Tag: BCCI

The International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting scheduled for Saturday (today) regarding the hosting of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 has been postponed, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Recent reports indicate that the much-anticipated meeting might be rescheduled for either Sunday or Monday.

The delay in the meeting is primarily attributed to the fact that both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) require additional time to engage in consultations with their respective foreign ministries.

For the unversed, the meeting was initially scheduled for November 29. However, this crucial gathering was adjourned without reaching a definitive conclusion regarding the much-anticipated Champions Trophy.

The meeting was convened by ICC as a direct response to the BCCI announcing its refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, which is slated to take place during the February-March window of next year.

The sources revealed that during the brief meeting, which lasted approximately 15 minutes, representatives from the 12 Full Member countries, three representatives from Associate nations, and an independent director were present, alongside the ICC chairman and CEO.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

During the meeting, Pakistan reasserted its firm opposition to any hybrid model that would spread matches across different venues.

The ICC is actively exploring a variety of options to address the complications surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025, particularly in light of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.

It is pertinent to note here that the BCCI has suggested a hybrid model instead of travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI proposed that India’s matches be held in Dubai.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorically rejected such a proposal and insists that it will hold the entirety of the tournament on its soil. A day earlier, reports said that the PCB wrote to the International Cricket Council ahead of the scheduled board meeting.

Sources said that the PCB made it clear that the hybrid model, which would involve holding some matches in a neutral venue, was not acceptable for the Champions Trophy 2025.

READ: It’s unacceptable that Pakistan visit India but they don’t: Mohsin Naqvi

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday adjourned the board meeting without a decision regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, ARY News reported, citing sources.

The board meeting was called after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament, scheduled in the February-March window next year.

According to sources, the meeting, comprising representatives from the 12 Full Member countries, three representatives from Associates, and an independent director alongside the ICC chairman and CEO, continued for around 15 minutes where Pakistan reiterated its stance against a hybrid model.

Meanwhile, sources said that ICC was considering various options to come up with a solution to the issues regarding Champions Trophy 2025 following India’s refusal to visit Pakistan.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In this regard, the apex cricketing body is likely to convene another meeting within the next 48 hours to decide on the matter.

It is pertinent to note here that the BCCI has suggested a hybrid model instead of travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI proposed that India’s matches be held in Dubai.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorically rejected such a proposal and insists that it will hold the entirety of the tournament on its soil. A day earlier, reports said that the PCB wrote to the International Cricket Council ahead of the scheduled board meeting.

Sources said that the PCB made it clear that the hybrid model, which would involve holding some matches in a neutral venue, was not acceptable for the Champions Trophy 2025.

READ: Woakes, Carse put England in touching distance of victory in first New Zealand Test

Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has reiterated the board’s stance on not touring Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February- March window in 2025, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain.

Previously, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the tournament citing security concerns.

Additionally, on November 10, sources confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian government is not ready to allow their cricket team to travel to Pakistan.

In response, the PCB sent a letter to the ICC following directives from the country’s government to express its concerns. Moreover, the cricket board has sought official clarification and concrete reasons for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The host nation also rejected the possibility of adopting a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, expressing their determination to host the entire tournament.

Meanwhile, Rajeev Shukla, in a recent conversation with ANI, highlighted the BCCI’s commitment to complying with the directives set forth by the Indian government concerning the event.

“We are very clear about it and it’s our policy that whatever the government asks us, whatever direction it gives, we will do according to that. We have conveyed this to ICC as well,” Shukla stated.

It must be noted India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz miss out as PCB announces women’s central contracts

Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has broken his silence over the possibility of India’s cricket team touring Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The eight-team event is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

However, the Chief Executive of the ICC Geoff Allardice confirmed last month that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan, as scheduled, dismissing any speculation about the event being relocated to a different country.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Rajeev Shukla, in a conversation with an Indian news channel, mentioned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently awaiting the government’s approval. As of now, no decision has been made regarding the tour of Pakistan.

“No decision has been taken (yet). However, our policy is that for international tours, we always seek permission from the government,” Shukla clarified.

“It’s up to the government to decide whether our team should go to any country or our team should not go to any country,” the BCCI VP added. “In this case (also), whatever the government will decide, we will abide by that.”

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: Pakistan legend calls Babar Azam-Virat Kohli comparison ‘pointless’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rejected the offer by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to host the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 amid political unrest in Bangladesh.

The upcoming tournament is originally scheduled to be played in Bangladesh in October, but due to the ongoing unrest in the country, the ICC is considering relocating the tournament.

Due to travel advisories from multiple countries advising against travel to Bangladesh, the ICC asked India to host the tournament. However, the request was declined by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.

“They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the [Women’s T20] World Cup. I have categorically said no,” Shah told the Times of India.

“We’re in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the Women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

After India rejected the offer, ICC is considering  Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the potential alternative hosts.

For the unversed, the unrest in Bangladesh led to the dethroning of the Sheikh Hasina government.

The new interim government is making an effort to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as per schedule, but the governments of participating teams are reluctant to send their teams to Bangladesh.

“The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies and our own independent security consultants,” an ICC statement said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”

READ: Lamine Yamal offers Barcelona hope ahead of daunting La Liga challenge

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the updated schedule for the upcoming home season, featuring series against Bangladesh and England.

The season will commence with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh on September 19. The Test series will go on as per schedule but the venues for some of the white-ball fixtures have been changed.

The first T20I between India and Bangladesh on 6 December was originally planned to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, but it has been moved to Gwalior due to the ongoing construction at the previous venue.

“The first T20I between India and Bangladesh, initially set to be held in Dharamsala on 6th October 2024, will now take place in Gwalior owing to upgrades and renovation work being carried out by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association in the dressing rooms,” the board said in a release.

The upcoming match in Gwalior is set to take place at the newly constructed Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

This match marks the return of international cricket to the city after more than a decade, following the memorable India-South Africa ODI in 2010.

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar made history in that game by becoming the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODIs.

The venues for the first and second T20I between India and England scheduled for 22 and 25 January were swapped. This change came after a request from the Kolkata Police to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

“The Board further announces a swap in the venues of the first and second T20Is against England. Chennai, originally scheduled to host the first T20I, will now host the second, while Kolkata will host the opening T20I instead of the second, as announced earlier.

“The dates for the first T20I (22nd January 2025) and the second T20I (25th January 2025) remain the same. The venue change was necessitated following a request from Kolkata Police to the Cricket Association of Bengal regarding their prior Republic Day commitments and obligations.”

READ: Manchester United sign Bayern Munich defenders De Ligt, Mazraoui

The Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla responded to the reports of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considering boycotting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup is set to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan may pull out of their matches in India, in response to the BCCI’s reluctance to send their team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla spoke to the media on Sunday, during a players’ auction for a local league, and shared that the board is awaiting the government’s approval to send their team for Champions Trophy 2025.

“Pakistan can say whatever it wants about coming to India during the 2026 World Cup, but we are only waiting for the approval of the Indian government,” Shukla said.

Regarding the possibility of Pakistan pulling out of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will take place in India and Sri Lanka, Shukla remarked that they are free to express their opinions as they wish.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Another senior BCCI official stated that the board is expecting retaliation from Pakistan in case of India not visiting the neighbouring country. However, he stressed that PCB should understand that this matter is in the government’s hands, not in the board’s.

“Of course, we expect retaliation. If we don’t travel to Pakistan, they will threaten to boycott the Asia Cup. But PCB should understand that it’s not in BCCI’s hands,” said a senior BCCI official.

“Sending a team to a foreign country requires the government of India’s permission. So far, we have had dialogues regarding Champions Trophy. But we haven’t had any positive outcomes.”

It is worth mentioning here that India refused to tour Pakistan for last year’s Asia Cup and the continental event was thus, held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka emerging as a co-host.

As per the hybrid model, Pakistan could host only four matches while the rest of the games were played in Sri Lanka including the final.

READ: Indian fans slam Sanju Samson over poor performance in Sri Lanka series

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi lambasted the Board of Control in India (BCCI) over their indecision to send Team India to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Meanwhile, former all-rounder Afridi while speaking to the media here on Monday, expressed his disappointment with the uncertainty surrounding India’s participation in the tournament.

Shahid Afridi claimed that the Pakistan cricket team toured India in the past despite the threats. He further slammed India for making excuses in order to avoid visiting Pakistan.

“If India does not have the intention of coming to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, then India will continue to make excuses,” said Afridi.

“The Pakistan cricket team toured India despite threats. Indian cricket team is welcome if they don’t want to visit Pakistan,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Remember, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

READ: Bangladesh ‘A’ edge past Pakistan Shaheens to level series

Star India batter Virat Kohli reportedly sent a message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding playing under the newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, Indian media reported Friday.

According to the details, Kohli who had a bitter history with Gambhir, assured the cricket board that their past on-field altercations would not affect the player-coach relationship and also the atmosphere of the team’s dressing room.

“Kohli is believed to have stated that previous issues will not affect their professional relationship in the dressing room. Following the (T20) World Cup final in Barbados, discussions were reportedly held on the matter,” Cricbuzz reported.

“Kohli, who, like Gambhir, is from Delhi, assured the concerned parties that he recognises both are working towards the country’s interests and is ready to move on from earlier disagreements,” the report added.

Earlier, reports emerged that Gautam Gambhir wanted senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah to feature in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Apparently, both Kohli and Sharma took Gambhir’s call in a positive manner and made themselves available for the three-match series, scheduled for next month, and were subsequently named in India’s squad.

For the unversed, both Gambhir and Kohli made attempts during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 to bury the hatches as the two were seen sharing light moments.

Later on, Virat Kohli took a jibe at the trolls, asserting he disappointed them by hugging Gautam Gambhir.

“People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai [Gautam Gambhir came and hugged me. Your masala is over, so you’re booing. We’re not kids anymore,” Kohli said during a private event.

Gambhir echoed Kohli’s remarks during an interaction after the IPL and stated that his relationship with Kohli is something the country does not need to know.

“The perception is far away from the reality. My relationship with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn’t need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public,” Gambhir said.

READ: India crush Pakistan in Women’s Asia Cup 2024

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla denied the reports suggesting that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Earlier this week, Indian media reported, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Reports further claimed that the board is planning to formally propose Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Meanwhile, BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla, during a telephonic conversation with an Indian media outlet, asserted that the cricketing body has not issued any information regarding their team’s participation in Champions Trophy 2025.

“We do not know which source gave such information. BCCI has not put out any official information regarding this,” Shukla told ThePrint over the phone.

Last year, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted the schedule for the Champions Trophy to the ICC last week, which was reportedly approved by all the participating countries except India.

The BCCI has emphasized that India’s visit to Pakistan is contingent upon receiving permission from the government.

“In the case of the Champions Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India tells us to do,” BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said in May.

“We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government.”

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: India set up World Championship of Legends Final with Pakistan