Pakistan cricketers have been docked 5% of their match fees for a slow over rate against New Zealand during the opening game of the Champions Trophy in Karachi.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the Champions Trophy on Thursday with an abdominal muscle injury and Imam-ul-Haq has been called up as his replacement. Fakhar hurt himself while chasing a ball during Wednesday's defeat by New Zealand and spent significant time off the field,

Pakistan are hosting an ICC event for the first time in almost three decades. The Champions Trophy provides a stage for an imperfect team to perform.

Pakistan’s 29-year wait to host a major International Cricket Council tournament ended Wednesday when it won the toss and elected to field in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi

The Pakistan cricket team suffered a setback ahead of its Champions Trophy clash against India after opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out owing to a recurring knee injury, prompting the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq in the squad that left for Dubai on Thursday.

Pakistan's largest city was abuzz with anticipation and apprehension Wednesday as the hosts played the opening match of the nation's first major international cricket tournament in three decades.

Cricket fans in Pakistan are buzzing ahead of the Champions Trophy and hosting the elite one-day international tournament will rekindle the country's love affair with the sport, three former captains said.

Having waited nearly three decades to host an ICC tournament, Pakistan cricket fans endured one of their worst days in recent memory as their team were completely outplayed in the opening match of the Champions Trophy.

Centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young propelled New Zealand to 60-run victory over defending champion Pakistan in the opening game of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday.

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.