Major cricket series opens in Pakistan, but India plays from Dubai

Security fears keep host from savoring famed rivalry at ICC Champions Trophy

2025-02-24-IND-PAK.JPG

India's Virat Kohli celebrates after winning the group match against Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on Feb. 23.  © Reuters

ADNAN AAMIR

ISLAMABAD -- For cricket-mad Pakistan, the most thrilling match is always the one against India.

Tickets to the men's grudge match on Sunday sold out within minutes. But most Indian and Pakistani fans were nowhere close to Dubai where it was being played -- even though Pakistan is hosting the International Cricket Council Men's Champions Trophy series.

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