Author: shahzad.malik

LAHORE: The Afghanistan squad reached here on Wednesday to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to commence on 19 February.

The squad will take a rest to freshen up today before hitting the nets tomorrow to fine-tune their preparation for their maiden Champions Trophy campaign.

It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

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Afghanistan will kick off their campaign with a clash against South Africa at Karachi’s newly renovated National Bank Stadium on February 21, before they face England and Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

For the unversed, Afghanistan’s performance in white-ball cricket has been strong recently — finishing sixth in the ICC ODI World Cup in 2023 and reaching the semi-final in last year’s T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan beat England and Pakistan in the ODI World Cup and Australia and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik.

READ: Key player withdraws from Champions Trophy as Australia name revamped squad

England Men have called up Somerset batter Tom Banton as cover for the third ODI against India in Ahmedabad, which starts on Wednesday.

Warwickshire batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who featured in the first ODI defeat in Nagpur, has sustained a left hamstring injury. The injury will be assessed further when the team arrive in Ahmedabad on Monday.

Tom Banton, who last played for England in an ODI in August 2020, has been in outstanding form in T20 franchise cricket. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the UAE ILT20 competition, where he has amassed 493 runs from 11 innings at an average of 54.77, including two centuries.

Banton is set to arrive in India tomorrow (Monday) with a chance to reignite his international career.

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Bethell’s injury also leaves England with a dilemma ahead of their opening match in the ICC Champions Trophy against Australia in less than two weeks, with wicket-keeper Jamie Smith still recovering from an injury.

For the unversed, Bethell scored a half-century and took one wicket in the first match. The 21-year-old all-rounder had a successful tour of New Zealand at the end of 2024, scoring three half-centuries at an average of 52.

It is pertinent to mention here, that after hammering England in the five-match T20I series, India registered a commanding win in the first ODI by four wickets courtesy of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer’s batting.

Chasing 249, Gill scored 87 while Iyer stood firm with his 59 runs which left England in a hole after the visitors opted to bat first.

England squad for India ODIs and Champions Trophy

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

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LAHORE: Former Pakistan all-rounder and newly appointed South Africa bowling consultant Yasir Arafat on Saturday expressed optimism about the Proteas’ chances despite several key players missing from the squad for the tri-nation ODI series.

Speaking to the media after joining the South African camp, Yasir acknowledged the absence of major players but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and potential.

“South Africa’s key players are not part of this series due to injuries or other reasons, but despite that, this is still a very strong team,” he said.

Recognizing the impact of missing experienced names, Yasir emphasized the opportunity for young players to step up.

“Of course, not having big names is a disadvantage, but it also gives new players a chance to learn and prove themselves,” he added.

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Yasir Arafat, who joined the coaching staff of South Africa as a bowling consultant, praised the team environment and the culture of learning within the squad.

“I have only been with the team for two hours, but I can already see how good the team atmosphere is. South African players get a great chance to learn from each other,” Yasir Arafat remarked.

“They considered the conditions before bringing me in, and I will give my best to help the team,” he further added.

Yasir also lauded Pakistan’s recent coverage of Gaddafi Stadium’s renovation, acknowledging its significance in hosting major events.

“I have been following all the updates from England, and the way you covered Gaddafi Stadium’s transformation deserves appreciation,” he noted.

READ: PM Shehbaz Sharif shares piece of advice for Shaheen Afridi ahead of Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has joined the support staff of South Africa as the bowling consultant for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series.

Arafat reached Pakistan from London and joined South Africa’s training camp in Lahore ahead of their first match of the series against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 10.

Yasir Arafat has represented Pakistan in three Test matches, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is from 2000 to 2012. He completed his ECB Level 4 coaching course from Loughborough University, becoming the first Pakistan Test cricketer to do so.

He has gained extensive experience as a bowling coach for various county teams, including the  Sussex and Surrey. Additionally, he has also worked with Australia’s renowned Big Bash League (BBL) franchise, the Perth Scorchers.

His coaching repertoire also includes serving as Pakistan’s High-Performance Coach as well as the bowling coach for the Hong Kong national team.

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The tri-nation ODI series will be played from 8 to 14 February at the newly constructed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi

Pakistan will take on New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, with the first ball to be bowled at 2:00 pm PST.

In the single-league tournament, New Zealand will take on South Africa on Monday, 10 February at the same venue in the day game. The match is scheduled to begin at 09:30 AM.

After the second match, the action will move to Karachi, where the home side will take on South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in a day-night match on Wednesday, 12 February.

The final of the tri-nation ODI series will be played between the top two sides on Friday, 14 February with the first ball to be bowled at 2:00 PM PST.

The tournament provides an opportunity for all three sides to prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin in Karachi on 19 February with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand.

READ: South Africa add two key players to squad for tri-nation ODI series

LAHORE: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has hinted at possible changes in the national team’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan announced their squad for the upcoming tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy on January 31. But the squad announcement was met with criticism from fans and former cricketers.

Naqvi, while speaking to journalists here on Friday, stated that the selection committee is actively reviewing the team.

However, he also clarified that he does not interfere in selection matters and the final authority lies with the selection committee, which will decide whether to make any adjustments to the squad.

“We have included Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf in the squad with good intentions,” Mohsin Naqvi said, addressing concerns over their selection. However, his remarks suggest that no player’s spot is guaranteed, and further discussions are ongoing.

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Earlier today, Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan defended the national team’s squad selected for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

“The team selected for the Champions Trophy consists of the best available players, and the key to good performance is mental fitness,” said Younis.

“Team selection is done based on performance, and once the squad is chosen, the players should be fully supported. Criticism and unnecessary changes only create pressure on the players.”

The former captain expressed faith that this squad has the ability to make it into the semi-finals of the mega-event.

“The players have the talent to make it to the top four teams of the Champions Trophy,” he added.

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf.

READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 official song ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’ released

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi inspected the arrangements for the grand opening ceremony and directed officials to ensure a spectacular event befitting the newly revamped Gaddafi Stadium here on Friday.

He returned to the country early in the morning and, without taking a break, headed straight to Gaddafi Stadium to oversee the preparation for the opening ceremony.

“This event should reflect the grandeur of the new Gaddafi Stadium,” Naqvi emphasized.

He credited the entire team for completing the stadium’s reconstruction in record time, calling it a proud moment for Pakistan.

“The newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium stands as one of the most beautiful and world-class cricket venues, completed in record time,” he stated. “I am thankful to Allah for fulfilling the promise made to the nation.”

Mohsin Naqvi assured that both cricket fans and players would enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities provided in the stadium.

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He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the workers, FWO, NESPAK, contractors, and PCB officials for their dedication and efforts in bringing this vision to life.

The cricket board revealed on Thursday that the opening ceremony will take place on 7 February ahead of the first match at the newly renovated venue.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to welcome cricket fans with a spectacular opening ceremony on 7 February, ahead of the Pakistan versus New Zealand match on 8 February,” the PCB stated in a press release.

“Fans can look forward to a series of colourful events, including live singing, stunning fireworks and a unique light show.

“Renowned singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar and Aima Baig will grace the stage with electrifying performances, followed by a dazzling drum and firework display.

“The opening ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, will be free for the public from 5.30 pm, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.”

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced the match officials for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving New Zealand and South Africa.

Australia’s David Boon, who is a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control team for the tri-nation ODI series.

The single league tri-nation series is set to be played from 8-14 February in Lahore and Karachi as the newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium and National Bank Stadium are set to welcome back international cricket.

As Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the much-anticipated opening match on Saturday, 8 February at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, England’s Michael Gough, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires, and Pakistan’s Faisal Khan Aafreedi, an ICC International Panel Umpire, will be the on-field umpires.

ICC Elite Panel Umpire, Richard Illingworth will be the third umpire and Rashid Riaz, a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, will be the fourth umpire.

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Gaddafi Stadium will also play host to the New Zealand vs South Africa contest on 10 February, where Richard Illingworth and Rashid Riaz will serve as the on-field umpires, while Michael Gough will be the third umpire.

ICC’s International Panel of Umpires member Asif Yaqoob will be the fourth umpire for the fixture which is set to be played as a day game.

The action will move to Karachi’s National Bank Stadium for the last league match and the final of the tri-series.

Asif Yaqoob and Michael Gough will form the on-field umpires’ duo, while Richard Illingworth and Faisal Khan Aafreedi will be the third and fourth umpires, respectively for the Pakistan vs South Africa fixture in Karachi.

In the final on Friday, 14 February, ICC Elite Panel Umpire, Ahsan Raza will officiate as an on-field umpire along with Richard Illingworth, while Michael Gough will be the third umpire. Asif Yaqoob will perform duties as the fourth umpire in the final.

READ: Ahmed Shehzad raises questions over Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad

LAHORE: The glittering ICC Champions Trophy 2025 trophy will begin its second leg of the Pakistan tour today with a trip to Sheikhupura’s historical Hiran Minar complex.

The prestigious silverware returned to the host country, Pakistan, on Thursday after completing its world tour. During the second leg, the trophy will be taken to ten different cities across Pakistan in 14 days.

The global trophy tour ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began in Pakistan on 16 November after which the trophy was taken to the seven participating countries from 26 November to 26 January.

In its second leg, apart from Sheikhupura, the trophy will be taken to Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Quetta.

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The trophy will also grace the newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 8 February during the tri-nation series opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Some of the iconic destinations where the trophy will be taken to during these 14 days include Multan Fort, Bahawalpur’s Noor Mahal, Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium, Karachi’s National Stadium, Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium and Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

The global trophy tour will conclude in Karachi on 14 February. The opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand on 19 February.

READ: Former pacer warns about decline of fast bowling in Pakistan

LAHORE: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of Pakistan Cricket (PCB) on Friday said that Gaddafi Stadium will be inaugurated on February 7 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During a press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Naqvi discussed the key developments regarding the Champions Trophy and the progress of stadium construction.

Mohsin Naqvi also announced the dates of the inauguration of Qaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Bank Stadium Karachi ahead of the mega event.

“Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] will inaugurate Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium on February 7 and President [Asif Ali Zardari] will inaugurate Karachi’s stadium on February 11,” Naqvi stated.

“We have scheduled a Champions Trophy ceremony for February 16 in Lahore in collaboration with the ICC,” the PCB chief said.

He further stated about the stadium’s construction timeline and also thanked the people who had been critical of the project.

”The stadium’s construction began in October and today its progress is in front of you.”We appreciate the critics,” he said.

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Naqvi also revealed about holding a meeting with the selection committee, saying that the Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 will be announced later today.

He further briefed about extending invitations to the ICC officials and all cricket boards including the Board of Control for Cricket in India to visit for the games.

“Some of them plan to arrive for the semi-final while others plan to visit Pakistan for the final. The schedule for their arrival differs, but a lot of guests are coming to Pakistan,” Chairman PCB said.

Responding to the questions about chairs at Gaddafi Stadium, Mohsin Naqvi said that high-quality chairs were imported from China۔

“The chairs are five times cheaper and of international standard with a warranty of 20 years,” Naqvi said.

READ: Former England cricketer names Pakistan as favorites for Champions Trophy 2025

LAHORE: Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of Pakistan Cricket (PCB), has lauded the workers for their tireless efforts in completing the renovation of Gaddafi Stadium in a record four months, transforming it into a state-of-the-art cricket venue ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During his detailed inspection of the Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi reviewed the newly installed seats, upgraded dressing rooms, hospitality boxes, and various floors, ensuring that everything meets international standards.

He personally tested the view from the new seating arrangement, expressing his satisfaction with the transformation.

While addressing the workers who worked day and night to complete the project, Mohsin Naqvi appreciated their dedication and hard work, calling it a remarkable achievement.

As a gesture of gratitude, he invited them to watch the Tri-Nation series match on February 8, assuring them, “I will sit with you and watch the match.”

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Mohsin Naqvi further confirmed that the stadium’s official inauguration will take place in the first week of February, marking a historic milestone in Pakistan’s cricketing history.

He emphasized that for the first time, a cricket venue in Pakistan has been modernized with world-class facilities, ensuring an unmatched experience for players and fans alike.

“The Champions Trophy is a matter of national pride, and we will ensure that Pakistan’s image as a world-class cricketing nation is further elevated,” Naqvi stated.

The Project Director of FWO briefed Naqvi on the latest developments, while the Interior Minister also praised the FWO team for their outstanding efforts.

Other key officials, including Adviser Aamir Mir, Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, and representatives from Infrastructure, Domestic Cricket, FWO, and NESPAK, were also present during the visit.

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