Pakistan face arch-rivals India in a Champions Trophy blockbuster on Sunday in front of a sell-out Dubai crowd knowing that another defeat will virtually end their title defence.

The Champions Trophy returns after an exile of eight years with the defending champions Pakistan set to host an ICC event after 29 years. The context is starkely different this time around with questions around the ODI format's relevance but the competition is expected to be fierce.

The mega event, which is returning after eights years, will kick off in Pakistan on February 19. Pakistan and New Zealand play the tournament opener while the blockbuster India vs Pakistan encounter scheduled for February 23.