Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an explanation after the Indian national anthem was mistakenly played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Australia and England, ESPNcricinfo reported.

The bizarre mix-up occurred on Saturday when the UK’s national anthem played without issue before England’s innings.

However, instead of following it up with Australia’s anthem, a snippet of the Indian national anthem rang out at Gaddafi Stadium before being swiftly stopped and corrected. Though the error lasted only a second, it was enough for the video to go viral on social media.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

According to reports, the PCB is unhappy with the incident and has placed the blame on the ICC, which was responsible for preparing and distributing the official anthem playlist for the tournament.

A PCB official, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, questioned why India’s anthem was even included in the playlist, given that the Indian team is not playing any matches in Pakistan under the hybrid model.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

This marks the second time in just a few days that the PCB has sought an explanation from the ICC regarding incidents that it believes have undermined Pakistan’s status as the official tournament host.

Earlier, during India’s opening match against Bangladesh in Dubai, the official broadcast graphics omitted Pakistan’s name from the event logo—a stark departure from how the tournament branding appeared in other matches.

READ: ‘Pakistan must be at their ‘absolute best’ to beat India’

Australia’s World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Pakistan and India, offering advice to the defending champions ahead of their must-win encounter in Dubai on Sunday.

Pakistan’s campaign got off to a disastrous start with a crushing 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi.

With zero points on the board, Mohammad Rizwan and his team must now beat India to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Meanwhile, India head into this game full of confidence after easing past Bangladesh in their opening match.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Assessing both teams’ recent performances, Ponting admitted that Pakistan face an uphill battle against their arch-rivals but reminded everyone of their trademark unpredictability.

“It’s going to be hard for Pakistan now,” Ponting said. “We spoke only a few days ago, and my prediction was that Pakistan would beat New Zealand quite comfortably.”

“But Fakhar’s injury didn’t help, and they were chasing a big total after some great batting from New Zealand. To post 320 was always going to be a tough ask.”

However, the legendary Australian batter refused to count Pakistan out entirely.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“With Pakistan, we say it before every tournament – they’re unpredictable. You never quite know what they’re going to do,” he added.

Ricky Ponting stressed that Pakistan can still make a comeback but will have to bring their absolute best to the field against a well-settled Indian side.

“On their day, they’re as capable as anyone. But now, after losing to New Zealand, they’ll need to be at their absolute best to beat India,” he remarked.

“India’s off to a great start, Pakistan not so much. And with Fakhar’s injury, it’s going to be tough for them to bounce back—but they can.”

READ: Champions Trophy on the line—Can Pakistan stun India to survive?

Cricket’s greatest rivalry is all set to reignite the excitement of fans as fierce rivals Pakistan and India are set to face off in a high-octane ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash tomorrow, February 23, at Dubai Cricket Stadium.

Although the UAE is still transitioning away from winter, with cloudy conditions and occasional showers in some areas, Dubai will be burning on Sunday—not from the weather, but from the sheer heat of this fierce rivalry.

This contest has produced legendary moments over the decades, etching the names of many stars into the history books. The Champions Trophy, in particular, holds a special place in this rivalry.

The image of the Pakistan cricket team lifting the trophy in 2017 after defeating India is still pierced in the hearts of Indian fans, a painful reminder every time that match is discussed.

While India have won every ODI against Pakistan since then, they will still be seeking revenge for that Champions Trophy defeat.

For Pakistan, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the official hosts of the Champions Trophy 2025, this marks their first ICC event on home soil since the 1996 World Cup.

However, due to the Indian government’s refusal to send their team to Pakistan, the tournament is being held under a hybrid model, with India’s matches taking place in Dubai.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As always, Pakistan are going into the match as underdogs. Their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign started on a disastrous note with a crushing defeat to New Zealand, leaving them staring at an early exit from a tournament they waited nearly three decades to host.

To stay alive, Pakistan must defeat their arch-rivals on a slow, tired pitch in Dubai—where India have already played and won, kicking off their campaign with a convincing victory over Bangladesh.

Although momentum is on India’s side, history tells a different story. In 135 ODI encounters between the two sides, Pakistan have the edge with 73 victories compared to India’s 57.

However, Pakistan have struggled in recent years, winning only two of their last nine ODIs against India, with one game washed out.

Interestingly, Pakistan boast a better record in the Champions Trophy. The two teams have clashed five times in the tournament’s history, with Pakistan emerging victorious on three occasions.

Due to political tensions, Pakistan and India only meet in multi-nation tournaments. Their last ODI encounter was in the 2023 ICC World Cup, where Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s blistering 86 off 63 deliveries powered India to a dominant victory while chasing Pakistan’s meagre 192-run target.

Notably, India’s playing XI from that World Cup clash and their recent Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh featured nine of the same players.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Additionally, India have five spinners to choose from—an advantage on Dubai’s sluggish pitches. In contrast, Pakistan have only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, with Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah as part-time options.

Adding to Pakistan’s woes, they suffered a major blow in their opening game against New Zealand when explosive opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the tournament due to a side strain. Imam-ul-Haq has replaced him in the squad, but Pakistan will surely miss Fakhar’s ability to provide aggressive starts.

Given India’s dominant performance in their last match and Pakistan’s struggles, the momentum clearly favors India.

An unsettled team combination, a demoralizing loss to New Zealand, and Fakhar’s injury have put Pakistan’s backs against the wall. However, history has shown that Pakistan thrive in adversity, reminiscent of Imran Khan’s legendary “cornered tigers” speech from their triumphant 1992 World Cup campaign.

The odds may favor India, but Pakistan can never be written off—especially in a high-stakes clash like this.

With survival on the line, Pakistan must summon every ounce of resilience, while India will look to assert their dominance once again. One thing is certain—when these two rivals collide, cricket fans around the world are in for a spectacle.

Squads:

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

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

READ: Champions Trophy: Aqib Javed opens up on Pakistan’s likely playing XI for India clash

LAHORE: England opening batter Ben Duckett shattered a 21-year-old record with his incredible ton in their Champions Trophy 2025 opening game against Australia on Saturday, here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The left-handed batter broke New Zealand’s Nathan Astle’s 21-year-old record of the highest individual score in the Champions Trophy. The batter also surpassed the likes of top Indian batters Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

Duckett registered the highest-ever individual score in the Champions Trophy, breaking Astle’s 21-year-old record when he scored an unbeaten 145* against the USA in 2004.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

The southpaw scored a majestic 165 off 142 deliveries, laced with 17 fours and three sixes, before being dismissed in the 47th over.

His innings helped England post a massive total of 352 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs.

Highest individual scores in Champions Trophy history

Batter Total Opposition (Year)

Ben Duckett 165 Australia (2025)

Nathan Astle 145* USA (2004)

Andy Flower 145 India (2002)

Sourav Ganguly 141 South Africa (2000)

Sachin Tendulkar 141 Australia (1998)

The opener also broke his compatriot Kevin Pietersen’s record for highest individual score against Australia in ICC event. Pietersen had previously scored 104 in the 2007 ODI World Cup in Antigua.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

England’s mammoth total of 351/8 also set a new record for the highest team total in the marquee event’s history, breaking New Zealand’s long-standing record of 347/4, set against the USA in 2004.

Highest Team Totals in Champions Trophy History:

England — 351/8 vs Australia, Lahore 2025
New Zealand — 347/4 vs USA, The Oval 2004
Pakistan — 338/4 vs India, The Oval 2017
India — 331/7 vs South Africa, Cardiff 2013
England — 323/8 vs South Africa, Centurion 2009

READ: Shubman Gill reveals team under more pressure in Pakistan-India clash

DUBAI: India vice-captain Shubman Gill has revealed which team will be under more pressure in the highly-anticipated match against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

While addressing the pre-match conference, Gill highlighted the Dubai pitch conditions and said that the team batting second will be under more pressure in the marquee clash.

“Anything over 300 is a ‘very good’ total considering the conditions in Dubai, and with no dew around, the team batting second will be under more pressure.”

“Toss does not matter in Dubai. The dew is not setting in; if it were, it would have made a major difference,” said Gill.

India’s top-order batter also spoke about the Men in Blue’s approach for the highly-anticipated clash, emphasizing the need to play aggressively.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“As a batter, you need to assess the conditions. Definitely, we need to play aggressive and positive cricket, but that depends on how the wicket plays. On these wickets, 260-280 is a good total.”

“On another wicket, we might look to get 320, 350-plus. We don’t have any particular target. But, we try to get 15–30 runs more than par total on any pitch,” he remarked.

Shubman Gill also spoke about the India-Pakistan rivalry, not considering Pakistan a lesser opponent.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

“India vs Pakistan is big, but Champions Trophy final is the bigger match. We have been playing good cricket but we will not take Pakistan as a lesser side.”

For those unaware, the hosts and defending champions Pakistan did not have the best of starts after losing against New Zealand by 60 runs in the Champions Trophy 2025 opening game.

On the other hand, India opened its campaign by securing a comfortable victory against Bangladesh, courtesy of Shubman Gill’s blistering century.

READ: Champions Trophy: Aqib Javed opens up on Pakistan’s likely playing XI for India clash

DUBAI: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed has hinted at the team’s balance ahead of the much-anticipated clash against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played tomorrow here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

While addressing the media at a press conference, Aqib emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper mix of pacers and spinners against the arch-rivals.

“The Pakistan team is well balanced, and you will not see any major changes in the playing XI.”

“We have a specialist spinner along with Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman. We have to balance our team; It’s not like we can play five spinners, and we cannot see any pitches offering excessive turn for the spinners,” said Aqib.

The former pacer highlighted the importance of mindset and handling pressure, particularly for young players ahead of the blockbuster match against India in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The environment is very important. If you tell young players that pressure exists but it’s just a match, go out and show your talent and forget the result, it makes a difference,” he explained.

Aqib Javed further emphasized the fear of losing and the outcomes of the result.

“There’s always a fear, what if we lose? Nothing happens. Play with courage, and everyone will understand the result in eight hours,” he remarked.

The interim head coach also highlighted the much-anticipated rivalry between Pakistan and India.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

“Whether it’s after winning 10 matches or losing six, the excitement of Pakistan-India match remains the same,” he stated.

When asked about Pakistan’s team’s ability to play modern-day cricket in the T20 era, he said it depends on the mindset.

“It’s all about the mindset, how you assess the conditions, the crowd and the pitch. Are they similar to what we have in Pakistan, or are they slightly different? We will play accordingly,” said Aqib.

 

READ: Champions Trophy: Former captain calls for Imam-Kamran opening pair for India clash

Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has urged a change in the Pakistan team’s opening pair for the highly-anticipated clash against India at the Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played tomorrow in Dubai International Stadium.

After regular opener Saim Ayub’s injury, Pakistan was forced to change their opening pair. Pakistan’s middle-order mainstay, Babar Azam, was elevated as the opener for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy.

However, the national side suffered another blow following the injury of opening batter Fakhar Zaman in their opening game against New Zealand on 19 February.

Left-handed batter Imam-ul-Haq was brought into the squad as his replacement for the side’s remaining games in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As Pakistan prepares for the clash against India tomorrow, Hafeez has suggested going into the game with the opening pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Kamran Ghulam.

During an appearance on a private TV show, Hafeez reiterated his stance of restoring Babar Azam to his usual No. 3 position, where he scored most of his runs in the ODI format.

“Babar Azam has to come at No. 3. If Fakhar Zaman’s replacement as the opener and Kamran Ghulam open the inning, then our remaining batting order will be sorted out,” Hafeez said.

The former batter also emphasized that Kamran Ghulam has shown his potential by performing in Tests and ODIs for Pakistan on recent tours.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

He further emphasized the batting position of Pakistani batters for the highly anticipated clash.

“Babar will come at No. 3, Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4, and Salman Agha will bat at No. 5,” he said.

Mohammad Hafeez believed the current team combination would not benefit the side in the upcoming IND vs. PAK game at the Champions Trophy 2025.

“If we stick with the same composition, then the results will be the same,” he concluded.

READ: Champions Trophy: Ben Duckett’s blistering 165 takes England to 351 against Australia

LAHORE: Josh Inglis’s blazing century pipped Ben Duckett’s 165 as Australia overpowered England in the fourth match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Australia chased down the mammoth total of 352 runs in 47.3 overs on losing five wickets.

The star of the match, Inglis, smoked six sixes and eight fours in his 86 balls 120* knock to reach the highest ODI chase in men’s ICC events.

Chasing a big total in the Champions Trophy opener for both teams, Matthew Short and Travis Head opened the innings for Australia.

The fast bowlers of England started well by removing dangerous batter Travis Head (6) and captain Steve Smith (5) in the third and fourth over, respectively. The duo of speedsters Jofra Archer and Mark Wood dismissed both.

After early inroads from England, the duo of Marnus Labuschagne and Short added 95 runs for the third wicket, which drove the Australia chase. Marnus (47) fell prey to Adil Rashid’s spin bowling in the 19th over, three runs short of his half-century when the team was cruising along on the score of 122 runs.

He hit five fours in his brisk knock while Short continued his stroke play and brought up his third ODI fifty, laced with nine fours and one six.

Soon after, he was caught and bowled by Liam Livingstone with a score of 63, opening the door for England.

Australia was 136 for 4 in 22.2 overs when the duo of Alex Carey (69) and Josh Inglis (120*) took charge of the chase. Both batters put on a stand of 146 runs off 116 balls to help Australia chase a formidable total.

Carey departed in the 41st over; entertaining innings included eight fours. With 70 runs required from 48 balls, the stage was set for Glenn Maxwell (32*) to play in his style. Conversely, Inglis continued his onslaught and brought up his blazing century on 77 balls.

The duo added a quick-fire stand of 74 runs on 36 balls to take Australia home in a record run chase. Maxwell hit two sixes and four elegant fours to secure a comfortable victory.

Adil Rashid was the pick of bowlers for England, taking one for 47 in his ten overs, while Liam Livingstone and Brydon Carse took one wicket each.

Josh Inglis was named as the Player of the Match for his knock.

After being put into the bat first, England scored 351 after losing eight wickets in their 50 overs.

Phil Salt and Ben Duckett opened the innings for England. Australia’s new-look bowling attack laid an early blow, removing Salt (10), who was caught off Ben Dwarshuis’s bowling, courtesy of Alex Carey’s stunning catch at mid-on.

Returning from an injury, young batter Jamie Smith (15) showed promise with do with three beautiful fours but couldn’t convert his start. England were 43 for 2 in 5.2 overs when the experienced batter Joe Root joined opener Duckett.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The duo steadied the England innings and added 158 runs for the third wicket, taking the team out of trouble. Duckett and Root scored half-centuries. Root (68) was dismissed after scoring his 41st fifty. His composed innings included featured four beautiful boundaries.

After Root’s departure in the 30th over, England were well-placed at 201 for 3, setting the stage for an explosive finish with Harry Brook arriving at the crease.

However, in his debut ICC event, Ben Duckett was on full song with his brilliant stroke way. He reached his fourth ODI century in style with two consecutive boundaries in the 31st over, drawing applause from the packed Lahore crowd.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Australia sensed a comeback against England after Brook’s (3) early departure, who was again caught by Carey’s blinder. But it was Ben Duckett who toiled Australian bowlers. He added a 61-run stand with captain Jos Butler (21) to take England near 300.

His innings, laced with three sixes and 17 elegant fours, ended in the 47th over. Following his ouster, Jofra Archa smashed 21 off 10 balls, hitting one six and two fours, helping England pass the 350 mark in the last over.

Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, taking three wickets in his ten overs. Marnus Labuschagne and Adam Zampa contributed as well, bagging two wickets each.

READ: Pakistan can capitalize on India’s mistakes: Mohammad Amir

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir believes that while India may look formidable on paper, their performance against Bangladesh exposed some vulnerabilities that Pakistan can exploit in their upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash.

Speaking in a recent interview, Amir pointed out that India weren’t at their best in their opening game, making errors that could prove costly in a high-pressure match against Pakistan.

“On the day of an India-Pakistan match, the team that makes fewer mistakes wins,” Amir said.

“If you look at India’s record in bilateral series, they have played well, but they made a lot of mistakes against Bangladesh. If they repeat those mistakes against Pakistan, we will have a real chance.”

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

While Pakistan struggled in all departments during their opening defeat to New Zealand, Mohammad Amir believes a win against India could be a turning point, boosting the team’s confidence and putting them back on track for a potential Champions Trophy final appearance.

Regarding Pakistan’s playing XI, Amir doesn’t expect wholesale changes, apart from a forced swap due to Fakhar Zaman’s injury.

“There won’t be many changes. Either Imam-ul-Haq or Usman Khan will replace Fakhar, but the rest of the team will likely remain the same,” he added.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, India started their Champions Trophy campaign with a convincing win against Bangladesh as they comfortably chased a 229-run target against Bangladesh, thanks to a brilliant 101-run knock by Shubman Gill.

Historically, Pakistan has a slight edge over India in the Champions Trophy, winning three out of their five meetings.

Their last encounter in the tournament was the 2017 final, where Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side produced a dominant performance, thrashing India by 180 runs to lift their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

READ: Sourav Ganguly predicts winner of Pakistan-India Champions Trophy clash

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has predicted the winners of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled to be played in Dubai tomorrow.

Ganguly has declared India as the clear favorite not just to triumph in the match against Pakistan, but also to secure the Champions Trophy title, emphasizing their spin attack as a significant strength.

“India are not just favorites against Pakistan, but for me, they are favorites for this tournament, said the former captain.

“It won’t be easy for Pakistan. The spinners will also play a crucial role. I think India will go with the same (bowling) combination.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

“I presume this Dubai pitch will turn a bit, and Pakistan doesn’t play spin very well. India has quality spinners.”

Sourav Ganguly further downplayed Pakistan’s chances of a comeback, predicting an early exit for the hosts from the tournament.

“New Zealand has beaten Pakistan, so New Zealand is ahead. If India beats Pakistan, then Pakistan will probably be out of the competition. So, I see India and New Zealand progressing from this group,” he said.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, India started their Champions Trophy campaign with a convincing win against Bangladesh as they comfortably chased a 229-run target against Bangladesh, thanks to a brilliant 101-run knock by Shubman Gill.

Historically, Pakistan has a slight edge over India in the Champions Trophy, winning three out of their five meetings.

Their last encounter in the tournament was the 2017 final, where Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side produced a dominant performance, thrashing India by 180 runs to lift their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

READ: ‘Pakistan’s victory over India in Champions Trophy would be an upset’