Dubai: It is challenging to contextualize a tournament that has not been held for eight years. The prolonged delay by the ICC raises questions about the reasons behind it. Consequently, generating enthusiasm for the event proves to be difficult. However, for many in Pakistan, the vivid recollection of Mohammed Amir dismantling India's top order on a warm English afternoon during the final at The Oval in 2017 remains a cherished memory.

Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, who played pivotal roles in securing victory that day with a match-winning century, are the only members from that triumphant Pakistani squad who will participate in their tournament opener against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday.

The tournament itself has experienced numerous name changes, more than some underperforming IPL franchises have seen in their practices. The inaugural event in 1998 was blandly named after its sponsor, the Wills International Cup. It was rebranded as the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000, before finally being designated as the Champions Trophy. Interestingly, it was also referred to as the Mini World Cup, although that title never gained traction.

There is no clear explanation for Pakistan's lengthy wait to defend their title. Following the restructuring of the ICC's white-ball calendar, the Champions Trophy was relegated in priority. The T20 World Cup was established as a biennial event, while the ODI World Cup became the premier tournament held every four years. As for the Champions Trophy, its significance remains ambiguous, aside from being one of the global events for which media rights are sold to sustain its continuation.

Pakistan now has the opportunity to defend their title on home soil, reminiscent of how the 1992 World Cup champions co-hosted the 1996 tournament. It has indeed been a considerable time since such an event took place.

“For nearly three decades, two generations of people have been deprived of experiencing an ICC global event in their own country. That changes now. This is your moment to fill the stadium,” stated PCB Chairman and the country’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during the curtain-raising event in Lahore on Sunday.

“I envision that if we succeed in lifting the Champions Trophy in Lahore, where I hail from…”

The build-up event at the Diwan-e-Aam, formerly Shah Jahan’s pillared hall within Lahore Fort, exuded a sense of grandeur; however, key participants were notably absent. Several teams had yet to arrive, resulting in the absence of a captain's photo opportunity and an open media session to generate excitement.

Numerous T20 freelancers have been traveling for an extended period. Lockie Ferguson was announced as the latest injury casualty just before the tournament, adding to a lengthy list of sidelined bowling stars, with Jasprit Bumrah being the most significant. Teams will arrive for practice and participate in matches while donning their stylish new jerseys.

India is set to play its matches in Dubai, while Pakistan will face New Zealand in Karachi, travel to Dubai for a match against India, and then return to Rawalpindi to play Bangladesh. This intricate schedule was finalized at the last moment, much like the last-minute renovations of stadiums in Pakistan.

Historically, the tournament was conceived as a marketing initiative by Jagmohan Dalmiya, the first Asian administrator to lead the ICC, who gained power through the support of the Asian bloc, which included the Pakistani vote.

In those earlier days, the 50-over format was the preferred choice. Indian cricket enthusiasts fondly recall the 2000 edition held in Nairobi, where they first witnessed the impressive fast bowler from Ahmednagar, Zaheer Khan, who would later become India’s premier left-arm pacer. It was also the stage for the debut of Yuvraj Singh's graceful left-handed batting. Prior to the establishment of T20, the Champions Trophy was contested every two years.

Currently, the tournament faces not only an existential crisis but also the 50-over format itself, which finds itself caught between two extremes. Nevertheless, a single successful tournament has the potential to rejuvenate a format. Perhaps the Champions Trophy could be the catalyst for revitalizing ODI cricket.

While this may appear to be an extravagant aspiration at this juncture, it is customary for all teams to harbor such dreams at the onset of a tournament.

Read Also: Champions Trophy: MS Dhoni's Strategy and R Ashwin's Brilliance Lead India to Stunning Victory in Rain-Interrupted T20 Final

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