India, Feb. 12 -- The Champions Trophy is a week away but the cards of the competition have been dealt well before the opening fixture. No Pat Cummins or Josh Hazlewood, and now no Mitchell Starc. It means, for the first time in the history of ICC tournaments, Australia won't field any of their frontline fast bowlers. South Africa will be without Anrich Nortje, who is nursing a back injury. With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out as well, it won't be an exaggeration to surmise that the tournament has lost some of its wattage even before the first ball is bowled on February 19.

Why has it happened? Revived eight years after the last edition amid the increased frenzy of T20 leagues, Champions Trophy looks clearly devalued in comparison to the other ...