in Champions Trophy.

Cricket fans in Pakistan are buzzing ahead of the Champions Trophy and hosting the elite one-day international tournament will rekindle the country's love affair with the sport, three former captains said.

The Champions Trophy has not been contested since 2017, but was dusted off due to commercial reasons and the tournament will dominate cricket over the next few weeks.

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

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.