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The Story was posted prior to the beginning of first ICC Champions Trophy 2017 match between England and Bangladesh at The Oval on June 1, 2017
The 8th edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is about to start in the United Kingdom on Thursday with the first One Day International (ODI) between the Host England and Bangladesh at Oval.
In comparison, England is among the tournament favorites though it has never won the ICC Champions Trophy or the ICC World Cup whereas Bangladesh is inarguably the weakest team in the event.
Overall there will be 15 matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 among eight top teams in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI rankings, and it will continue till June 18.
All matches of the tournament will be played at three different venues including The Oval in London, Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham and Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
The participating teams have been divided into two groups – Group A and Group B. Both England and Bangladesh are part of group A along with Australia and New Zealand while Pakistan, India, South Africa and Sri Lanka are in group B.
So far Australia and India have been the most successful teams in the history of ICC Champions Trophy as both the Sides have won the tournament twice. Though India was declared Co-champions along with Sri Lanka after rain interrupted the ICC Champions Trophy 2002 final played at Colombo.
Apart from Australia and India, South Africa, New Zealand and West Indies have also won the tournament in 1998, 2000 and 2004 respectively.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2004 winner West Indies will not feature in 2017 tournament for failing to bag the spot among top eight teams in ICC ODI rankings by September 30, 2015.
Pakistan will play its inaugural match in the tournament against arch-rivals India on Sunday at Birmingham.
The ICC organized Champions Trophy is considered to be the second most important cricket event after World Cup. Its first edition took place in 1998 with the ICC Knock Out Tournament. However later it was renamed as ICC Champions Trophy in 2002.
