New Delhi, Feb. 17 -- Brilliant run of form which includes two landmark ODI series wins, concerns around the form of star batter Babar Azam and the absence of an 'X Factor' opener are some of the talking points hosts Pakistan has ahead of the start of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against New Zealand at Karachi on Wednesday.

Pakistan's Champions Trophy title defence will start against New Zealand at Karachi on February 19, followed by an intense clash against arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai. Their final clash will be against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi on February 27. Often bringing excitement and drama to the field during ICC tournaments owing to the presence of several superstar players, unpredictability in form and i...