Pakistan’s cricket fans are abuzz with excitement as the country prepares to host its first major global tournament in nearly 30 years, with former captains believing the Champions Trophy will reignite the nation’s passion for the sport.
The eight-team ODI tournament begins on Wednesday in Karachi, where hosts Pakistan face New Zealand in the opening match.
The competition marks a significant moment for the country, which has struggled to bring international cricket back after teams stopped touring following the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team’s bus in Lahore.
"Right now, everyone is talking about the Champions Trophy— in schools, houses, markets, offices, everywhere," former batting great Inzamam-ul-Haq told Reuters.
Pakistan was forced to play its home matches in the United Arab Emirates for nearly a decade, with international teams hesitant to visit.
"The events of 2009 feel like a bad dream," Inzamam said. "We were punished for 10 years. Our cricket went backwards."
While international fixtures began returning in 2018, former captain Misbah-ul-Haq noted that an entire generation of fans missed out on watching top players live.
"For fans and young cricketers to see the stars playing live is a big deal," said Misbah, Pakistan’s most successful Test captain. "Not having that meant the whole cricket machinery was jammed."
Former opener Aamer Sohail said the connection between fans and players was clear during Wednesday’s warm-up match against South Africa, where Pakistan successfully chased 352 runs—its highest-ever ODI run chase.
"What was heartening in yesterday’s game is that people turned up and then the players turned up. It was kind of reciprocating, wasn’t it?" Sohail said.
The Champions Trophy was discontinued after 2017, when Pakistan defeated India in the final. Now, as the tournament returns, fans hope to see another high-stakes Pakistan-India clash.
However, due to political tensions, India will play all their matches in Dubai, meaning a potential Pakistan-India final would not be held on Pakistani soil. "A Pakistan-India match is not just a game of cricket, it’s a game of expectations, of emotions," said Misbah.
Recalling a thrilling hundred against India in a 2004 ODI in Karachi, Inzamam said, "I got a standing ovation, but so did the Indian team for their performance. Supporters from both sides would have wanted to see this match."
Sohail, who was involved in an infamous on-field spat with Indian bowler Venkatesh Prasad in the 1996 World Cup quarter-final, said the rivalry remains crucial for the game. "It’s not just important for both countries, I think this rivalry is important for international cricket," he said.
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