India, Feb. 19 -- After all the uncertainty over India's participation that raised a question mark over the tournament itself, this should feel like 1996 all over again for Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan. Back then, Pakistan hosted a semi-final and the final, delivering sold out stadiums match after match, all in the hope that the scenes of joy witnessed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1992 could be replicated at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan in 1996 weren't too different from the victorious side of four years earlier. No such anticipation may exist now as the Champions Trophy is brought out after almost eight years, probably for one last hurrah.

The long gap means Pakistan don't quite give the feel of defending champions. Ther...