India, Feb. 1 -- In 1998, the International Cricket Council introduced the ICC KnockOut Trophy which, as the name indicates, was a knockout 50-over tournament involving the eight best teams in the world in a short and snappy affair.

The idea behind the event, meant to remain in the shadow of the flagship 50-over World Cup, was to raise funds for the development of the sport in countries that relied on financial assistance. The original plan was to conduct the tournament in less visible cricketing stops where there was no shortage of passion. The inaugural edition was entrusted to Bangladesh, yet to attain Test status.

The top eight teams converged in Bangladesh, knowing that their first game could be the last. If the intention was to no...