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Page last updated at 19:32 GMT, Monday, 21 September 2009 20:32 UK

ICC Champions Trophy 2006: Early exits for England and Shoaib

Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif (left) leave a meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board after their failed drugs tests; India's avid fans (top right) provided a colourful atmosphere; while England captain Andrew Flintoff (bottom right, with Mike Hussey and Andrew Symonds) saw his side comprehensively beaten by Australia - not for the last time that winter

The Champions Trophy moved to India in 2006 - but only after the Indian government granted tax exemption-having refused in 2002 and seen the tournament switched to Sri Lanka.

A format change placed the top six teams in the ICC's ODI rankings into the group stage - while the next four, including holders West Indies, had to enter a qualifying round where Sri Lanka and the Windies saw off Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Two round-robin groups of four then produced four semi-finalists.

Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif tested positive for banned steroid nandrolone on the eve of the tournament and missed out, while England were eliminated at the earliest opportunity after losing heavily to Australia, prefiguring their 5-0 Ashes defeat later that winter.



see also
ICC Champions Trophy 2009
05 Oct 09 |  Cricket
Champions Trophy team guide
20 Sep 09 |  Cricket

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