The Champions Trophy is the first major cricket event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades and is regarded as second only to the World Cup in the one-day game.

As the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy begins today with the game between hosts and defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi today, here we look at some of the interesting facts regarding the competition in which the eight top-ranked ICC teams battle for glory.

Even though most cricket pundits are not giving Bangladesh that much of a chance to progress past the group stages of the Champions Trophy, former India spinner turned commentator Murali Karthik believes Bangladesh can spring a surprise and make it to the semifinals from Group A alongside India.

Despite a late injury setback with Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out owing to a back issue, India arrive at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a star-studded line-up.

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan said on Tuesday the Champions Trophy would be a "historic occasion" for the country, a day before the hosts kick the tournament off against New Zealand.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto feels that leg-spinner Rishad Hossain will play an important for the team in their forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy campaign, especially in the Pakistan leg.

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a foot injury on Tuesday in a major blow for the Black Caps on the eve of the tournament opener against hosts Pakistan.

Pakistan will host a first major cricket tournament in almost three decades from Wednesday in a move hailed as a landmark just a few years after the country was off-limits because of security fears.

The 37-year-old Rohit and Kohli, 36, got back among the runs to some degree in India's 3-0 ODI home sweep of England last week.

Mohammad Nabi is the only player left who was part of the first-ever Afghanistan One-Day International side, but he still has big international dreams left to achieve.

It will be the first major global tournament hosted by Pakistan in nearly 30 years and former batting great Inzamam Ul Haq told Reuters there was no escaping the excitement in the lead-up to the event.

Led by new white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner, New Zealand are undoubtedly one of the tournament’s genuine title contenders.

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin on Wednesday with the Group A match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi.

Bangladesh are going into the ICC Champions Trophy without ace spinner Shakib Al Hasan and even though the pace battery has been firing, the Tigers would need their spin department to step up in the event.

Banking on big wins against England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan ensured their first-ever qualification for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

1998 was the year of the inaugural ICC Men's Champions Trophy, and it was also the only time that South Africa claimed a senior ICC Men's silverware.

Two-time winners of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy, Australia will look to add another title to their trophy cabinet.

After an uninspiring run in their 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign, where they finished seventh, England haven’t had the best of times in ODI cricket, having lost all of their four series in the format since.

The recently retired Black Caps legend Tim Southee has backed Mitchell Santner and Co to shine at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers said, “I honestly don't think Bangladesh (are) going to make the knockouts. Bangladeshi fans might not like me saying this, but I have to be honest."