After a short break in Abu Dhabi with their families following a chastening tour of India, England got their Champions Trophy preparations up and running on Wednesday with an intense three-hour practice session in the Gaddafi Stadium complex.

England recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith on Thursday for their Champions Trophy opening game against Australia in Lahore.

Young wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith has been entrusted with the gloves, allowing Jos Buttler to focus on his leadership and batting role. Smith’s ability to play aggressively in the middle overs adds further depth to England’s lineup.

The Champions Trophy may feel like a tournament from a bygone age but it is crucial for England, who need to lift fans after a dark winter.

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.

Imam-ul-Haq, who hasn't played for Pakistan since December 2023, will link up with the team ahead of their next game, against India on February 23 in Dubai

Champions Trophy gets underway on Tuesday, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. After a turbulent build-up, which was plagued by uncertainty over whether and where India would play their games,

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has expressed his disappointment after being ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury. The left-handed batter took to X to share his thoughts,