BY the time the Champions Trophy final ended, the only indicators that the tournament had been hosted by Pakistan were the branding inside the stadium and the golden embroidery on the white jackets worn by winners India. Sunday’s title match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was all about India; its triumph capping its takeover of the tournament from Pakistan. Rohit Sharma and his men had won unbeaten, without setting foot in the country that was supposed to host it. But while they did showcase their prowess as arguably the world’s best limited-overs side, their glory will be overshadowed by the politicking that preceded it. India had refused to play in Pakistan and the International Cricket Council bowed to its demand. India played all their games in Dubai whilst the other teams travelled across Pakistan and then to the UAE to play against the Indians. India had a permanent home base and, as it transpired, it seemed they — with former Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah now ICC president — were the organisers of the Dubai leg. So much so that in the final, the presence of PCB officials was limited to tournament director Sumair Ahmed. Even he was not there at the presentation ceremony.

The balance of power is in India’s favour but they also have the winners to take them to glory. They made a home away from home and used it to their full advantage. In contrast, Pakistan could not even benefit from home conditions. Their tournament was over in five days after losses to vanquished finalists New Zealand and India in their opening two matches. Unlike the two finalists, they looked under-prepared and the debatable quality of the personnel was also laid bare. It was catastrophic. Returning Pakistan to the top of the world game will be an arduous challenge. But for now, that is India’s place — it has the team and the influence to hold on to it.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2025