By holding its first significant multi-nation cricket competition in almost 30 years, Pakistan hopes to allay fears of instability and rebuild trust in the nation as a travel and investment destination.
Pakistan is facing numerous difficulties, including a political crisis that has resulted in the imprisonment of its former prime minister and cricket icon, Imran Khan, before the Champions Trophy begins next week.
The top eight teams in the world compete in an elite one-day competition, which the government and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) say offers one of the most powerful image-building chances in decades.
In South Asian countries, cricket is a national obsession, and in neighboring India, it is a significant source of revenue.
