Champions Trophy: 29 years later, Pakistan face a battle beyond the pitch

The ICC Champions Trophy — once referred to as the “mini–World Cup” — has long been a contest among the cricket elite with the top 8 teams eying the top honour. For Pakistan, a team that depicts individual brilliance and unpredictability, the tournament is more than just another competition.

This is the first time since 1996 that Pakistan is hosting a major ICC event, with six teams set to compete across three venues. While cricketers on the field will go all-in to defend the title, the administrators off it will strive to uphold the country’s reputation as a premier cricketing host.

Pakistan’s journey in the Champions Trophy is a rollercoaster of dizzying highs and crushing lows. The iconic 2017 victory, where the national team defied all odds to outclass arch-rivals India in the final, remains a defining moment in the nation’s Champions Trophy history. That triumph not only silenced critics but also resurrected the national pride.

However, the road since then has been like a whirlwind journey.

This year, Pakistan enter the tournament with a squad showing good potential yet the team combination raised many eyebrows. Senior players bring experience while emerging stars inject youthful exuberance. Yet, the team’s problems remain in its inconsistency. Mohammad Rizwan’s men chased a 350+ target against South Africa just last week but failed to cross 250 two days later.

Men in Green’s bowling attack is undoubtedly world-class. However, the fragile middle order, not having a regular opener and unpredictable fielding standards continue to cast doubts.

While the return of Fakhar Zaman boosts the team's top order, the omission of Saim Ayub due to injury was a big setback for the team. Instead of opting for a regular opener, Pakistan rearranged the batting order by promoting Babar Azam as an opener — a decision that was questioned by fans and critics but defended and justified by captain Rizwan and head coach Aqib Javed.

Aqib feels that Babar is a big match player and he will surely score big in important matches of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Matches against New Zealand and India will be crucial. These two games will test not only Pakistan’s cricketing ability but also their mental fortitude. A strong performance could reignite the passion of millions of fans and solidify our chances in the championship.

Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for a nation that has long yearned for the return of international cricket. The aftermath of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team kept Pakistan isolated for years. However, successful tours by teams like Australia, England, and New Zealand along with star-studded games of Pakistan Super League have paved the way for this moment.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) largely renovated two venues — in Lahore and Karachi, while the Rawalpindi Stadium also received a minor makeover.

Yet, the hybrid hosting model, with matches split between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlights how political decisions have hijacked the sport which otherwise should’ve been a tool for bringing people together and, maybe, a confidence-building measure between two nations. However, India decided against travelling to Pakistan for the tournament as a result, India’s matches for the tournament will be played in the UAE.

This arrangement will surely pose logistical challenges for players and fans alike.

In Pakistan, cricket is a unifying force, binding a diverse nation in shared passion and pride. The Champions Trophy isn't just another fancy silverware, it symbolises hope, resilience, and national pride.

A successful campaign in the tournament could inspire a new generation of cricketers. Young boys and girls in every corner of the country will dream bigger, knowing that they too can one day don the green jersey. Beyond inspiration, a strong showing would bolster confidence in the country’s cricketing infrastructure, attract international teams, and provide an economic boost.

Moreover, Pakistan’s performance in the Champions Trophy will shape the narrative of its cricket in the years to come. Triumphs on the field will serve as a reminder of the nation’s cricketing heritage, while successful hosting will solidify its capability to stage global events.

As the country is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy, the road ahead is full of challenges. On the field, the team will have to overcome formidable opponents, address its batting vulnerabilities, and maintain composure under pressure. Off the field, the PCB must manage the logistical complexities of a hybrid tournament and deliver a seamless experience for fans.

However, within these challenges lie great opportunities. The Champions Trophy offers the national team a platform to showcase its cricketing talent, organisational capabilities, and resilience. Each game will be a test of skill and spirit, and every victory a testament to our passion for cricket.

The Champions Trophy is a story of resilience and revival for Pakistan. As the team battles on the field and the nation plays host off it, the world watches with anxiety. This is a chance to turn challenges into triumph, reclaim its glory, and write a new chapter in its cricketing history.

Amidst political complexities and sporting challenges, Pakistan’s journey in the Champions Trophy is poised to be a tale of passion and unwavering determination.

Faizan Lakhani is deputy sports editor at Geo News. He posts on X @faizanlakhani

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