Independence Cup tournaments have been held over the years to celebrate a great moment in the country’s history but on the cricket field they have proven to be unlucky for host nations.

The ongoing Nidahas Trophy T20 tournament, celebrating 70 years of Sri Lanka’s independence, is the fifth such tournament involving national teams and all five have resulted in the host nation failing to lift the title. Pakistan in 2017 are the only exception.

Here, we look back at other editions of such tournaments…

1997 PEPSI INDEPENDENCE CUP IN INDIA

The 1997 Pepsi Independence Cup was held in May to commemorate the 50th anniversary of India’s independence. The tournament featured New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and hosts India. Sri Lanka lifted the title after defeating Pakistan in the best-of-three finals.

1997 WILLS GOLDEN JUBILEE TOURNAMENT IN PAKISTAN

A quadrangular ODI tournament was played in November 1997 to mark the 50th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. Sri Lanka, South Africa and West Indies also took part in the tournament that was held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. South Africa defeated Sri Lanka in the final.

1998 NIDAHAS TROPHY IN SRI LANKA

The Singer Akai Nidahas Trophy was held in June 1998 to celebrate 50 years of Sri Lanka’s independence. India and New Zealand were invited to be a part of the cricket celebrations. However, five of the nine qualifying matches were abandoned due to rain. India won the final by defeating Sri Lanka by six runs.

1998 SILVER JUBILEE INDEPENDENCE CUP IN BANGLADESH

The Silver Jubilee Independence Cup in Dhaka marked 25 years of Bangladesh’s freedom. India and Pakistan were the other participating teams.

India lifted the trophy after the best of three finals. India successfully chased Pakistan’s 314-5 in the last final, which was at that time a world record run chase.

2017 INDEPENDENCE CUP IN PAKISTAN

The 2017 Independence Cup was held in Lahore in September with a World XI team invited to play Pakistan in three Twenty20s as an effort to revive international cricket in the country. Pakistan won the series 2–1. It was the 70th year of Pakistan’s independence.

2018 NIDAHAS TROPHY IN SRI LANKA

The 2018 Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka was scheduled to celebrate 70 years of the country’s liberation. Bangladesh and India took part in the T20 tri-series. However, Sri Lanka failed to make it to the final.