Australia great Steve Waugh queries Champions Trophy relevance, before Ashes rivals clash
Waugh speaks at Hong Kong event before Australia meet England in teams’ opener, as the tournament returns following eight-year absence
On the eve of England and Australia renewing hostilities in the ICC Champions Trophy, the Baggy Greens legend Steve Waugh said he “does not see the point” of the tournament in Asia.
Waugh captained Australia in two editions of the competition, in 1998 and 2000, but was bewildered as to why it had been revived, eight years after the 50-over contest was last staged.
Equally, the man who skippered Australia to 1999 World Cup success sounded a downbeat note about the likely longevity of the format, as short-form franchise cricket wraps its tentacles around the global game.
The leading eight teams from the 2023 World Cup are contesting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, with Australia and England opening their tournaments against each other on Saturday.
“I don’t even know how this event comes about or how you qualify,” Waugh told the Post during a visit to Hong Kong. “I think 99 per cent of the population wouldn’t know why it’s happening. I’m not sure about its relevance or why it’s an important competition.
“Is it just a moneymaker for the ICC [ International Cricket Council]? We already have the World Cup, then there is this Champions Trophy. Why? I don’t see the point.”