Kohli Condemns Blasts but Says CT is of "Paramount Importance"

Virat Kohli arrived at the United Kingdom heartbroken but the Manchester blast has failed to break his unwavering focus on cricket, as the India captain geared up for a tournament that is of "paramount importance".

Defending champions India will begin their campaign in the Champions Trophy with a high-profile match against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 4 in Birmingham, which is less than 100 miles from the affected city.

"Firstly, what happened here a few days back was really saddening and very disturbing for everyone who saw it. And especially a place like England, to say the least, has not had many of these incidents happen in the past.

"So, yeah, I mean, for a few people it can be sort of a nervous time. But I don't think as a squad you have time to focus on those factors, because eventually you understand that you're here for a sporting tournament," Kohli said on arrival.