ICC Champions Trophy 2008

Of course, The Cricket World Cup is something that hits the first rank when it comes to attracting the cricket audiences out there. Alike the Cricket World Cup, ICC champions Trophy also the one that seems to gain a wider cricket audience attractions at present. When it comes to popularity, it’s just a step down than The Cricket World Cup. The ICC Champions Trophy is extremely popular and regarded tremendously prestigious all across the cricket playing countries. The ICC Champions Trophy to be held this year has been already decided by ICC board and it is going to cheer the crowd from September 11 to September 28, in Pakistan. Below are the nations that have participated in this year, 2008, Champions Trophy tournament:

Group A
Australia (1), India (4), Pakistan (5), West Indies (8)

Group B
South Africa (2), New Zealand (3), Sri Lanka (6), England (7)

However, since the terrorist acts in Pakistan are increasing, players that are participated in ICC Champion Trophy are expressing concern about playing matches in Pakistan. Harroon Logart, World Cricket Chief, in his statement, says "The ICC will not compromise the safety and security of any individual at one of its tournaments and if it is not appropriate to play in any country then we will not do so". The players from New Zealand, England, and Australia have already expressed their concern for having ICC trophy matches in Pakistan.

At present Sri Lanka is an elected alternative location but is unfortunately facing internal violence between government troops and Tamil Tiger rebels.

In contrast, PCB is extremely confident that 2008 ICC Champions Trophy is going to take place in Pakistan even though 19 people were already killed in Islamabad due to deadly blast act when Asia Cup final was taking place in Karachi.