The eight teams participating in the ICC Champions Trophy are preparing for the tournament's return after an eight-year absence. Pakistan, the defending champions, will host the 2025 edition, marking the first time in nearly three decades that visiting teams will compete in a major ICC event on Pakistani soil.

In recent months, the Champions Trophy has garnered attention for issues off the field, particularly the dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India's decision to refrain from playing in Pakistan. A resolution was eventually achieved, allowing India to conduct all their matches in the UAE, while Pakistan's teams will have the option to compete at neutral venues during tournaments hosted by India until the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup.

This arrangement will have implications for the players, as Fakhar Zaman, a top-order batter for Pakistan, reflected on the team's absence from Indian grounds following their experience in the 2023 World Cup.

In an interview with Sports Tak, Fakhar Zaman stated, "Indeed, we will certainly miss playing in India, as we had a wonderful time during our visit for the ODI World Cup 2023. We were truly appreciative of the support and hospitality extended to us."

He further elaborated, "The local community welcomed us warmly during our first visit to Hyderabad, showering us with affection." Fakhar concluded, "Yes, we will miss all of that."

‘We would’ve given them an even grander welcome…’

Fakhar elaborated that Pakistan would have been pleased to host India, given that their long-standing rivals have not played in Pakistan for 17 years. He expressed a willingness to extend a warm welcome to them, were it not for the issues raised by the governing bodies. "Had India visited Pakistan, we would have provided them with an even more magnificent reception and hospitality; however, they are not coming. That is acceptable, but we are looking forward to competing against them in Dubai," he concluded.

Fakhar was a standout performer in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy, capitalizing on a second chance after a no-ball by Jasprit Bumrah, ultimately scoring a match-winning century as Pakistan triumphed over India by 180 runs at Lord’s. Following a break, the Champions Trophy is set to return, but Fakhar may not be included in the Pakistan squad, as he has not participated since the 2023 World Cup.

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