Pakistan’s loss to India has left fans and former players wondering if their team can ever match their archrivals.

Gloom and demands for wholesale change engulfed cricket-crazy Pakistan on Tuesday after the host crashed out of the Champions Trophy in the group stage, barely a week into celebrating the return of a major tournament.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has won the coin toss and opted to bat first against India in their Group A game at the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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.

The Indian national cricket team will face Pakistan in the second group stage match for both nations in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

In the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India faced Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, and India emerged victorious by six wickets. Virat Kohli

Pakistan is hosting its first major cricket event since 1996, but a feud with India has compromised a tournament that is now also being played in Dubai.

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.

Following a disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy, including a substantial defeat to India, the Pakistan cricket team and its support staff, led by interim head coach Aaqib Javed, are poised for major changes.

Gloom and demands for wholesale change engulfed cricket-crazy Pakistan on Tuesday after the hosts crashed out of the Champions Trophy in the group stage, barely a week into celebrating the return of a major tournament.