It appears that interest has waned in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, and its twin city, Rawalpindi, as fans turn their backs on today's ICC Champions Trophy Group A clash between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The outcome of the match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will have no impact on the tournament after the two teams lost their opening games.

Ever since defending champions Pakistan lost to India in Dubai, most city dwellers have appeared reluctant to engage in conversation about their team's match against Bangladesh.

Among those who purchased tickets, confusion reigns; some are rethinking their plans while others, still eager to watch the game, are anxious about the unfavourable weather that has already caused the abandonment of the Group B match between South Africa and Australia.

The past two days have seen gloomy skies over the city, and forecasts indicate that the Bangladesh-Pakistan match may be similarly affected, with rain looming on the horizon.

The adverse weather led to the cancellation of Bangladesh's practice session under floodlights yesterday, while Pakistan managed only a few drills and a light football session.

During yesterday's pre-match press conference, Bangladesh's senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin claimed that although their chances of qualification are over, they will try to win the match against Pakistan, which could be a "turning point" for their cricket.

Once considered a formidable team in the 50-over format, Bangladesh have not been enjoying a good run in the ODIs in recent years. Since the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, Bangladesh have played 23 ODIs, winning only six, with victories against Sri Lanka (3), New Zealand (1), and Afghanistan (2).

"If you consider the future of the tournament, we have nothing to gain. But if our boys can play well, it will give us a good direction. I hope we shouldn't repeat the mistakes we made in our first two games. There is always room for improvement in every match," Salahuddin told reporters in Rawalpindi yesterday.

"You can't predict when you will gain confidence or when your moment can change. Every match is important for each player. If they perform well, it can be a big boost for them.

"This match can also be a turning point for our cricket," said Salahuddin, adding that he feels there is no room for experimentation in ICC events, while they will aim to reduce the number of dot balls in today's match.

Meanwhile, during Pakistan's press conference, their head coach Aaqib Javed claimed that the home side want to play for "pride" if the weather permits them to take the field against Bangladesh.

"Every game is played for pride, so we want to leave a mark on Thursday," said Javed.

Highlights

*This is the first time Bangladesh and Pakistan will meet in the ICC Champions Trophy.

*Bangladesh have five victories to their name against Pakistan in ODIs. Pakistan, on the other hand, boast 34 wins against the Tigers in 39 overall meetings, including three victories in their last three encounters in ICC tournaments.

*Bangladesh have never beaten Pakistan in Pakistan in ODIs. Pakistan have a 12-0 home record against Bangladesh in ODIs. The Tigers, however, have won two ODIs in the country, with both wins coming in Asia Cup contests (against the UAE in 2008 and against Afghanistan in 2023, respectively).

*Mahmudullah Riyad has featured in most Bangladesh-Pakistan contests, playing in 20 encounters between the two sides, but the right-handed batter averages 23.80 and strikes it at 59.40 against this particular opposition.