The Champions Trophy begins on Wednesday following a turbulent build-up that saw the tournament split between Pakistan and Dubai. England, meanwhile, faces calls to boycott their match against Afghanistan.

Regarded as the second-most prestigious one-day cricket tournament after the World Cup, the event runs until 9 March. It also marks the first global cricket tournament hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades.

Also Read

placeholder

Will their aggressive philosophy help England clinch maiden Champions Trophy title? | SWOT analysis

India’s stance and the hybrid model

India’s matches, however, will be played in the United Arab Emirates, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision not to travel to Pakistan due to long-standing political tensions. The stance led to a hybrid model for the tournament, with India playing all its games in Dubai, including the semi-final and final, if they progress.

Flag controversy at Karachi stadium

A video from Pakistan's National Stadium in Karachi, showing the flags of participating nations but notably missing the Indian flag, has sparked controversy ahead of the tournament. The footage, widely shared on social media, has led to speculation about whether the omission was linked to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.

Karachi is set to host matches featuring New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and England. However, just days before the event, the video from the stadium raised questions over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) role in the matter.

Neither the PCB nor the International Cricket Council (ICC) has issued an official statement regarding the missing flag, but the issue has fuelled debate among cricket fans.

Long deliberations and tournament structure

A month-long impasse ended in December when the ICC confirmed that India would play all their games in Dubai. This raises the prospect of the tournament’s final being held in Dubai rather than in Pakistan, should India reach the last stage. Given their status as favourites, this scenario remains a strong possibility.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan, who only meet in international competitions due to political tensions, will clash in Dubai on 23 February during the group stage. England, meanwhile, play Afghanistan three days later in Lahore, a match that has sparked controversy in Britain. Over 160 British politicians have called for a boycott in response to the Taliban government’s ban on women in sport.

However, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Richard Thompson has insisted the match will proceed, arguing that a "coordinated international response" by the cricketing community would be more effective than unilateral action.

Return of international cricket to Pakistan

The Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. Matches will take place in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore.

Pakistan was largely considered a no-go area for international teams following the 2009 terrorist attack on the visiting Sri Lankan squad, which left eight people dead and several players injured. However, with security improvements, international cricket returned to Pakistan in 2020.

The tournament sees India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh form Group A, while Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa comprise Group B. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, set to be held in Dubai and Lahore.

Title contenders and key players

Defending champions Pakistan, who triumphed over India in the 2017 final at The Oval in London, will be looking to retain their title. However, two-time winners India remain the favourites, with veteran batsman Virat Kohli hoping to overcome his recent dip in form.

For Kohli, 36, this tournament could be his final outing on the international stage. Captain Rohit Sharma is also widely expected to retire after the competition, adding further significance to India’s campaign. (With inputs from Agencies)