The ICC Champions Trophy is set to commence on Wednesday, featuring the world’s top eight cricket teams vying for the coveted title in Pakistan and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Al Jazeera reports.
While the tournament promises thrilling competition, it also unfolds amidst political complexities and challenges for several participating nations.
Here are three highly anticipated group stage matches:
Australia vs. England (Lahore, Saturday)
The historic Ashes rivalry will reignite at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. While ODI World Cup champions Australia have historically held an edge over England in recent 50-over matches, both teams enter the tournament with significant question marks. Australia is severely depleted, missing key pacemen Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, along with all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis due to injury and retirement. Their weakened squad recently suffered a 2-0 ODI series defeat in Sri Lanka. England, under the guidance of Test coach Brendon McCullum, fared no better, suffering a 3-0 whitewash in an ODI series in India. Despite winning the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, England has struggled to maintain consistency in white-ball cricket.
India vs. Pakistan (Dubai, Sunday)
This highly charged encounter in Dubai is expected to draw massive viewership due to the intense political rivalry between the two nations. Tickets for the match sold out within minutes, with over 150,000 fans vying for a seat in the 25,000-capacity stadium. India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the tournament led to a compromise where Dubai partially assumed hosting duties. On the field, India is favored to win the tournament, potentially marking captain Rohit Sharma’s international farewell. Pakistan, the defending Champions Trophy champions, possess a talented but unpredictable team.
England vs. Afghanistan (Lahore, February 26)
This match has generated controversy after over 160 British politicians called for England to boycott the game in Lahore to protest the erosion of women’s rights by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan. However, England captain Jos Buttler rejected the idea, stating that a boycott is not the right approach. Barring any last-minute changes, the game is expected to proceed as planned. Despite their recent struggles, Buttler insists that England can be “dangerous” at the Champions Trophy. Afghanistan, a rising force in white-ball cricket, currently holds eighth position in the ODI world rankings. The Afghans have proven their mettle by defeating Australia en route to a historic semifinal appearance at last year’s T20 World Cup and upsetting England at the 2023 World Cup in India.
