Champions League can renew optimism

Peter Roebuck writes in the Hindu that he is glad the Champions League is getting underway and hopes the attention shifts from the spot-fixing scandal.

Of all the tournaments played in recent times, it has been the freshest and cleanest. Last year's edition attracted scant attention but provided considerable pleasure.

Plain as day it mattered to those taking part, many of whom had never previously appeared in such a prestigious event. Suddenly humble provincial performers were given the chance to mix it with the mighty. Suddenly they were representing their country overseas. To them it was a huge honour and responsibility. Throughout they played with the sincerity that sometimes eludes supposed superiors. Unsurprisingly they trounced makeshift outfits.