Will #pakistan Qualify for Champions Trophy 2017 ?
BY :-EHSAN KHAN(PAKISTAN)
Champion’s trophy is the only tournament that Pakistan hasn’t won yet since their birth in international #cricket. When it was announced in 2013 that it will be the last edition of the tournament all Pakistani fans were praying that their team can get this accolade for their nation but that didn’t happen & team Pakistan lost all their pool matches to be kicked out of the tournament once again.
Pakistan’s performance in all ICC Champions trophy editions is as follows:
| Year | Venue | Result |
| 1998 | Bangladesh | Knockout in 1st match |
| 2000 | Kenya | Lost in Semi Final |
| 2002 | Sri-Lanka | 1st Round Exit |
| 2004 | England | Lost in Semi Final |
| 2006 | India | 1st Round Exit |
| 2009 | South Africa | Lost in Semi Final |
| 2013 | England | 1st Round Exit |
Now with another lifeline given to the tournament & next ICC Champions trophy to be took place in England in 2017 Pakistan once again hurt their chances after losing the series against Bangladesh 3-0 & drops in 9th place in ICC ODI rankings (all time low rank for pakistan since start of ICC ODI rankings), just ahead Ireland, Zimbabwe & Afghanistan. As per new ICC guidelines TOP 7 teams along with the host nation will qualify for the tournament & compete for the 2nd most prestigious one day international championship.
with 2 spots up for grab 7th & 8th, fight between Pakistan, Bangladesh & West Indies is on the show. ICC set a cutoff date of 30th September, 2015 for qualification for the event.
Till 30th Sep, 2015 West Indies don’t have any one day international engagements. Bangladesh has to face South Africa & India at their home crowd, whereas Pakistan will be playing Sri-Lanka in 5 matches in Sri-Lanka.
Scenarios
If Bangladesh beats India & South Africa in one match each they will qualify for the tournament with West Indies as West Indies is depending on performance of others.
If Pakistan beats Sri-Lanka by margin of 5-0 than & Bangladesh lost all their matches against India & South Africa than Pakistan will qualify with West Indies.
For Pakistani fans they need to keep an eye on results of Bangladesh as well as Pakistan’s. With Bangladesh improved performance against Pakistan & in World Cup 2015 it is on the cards that they may put a strong performance in upcoming matches. Another plus for Bangladesh is that as per the news India & South Africa both are planning to rest their best players after hectic schedule of World Cup & IPL.
Let’s wait till 30th September, 2015 to see who will qualify for Champions Trophy 2015.