Unfortunately, Pakistan will be without the services of Saim Ayub, who is currently recuperating from an ankle injury sustained during the team’s tour of South Africa. Fakhar Zaman, a key player from the 2017 Champions Trophy, is making his return and is expected to lead the attack.

Bitter rivals India and Pakistan rarely play each other on the cricket field, but when they do there is an unparalleled thirst for tickets.

India cricket have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the Champions Trophy with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah ruled out with a lower back issue. Bumrah picked up the problem towards the end of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in January and has not recovered sufficiently to play any part in the upcoming tournament.