Dhaka, Feb. 19 -- Pakistan, the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 hosts, begin their title defense against New Zealand (NZ) in Karachi today.

Pakistan kick off their Champions Trophy campaign with a firm test against New Zealand in Karachi.

The hosts have a stacked squad with talent in all departments with Mohammed Rizwan leading the charge. Rizwan's side was tipped by former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Khan, who won the competition in 2017, to defend their title in 2025.

"Pakistan have a really good chance of defending that title and I think they have a strong team. Some of the boys from 2017 are still there and we're talking about some of the best - especially Babar Azam," Sarfaraz said in his exclusive column for the ICC.

On the other ...