As has been the case in the past editions, it has not been a good campaign......

[farhankhan2007]

One of my friends today asked me why did the writer used present perfect in the below sentence. I am able to understand it, however, I am unable to explain that to him.

Could someone please explain this to me?

As has been the case in the past editions, it has not been a good campaign for Rahul Dravid's men in the tournament so far.
https://m.rediff.com/cricket/report...ir-play-off-hopes-alive-ipl-2017/20170503.htm

Many thanks.

 

[teechar]

That sentence is not well written and is ambiguous. I would replace "as has been the case in the past editions" with "as we've already reported."
The present perfect is appropriate because the tournament is still on.

 

[jutfrank]

The present perfect is used here give some background to the tournament. This (past) background has some relevance to the present.