Pakistan’s long-awaited return to hosting an ICC event was marked on Wednesday as the Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Pakistan and New Zealand got underway. The match, held at Karachi’s National Stadium, ended Pakistan's 29-year wait to host a major international cricket tournament.

Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and chose to bowl first, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. As the teams emerged from their dressing rooms to begin their inaugural battle in the competition, a spectacular air show from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) added an extra layer of excitement to the occasion, signalling the official start of the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy.

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Major blow for Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman – the team's trump card against India – injured?

As New Zealand’s opening pair, Will Young and Devon Conway, prepared to take their positions in the middle, the roar of planes flying overhead momentarily captured the attention of the players. The air show, which was part of the opening ceremony, was organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board and took place over several days at different venues, enhancing the festive atmosphere surrounding the event.

For many, the air show and the start of the match symbolised not just a new chapter for Pakistan cricket but also the country’s growing role on the global stage of international sport.

Fakhar Zaman's early exit mars Pakistan's Champions Trophy opener against NZ

Pakistan's title defense in the Champions Trophy got off to a rocky start as Fakhar Zaman was forced off the field just two deliveries into their opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, as per ESPNcricinfo.

The incident occurred when New Zealand opener Will Young drove Shaheen Afridi through the covers, beating the infield. Zaman sprinted after the ball and managed to cut it off, palming it to Babar Azam for the return throw. However, he immediately showed signs of discomfort in his lower back and signalled for a substitution. Despite walking back to the dressing room unaided with the physio, he had to leave the field. Fortunately, he returned after New Zealand lost their second wicket in the ninth over.

"Fakhar Zaman is being assessed and examined for a muscular sprain and further updates will be provided in due course," the PCB said in a statement, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Pakistan has already suffered an injury setback in similar circumstances, with Saim Ayub ruled out of the tournament. During a Test match against South Africa, Ayub chased a ball toward the boundary and ended up twisting his ankle, resulting in a fracture that will sideline him until at least mid-March. Fakhar, who was not originally part of Pakistan's ODI plans, was called up as Ayub's replacement. He made an immediate impact, scoring 84 off 69 balls and 41 off 28 in his first two matches back in the team.

Pakistan did receive some positive news on the fitness front, as Haris Rauf was deemed fit to play. The fast bowler had suffered a side strain in the opening game of the recent triangular series involving Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. That same day, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra sustained an injury after losing track of a ball while fielding at the boundary, which struck him on the forehead. He required stitches, and though he showed no signs of delayed concussion and participated in training, he was not selected for this match. He was, however, seen running drinks for his teammates.

This game marks the return of ICC tournament cricket to Pakistan for the first time since 1996, drawing massive crowds outside Karachi's National Stadium hours before the start. The opening ceremony, attended by Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, featured an Air Force fly-past parade. (With inputs from Agencies)