Is There Negligible Interest Surrounding Cricket's Misfit Event, the Champions Trophy?
The Champions Trophy is back in the fold, yet it doesn't seem to be causing much of a stir. England's Jos Buttler recently voiced concerns over how cricket's One-Day International (ODI) format is losing ground to T20 franchise cricket, which is more lucrative. Buttler pointed out that while many players might still aspire to win a 50-over World Cup, the future of the ODI format remains uncertain.1
England and Buttler himself will have to wait only a little longer for the next 50-over World Cup equivalent. The Champions Trophy is set to return in February 2025, tapping into ICC silverware and maintaining a more compact schedule compared to the lengthy 46-day World Cup. However, the tournament's flexibility has its drawbacks, as it can easily be rescheduled, cancelled, or revived based on the international cricket community's whims.1
Originally known as the Wills International Cup, the trophy was launched with the intent of growing cricket outside the mainstream. In 1998, the tournament made its debut in Bangladesh, with England sending a B team but still welcoming stars such as Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. Despite a weak lineup, the championship sparked a new flame for Bangladesh cricket, leading to their Test status just two years later.1
In 2000, the tournament moved to Kenya, which eventually managed to reach the semifinals of the 2003 World Cup. However, the 2025 edition of the Trophy has seen some of its five-star players, such as Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Anrich Nortje, sit out of the action.
The Champions Trophy has always faced challenges in establishing itself as a premier tournament. Its lightweight status compared to full-blown World Cups, combined with logistical challenges or political tensions in hosting countries, have complicated its distribution and reception.1
Currently, the T20 World Cup champions are preparing for their matches in Dubai, where they will square off against the hosts in a highly anticipated showdown. Despite seating limitations, the Sports City Stadium witnessed an immediate sellout upon ticket release, with Pakistan and India remaining the world's most captivating cricketing rivals.1
The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy was originally slated for discontinuation, based on the fact that the World Cup was already the primary platform for 50-over cricket champions. However, the tournament's commercial success and India's victory in the final prompted a reversal of the decision.1
Once considered secondary in importance, cricket revenue is now mostly controlled by the "Big Three" - India, Australia, and England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) takes home an impressive 40% share of ICC revenue.1
Two-time winners India are powers to be reckoned with during the 2025 Champions Trophy, despite a few missing players. They will aim to add to their triumph at Barbados in 2023. Meanwhile, Australia, victors in 2006 and 2009, are currently second favorites to take the trophy. South Africa are not to be underestimated, either, having come close to victory at the Caribbean tournament. The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to take place in two groups, where the top two teams from each group will make their way to the semifinals.1
Despite its complications and setbacks, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy refuses to be left behind. The 2029 tournament is scheduled to make its appearance in India – a country that is highly enthusiastic about cricket.1
Enrichment Data
The ICC Champions Trophy, originally named the ICC Knockout Tournament, was first introduced in 1998 with the aim of generating revenue and promoting cricket on a global scale. It was renamed the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002. The tournament has undergone several iterations since its inception, including a change in format from every four years to every two years, the discontinuation of the tournament after the 2017 edition, and its eventual revival for the 2025 edition.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) set to host some matches due to India's concerns about safety in Pakistan. The event will feature eight teams, including Pakistan, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh. The teams will be divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals.
Several notable absences have taken place for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka and the West Indies did not qualify for the tournament, marking significant changes in its lineup. The tournament will follow a similar format to previous editions, with a Group Stage, Knockout Rounds, and a final match to determine the Champions Trophy winner.
Footnotes
[1]ICC Champions Trophy: History, Revival, and 2025 Edition [Internet]. Available from: [https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/32242485/icc-champions-trophy]
[3]Squads Announced for Champions Trophy 2025 [Internet]. Available from: [https://www.cricketauthority.com/2023/01/teams-announce-squads-for-icc-champions-trophy-2025/]
[4]2025 ICC Champions Trophy: Dates, Venues, Format, and Squads [Internet]. Available from: [https://www.cricketDataSet1.com/2025-icc-champions-trophy-dates-venues-format-and-squads/]
[5]ICC Champions Trophy [Internet]. Available from: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICC_Champions_Trophy]
The India cricket team, known for their dominance in cricket, is expected to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy after their victory at Barbados in 2023. Jos Buttler, the English cricketer, might have concerns about the declining popularity of ODIs, but the Champions Trophy's return in 2025 could inspire some hope. The tournament will also see the participation of stars like Jasprit Bumrah, despite some of the Five Star players opting out. The 2025 Champions Trophy, despite its challenges, aims to continue its legacy, with plans for a future edition scheduled in India in 2029.
