Tom Clark: Champions Trophy proving its worth again despite more ICC cowardice

The ICC Champions Trophy returned this week after an eight-year absence. Once dismissed as a relic, the tournament is back, proving that international cricket’s 50-over format refuses to fade, despite many nations neglecting their domestic one-day game.

Once a staple of the cricketing calendar, the tournament has often felt like an afterthought in the T20 era. Yet here it is, offering 15 matches in 19 days, a sharper spectacle than the bloated World Cup. While I support associate nations' inclusion in the World Cup, a better solution is needed to avoid a seven-week endurance test.

Some question its place in an already packed schedule. It is undoubtedly a more streamlined alternative to the marathon World Cup, but does it offer real value?

For the ICC, the answer is simple, the value is, financial. For fans, the appeal lies in a concise, engaging competition that doesn’t demand their entire summer. While I could happily watch cricket all day for seven weeks, many lose interest long before the group stage concludes or tune in only for the knockouts. The Champions Trophy strikes a balance, preserving what some see as a dying format.

Historically, it has served as a revenue bridge between World Cups, a convenient vehicle for broadcasters and the ICC’s finances. The qualification criteria, absurdly announced midway through the 2023 World Cup, restricted entry to the top eight, removing wildcard surprises but also preventing mismatches.

At one point, there was even talk of converting it into a T20 event, an idea thankfully abandoned to protect the one-day format. Cricket certainly does not need yet another T20 tournament.

Watching the first three matches this year has been a refreshing reminder that 50-over cricket remains far closer to Test cricket than to its shorter counterparts. Innings must be built, patience exercised, and captains must think tactically. A top-order batter smashing a quick 30 or 40 matters far less than crafting a significant innings, something England ignored in their recent series against India.

For Pakistan, hosting their first global men’s event in 28 years is a major milestone in their long road back from cricketing isolation. Yet the biggest clash, Pakistan v India, won’t even take place on home soil, with the BCCI refusing to travel.

Such a stance should have resulted in their expulsion but instead, all of India’s group matches will be played in Dubai, providing Rohit Sharma’s side yet another unfair advantage.

Elsewhere, Group B presents a different ethical dilemma. England, Australia, and South Africa are uneasy about playing Afghanistan given the Taliban’s oppressive rule, particularly concerning women's rights. Yet, pragmatism once again trumps principle, and no boycotts will occur.

Cricket, after all, has never been a bastion of moral absolutism. If one overlooks these two acts of cowardice and moral compromise, the tournament promises to be thrilling.

On the pitch, India are deserved favourites. The absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to injury is a setback, but their spin attack should thrive given their unfair advantage of being solely based in Dubai.

ODI World champions Australia arrive without key bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, their first global tournament without them since 2011. While still formidable, they appear vulnerable. However, with an out-of-sorts England up first and Afghanistan unlikely to cause an upset, reaching the knockouts should be straightforward.

If a world number five team can be called dark horses, then South Africa fit the bill, and at 5-1, they offer excellent value as outright winners. Pakistan’s title defence already looks precarious following their disappointing loss to New Zealand. With a trip to the UAE to face India next, their campaign could be over before it truly begins. Meanwhile, the Black Caps' impressive display makes them an intriguing 6-4 bet to reach the final.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the Champions Trophy will return. India is set to host in 2029, further cementing their dominance over the sport. Formats may evolve, and priorities may shift, but the Champions Trophy remains cricket’s great survivor.

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