Pakistan begin their title defence of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 with a firm test against former champions New Zealand in Karachi today.

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 told the ICC.

On the other hand, New Zealand have been plagued with injury issues especially in the bowling department, with Lockie Ferguson (foot injury) joining Ben Sears in being ruled out of the tournament.

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The two sides recently met in the Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan in the leadup to the Champions Trophy. The Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand showed great form, winning all their fixtures including the final to take the trophy.

"Different guys stepping up at different times is good. Though it means nothing till we play that first game at the Champions Trophy," Santner said after New Zealand's Tri-Nation series win.

"We've played Pakistan a lot, home and away, so we've got a good read on each other... We'll take a little bit of confidence into that first game," he said.

While this gives a much-needed boost to New Zealand, it leaves Pakistan with some work to do ahead of the Champions Trophy opener.

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.

"A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years so I think the whole nation should enjoy this historic occasion," Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan told a news conference on the eve of the tournament, which runs until March 9.

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"Having done well in the ODIs recently adds to the excitement and build-up towards the mega-event, and we eagerly look forward to playing in front of our home crowd and excelling in the eight-team tournament."

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam Ul Haq said, "Right now everyone [in Pakistan] is talking about the Champions Trophy, in schools, houses, markets, offices, everywhere."

Another former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said holding the Champions Trophy has enormous significance that goes beyond sport.

"This Champions Trophy is about youth engagement, cultural promotion and building a global image," he said.