KARACHI, Feb 17, (V7N) – The ICC Champions Trophy is set to commence on Wednesday following a tumultuous lead-up that saw the tournament being divided between Pakistan and Dubai. England’s scheduled match against Afghanistan has also sparked controversy, with calls for a boycott.

Recognized as the second most prestigious tournament in one-day cricket after the World Cup, the event will run until March 9. This edition marks Pakistan’s first time hosting a global ICC event since co-organizing the 1996 World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka.

However, due to long-standing political tensions, India has refused to play matches in Pakistan. After prolonged discussions, the ICC decided in December that India’s fixtures would be held in Dubai instead. This arrangement increases the likelihood of the final being played in the UAE should India progress to that stage—an outcome that appears likely given their status as tournament favorites.

A much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai as part of the group stage. Meanwhile, England’s upcoming match against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26 has been met with criticism in Britain, with over 160 politicians urging a boycott in response to the Taliban regime’s restrictions on women’s participation in sports. Despite the outcry, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Richard Thompson confirmed that the match will proceed, emphasizing that a collective international response is more effective than a unilateral boycott.

Return of International Cricket to Pakistan

This tournament marks a significant milestone for Pakistan, which had been largely avoided by foreign teams following the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. That incident left eight people dead and several players injured. However, international cricket has gradually returned to the country since 2020, with Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore designated as venues for this event.

Tournament Structure and Team Prospects

The Champions Trophy features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, which will be held in Dubai and Lahore.

Defending champions Pakistan won the previous edition of the tournament in 2017, defeating India in the final at The Oval. However, India, two-time winners of the event, are widely regarded as favorites.

Veteran batsman Virat Kohli is eager to rediscover his best form and make a lasting impact in what could be his final ICC event. His teammate, captain Rohit Sharma, is also expected to retire from ODIs after the tournament.

"India has been playing outstanding cricket, making them one of the top contenders for the Champions Trophy," former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar told AFP. "Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa are also teams to watch out for."

Despite being strong contenders, India will miss the services of their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia, the reigning ODI World Cup champions, enter the tournament with a weakened squad. They are missing their frontline pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, as well as key all-rounders Marcus Stoinis (retired from ODIs) and Mitchell Marsh (injured). Their struggles were evident in their recent 2-0 series defeat against Sri Lanka, a team that failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy.

Opening Match and Dark Horses

Pakistan will kick off the competition against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday. Historically unpredictable, Pakistan showcased their inconsistency in the last edition, suffering a heavy 124-run defeat to India in their opening match before staging a remarkable turnaround to defeat the same opponent by 180 runs in the final.

England enter the tournament on shaky ground, having been comprehensively beaten by India in both T20 and ODI series leading up to the event. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, led by their world-class spinners, pose a serious threat. They made headlines in the 2023 ODI World Cup by defeating England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and further impressed by reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

With all eyes on Pakistan and Dubai, the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy promises to be an electrifying tournament filled with high-stakes cricket and off-field drama.

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