NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed his excitement on Tuesday about the upcoming Champions Trophy, calling it a "historic occasion" for the nation. The much-anticipated tournament begins on Wednesday in Karachi, with Pakistan set to face New Zealand in the opening match.
The Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s first time hosting a major international cricket event in nearly 30 years. Considered the second most prestigious tournament in the one-day format after the World Cup, its return to Pakistan is a moment of pride for the cricket-loving nation.
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"A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, so I believe the entire nation should celebrate this historic occasion," Rizwan stated at a pre-tournament press conference. The competition, running until March 9, signifies Pakistan’s reintegration into international cricket as a host.
Originally scheduled to host the tournament in 2008, Pakistan was sidelined due to security concerns stemming from regional conflicts. However, improved security conditions in recent years have led to the return of major international teams, paving the way for this prestigious event.
"Pakistan has endured a difficult phase, but we have also achieved great success, including winning the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2009 T20 World Cup," Rizwan noted.
Pakistan’s opening opponents, New Zealand, recently defeated them twice in a tri-series that also featured South Africa. However, Rizwan remained confident in his team’s abilities.
"There should be no doubts about our performance," he asserted. "We may not have played at our best recently, but our focus is on winning this tournament for the country and our people."
Rizwan also provided an update on fast bowler Haris Rauf, who suffered a chest muscle strain in a recent match against New Zealand in Lahore.
"Haris bowled at 80 percent intensity yesterday, and today he bowled at full rhythm without any discomfort. I believe he is fully fit and ready to play," Rizwan concluded.
