The Champions Trophy tournament is back and cricket fans are wondering why it went away in the first place.
A short 50-over tournament among the top eight teams in the world seemed like a guaranteed hit but over the past few years, the rise of T20 cricket and numerous leagues has meant fewer available slots for a tournament and a format that was slowly drifting away from the minds of average cricket fans.
But the success of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India showed that there was enough appetite for high quality 50-over tournaments, meeting the needs of all fans within a short enough timeline and also providing something truly unique amid the vast sea of T20 cricket.
The venue chosen for the grand return of the Champions Trophy is also unique; Pakistan getting to host a major tournament for the first time in over two decades.
The build-up to the tournament has, however, been far from smooth. India refused to travel to Pakistan due to the absence of government approval owing to political tensions between the nations. India's matches were thus moved to the UAE.
Also, authorities in Pakistan had to go into overdrive in order to get their venues ready for the tournament that begins on Wednesday.
As we wait for the action to get under way, take the above quiz and test your knowledge about the Champions Trophy tournament.
If you go
The Flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.
The trip
Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Managing the separation process
- Choose your nursery carefully in the first place
- Relax – and hopefully your child will follow suit
- Inform the staff in advance of your child’s likes and dislikes.
- If you need some extra time to talk to the teachers, make an appointment a few days in advance, rather than attempting to chat on your child’s first day
- The longer you stay, the more upset your child will become. As difficult as it is, walk away. Say a proper goodbye and reassure your child that you will be back
- Be patient. Your child might love it one day and hate it the next
- Stick at it. Don’t give up after the first day or week. It takes time for children to settle into a new routine.And, finally, don’t feel guilty.
