Sunday’s Champions Trophy clash in Dubai promises a charged atmosphere with strong fan presence on both sides.

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

Pakistan is hosting its first major cricket event since 1996, but a feud with India has compromised a tournament that is now also being played in Dubai.

New Zealand underlined their title aspirations with a 60-run victory against defending champions Pakistan in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium on Wednesday. Will Young struck 107 and Tom Latham smashed an unbeaten 118 to help New Zealand overcome a sluggish start and post a commanding 320-5 after being put into bat.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an oblique tear, delivering the defending champions a big blow in their quest to retain the prestigious title. The news was confirmed by the ICC on February 20 (Thursday) after the left-handed batter sustained the injury while fielding during Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February