Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has offered a piece of advice for top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against arch-rivals India.

Imam-ul-Haq was called up in the Pakistan squad as a replacement for opener Fakhar Zaman, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after he sustained an injury during the match against New Zealand in Karachi on 19 February.

Mohammad Hafeez, during a recent interview, expressed his support for Imam, however, he advised the left-handed batter Imam to improve his strike rate.

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“He is a fantastic player with a strong record in ODIs. The biggest question mark is his strike rate. The missing element in his game is the intent to score quickly as an opener,” Hafeez stated.

“I wish him all the best. Even though he has come in as a replacement, he is a strong character, and I am confident he will seize this opportunity.”

For the unversed, Imam played his last of 72 ODIs against South Africa during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He has scored 3,138 runs at an impressive average of 48.27, featuring nine centuries and 20 half-centuries.

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Meanwhile, his last international match was the Boxing Day Test against Australia in December 2023 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

It’s worth noting that the defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand.

They will now face arch-rivals India in the much-awaited clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 before returning home to square off against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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

READ: Mohammad Amir reveals his conversation with Fakhar Zaman after injury blow

Pakistan and India are set to clash in a blockbuster Group A match in the ongoing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday in Dubai.

Before the much-awaited match, let’s take a look at five controversial moments on the pitch between the arch-rivals in ODI cricket.

Javed Miandad’s kangaroo jump

Pakistan’s Javed Miandad always found a way of unsettling his opponents with his batting or sledging, and a match against India at the 1992 World Cup was no different.

Excessive appealing by Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More seemed to have irked Miandad during Pakistan’s chase in Sydney. The batter had a word with More, who was constantly chatting behind the stumps, before taking guard on a delivery.

Later, after completing a cheeky run, Miandad hopped like a kangaroo in a bid to imitate the glovesman in his appeals. Commentators and fans saw the funny side but not Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin, who looked visibly furious at Miandad’s antics.

Venkatesh Prasad’s revenge

Opener Aamer Sohail was steering Pakistan’s chase in the 1996 World Cup quarter-final when a moment of rashness from the left-handed batter cost his team the game.

Chasing 289 for victory in Bengaluru, Sohail and fellow opener Saeed Anwar made the team race to 84 in 10 overs before Anwar departed.

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Sohail kept up the charge as he hit Indian medium-pacer Venkatesh Prasad for a boundary and sledged the bowler with a finger pointed in the direction of the shot.

Prasad hit back, bowling Sohail next ball to a huge roar from the crowd and a send-off gesture from the bowler to derail Pakistan’s chase.

Inzamam-ul-Haq attacks fan

Pakistan’s usually cool Inzamam-ul-Haq infamously confronted an Indian fan in the stands at a match in 1997 in Toronto and the incident became a talking point for years to come.

Inzamam was standing at the boundary when an India supporter heckled the Pakistan batter with chants of “Aloo” (Potato), referring to the cricketer’s bulky frame.

When the calls became louder on a megaphone, Inzamam directed one of his players to bring a bat from the dressing room and was soon inside the stands to go after the heckler before security intervened.

Inzamam was reprimanded for the act and years later said the chants were personal and abusive.

Gautam Gambhir-Shahid Afridi trade abuse

India batter Gautam Gambhir — now their coach — smacked Pakistan spinner Shahid Afridi for a boundary in a match in 2007 and words were exchanged before the two nearly came to blows.

Gambhir and Afridi refused to back down after some verbal volleys and the batter and bowler collided — seemingly on purpose — in between a run.

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The two again had a go at each other with expletives clearly visible in dramatic TV images, before the on-field umpire intervened to douse the fire.

Gambhir and Afridi have kept up the rivalry even after retiring and indulge in ugly exchanges on social media on cricket and politics.

Shoaib Akhtar triggers Harbhajan Singh

Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar never backed down from a fight but in a duel with Harbhajan Singh at the 2010 Asia Cup, the India spinner had the last laugh.

Akhtar bowled a dot ball to tailender Harbhajan in India’s chase and threw a few sledges, but that only triggered the batter to hit a six for an India victory in the final over off Mohammad Amir. Harbhajan celebrated wildly in front of Akhtar, who told him where to go.

Akhtar and Harbhajan recently playfully re-enacted the moment on TV in a promotion video for the Champions Trophy.

READ: Mohammad Amir reveals his conversation with Fakhar Zaman after injury blow

READ: Here’s when Imam-ul-Haq will join Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has revealed the details of his conversation with opening batter Fakhar Zaman, who picked up an injury in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.

Fakhar was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after sustaining an injury in the very first over of New Zealand’s innings which forced him to leave the ground for medical assessment.

Though he attempted to return to the field after some time, he eventually walked off again, raising serious concerns about his fitness.

Despite the discomfort, Fakhar still came out to bat in Pakistan’s chase of 321 runs. However, he looked far from his usual fluent self, managing a scratchy 24 before getting dismissed.

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Imam-ul-Haq, who recently represented Pakistan Shaheens in the Champions Trophy warm-up match against South Africa, was confirmed on 20 February to replace Fakhar in the squad.

Mohammad Amir, while speaking on a private TV channel, shared that he enjoys a close friendship with Fakhar, having spent over a month together during ILT20.

He revealed that he reached out to Fakhar Zaman to express concern about his injury and check whether it was related to his knee or back.

According to Amir, Fakhar clarified that he is dealing with a side strain injury, which could keep him out of action for up to two months. Even if he makes a quick recovery, his return is only expected toward the later stages of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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The left-arm pacer further revealed that during their morning conversation, Fakhar mentioned experiencing mild coughing, which worsens his pain and causes breathing difficulties.

Amir explained that side strain injuries typically take around six weeks to heal, followed by a rehabilitation phase before a full return to action.

It’s worth noting that the defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand.

They will now face arch-rivals India in the much-awaited clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 before returning home to square off against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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

READ: Here’s when Imam-ul-Haq will join Pakistan’s Champions Trophy squad

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is set to join the national squad in Dubai on Friday ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against arch-rivals India, scheduled on 23 February.

The left-hander, who was called up as a replacement for injured opener Fakhar Zaman, will reach Dubai today after being released by his domestic side, PTV, from the ongoing President’s Trophy.

Fakhar was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after he sustained an injury, which was later confirmed as an oblique tear, during Pakistan’s group-stage clash against New Zealand in Karachi on 19 February.

The injury occurred in the very first over of New Zealand’s innings when Fakhar fell awkwardly while fielding, forcing him to leave the ground for medical assessment.

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Though he attempted to return to the field after some time, he eventually walked off again, raising serious concerns about his fitness.

Imam-ul-Haq, who recently represented Pakistan Shaheens in the Champions Trophy warm-up match against South Africa, was confirmed on 20 February to replace Fakhar in the squad.

The Southpaw celebrated his call-up in style in style, smashing 158 for PTV against OGDCL on the same day.

“Imam-ul-Haq has been released by PTV and will travel to tomorrow after a brief stay in Lahore,” a source said. “He will be available for selection for the match against India.”

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Imam played his last of 72 ODIs against South Africa during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He has scored 3,138 runs at an impressive average of 48.27, featuring nine centuries and 20 half-centuries.

Meanwhile, his last international match was the Boxing Day Test against Australia in December 2023 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand.

They will now travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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

WATCH: Fakhar Zaman in tears after painful exit following injury

Pakistan explosive opener Fakhar Zaman endured a heart-breaking moment as he walked off in tears after his dismissal against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy at National Bank Stadium Karachi on Wednesday.

Fakhar sustained an injury in the first over of New Zealand’s innings in Karachi yesterday when he fell awkwardly while fielding, forcing him to leave the ground for medical assessment.

Though he attempted to return to the field after some time, he eventually walked off again, raising serious concerns about his fitness.

Despite the discomfort, Fakhar still came out to bat in Pakistan’s chase of 321 runs. However, he looked far from his usual fluent self, managing a scratchy 24 before getting dismissed.

Following the announcement, Fakhar took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming his ouster from the tournament while extending his support to his teammates.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released a video of Fakhar Zaman on social media in which the left-hander could be seen limping to the dressing room, where he burst into tears.

His teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi could also seen in the video, trying to comfort the tearful batter.

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For the unversed, Pakistan began their eight-team tournament 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand yesterday.

Green Shirts were bowled out on 260 in 47.2 overs after New Zealand’s clinical bowling performance. Khushdil Shah scored the most with his 69 off 49 balls.

Mitchell Santner and O’Rourke picked up three wickets for New Zealand, while Matt Henry grabbed two.

Tom Latham was adjudged player of the match for his match-winning unbeaten century.

Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the much-anticipated 2025 clash, scheduled to be played on Sunday.

READ: Champions Trophy: Temba Bavuma issues bold statement ahead of Afghanistan clash

KARACHI: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has made a bold statement ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy opener against Afghanistan, scheduled in Karachi on Friday.

After arriving early in Pakistan for the tri-nation series, South Africa had game time to integrate into the conditions in the series mentioned above.

Addressing the media in a pre-match presser, Bavuma cleared that his team is well-focused and does not carry any past baggage.

“There’s no real negativity or baggage among the guys; we’re coming into this tournament with a lot of positivity and confidence in our ability to go far, said the skipper.

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With the tournament format too competitive, Bavuma highlighted the importance of giving every game equal importance.

“Our mindset is to make sure we pitch up and play our best game of cricket. Hopefully, we’re playing five games and not three in this tournament. Most importantly, we need to win the moments that matter,” he remarked.

Spin-heavy Afghanistan, which will start its inaugural campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy, is expected to give Proteas a tough time.

Temba Bavuma admitted to Afghanistan’s competitiveness, recalling their victory over South Africa in Sharjah last year.

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“They’re a highly competitive team with a lot of experience and international pedigree. They won’t be short of confidence coming into this game, said Bavuma.

The right-hander batter stated that he had not looked at the pitch but emphasized that Karachi pitches favour the batters.

However, he further emphasized the need for his bowling unit to remain disciplined and precise to counter the high-scoring trend.

“Our challenge as a bowling unit is to be one of the more disciplined and precise bowling units,” Bavuma said.

South Africa will look to start their campaign on a strong note against Afghanistan after a dismal performance in the tri-nation series.

READ: Champions Trophy: Gill’s century, Shami’s five-fer help India thump Bangladesh

LAHORE: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Thursday, announced England’s playing XI for their opening match against Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The skipper Jos Buttler-led side is coming off a disastrous tour of India with an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to India earlier in the month.

England’s team will be eager to perform better in the marquee tournament following their dismal performances at the recently held ICC events.

After failing to qualify for the ODI World Cup semi-final and T20 World Cup final, Jos Butler was under huge pressure, and there were reports that he might be axed as captain.

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England’s team will take on Australia, which has yet to win a game in the ICC Champions Trophy after 2009, here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

The English squad welcomes the return of Jamie Smith, who had been injured during the recently concluded ODI series against India.

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Smith will bat at No.3 and take over as wicketkeeper. Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack alongside fellow seamers Brydon Carse and Mark Wood.

England Playing XI against Australia :

Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood.

READ: Champions Trophy: Pakistan sanctioned for slow over-rate against New Zealand

The Pakistan cricket team has been penalized over a slow over-rate in their opening Champions Trophy 2025 game against New Zealand in Karachi.

The defending champions and hosts were found to be one over short of the target in the game; Pakistan lost by 60 runs.

“Pakistan have been fined 5 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday,” the ICC said in a statement.

According to the ICC, match referees imposed the sanction after Mohammad Rizwan’s men were ruled to be an over short of the target after time allowances were considered.

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“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” stated ICC.

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction.

For the unversed, Pakistan began their eight-team tournament 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand yesterday.

Green Shirts were bowled out on 260 in 47.2 overs after New Zealand’s clinical bowling performance. Khushdil Shah scored the most with his 69 off 49 balls.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Mitchell Santner and O’Rourke picked up three wickets for New Zealand, while Matt Henry grabbed two.

Tom Latham was adjudged player of the match for his match-winning unbeaten century.

Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the much-anticipated 2025 clash, scheduled to be played on Sunday.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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

READ: Imam-ul-Haq shines with century against OGDCL in President’s Trophy Grade-I

DUBAI: India captain Rohit Sharma achieved a significant milestone during the second match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Sharma entered the elite 11,000-run club in ODIs against Bangladesh in India’s Champions Trophy opener.

He also became the second-fastest player to reach the milestone in innings. Before that innings, Rohit Sharma required 12 runs to enter the elite club. He did it in style in his 261 innings, hitting the ball over mid-on in the third over.

His compatriot Virat Kohli is the only other player who has done it faster, achieving the feat in 222 innings.

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Interestingly, with Sharma joining the club, the record for fastest batters to 11,000 ODI runs belonged to Indians—Kohli (222), Rohit (260*), and Tendulkar (276).

The milestone also placed Sharma in an exclusive club of Indian batters who have scored over 11,000 runs in the format, joining the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Virat Kohli.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

It’s worth noting that after today’s match against Bangladesh, Team India will face arch-rivals and hosts Pakistan in the much-awaited marquee event clash on 23 February.

Meanwhile, their final group stage match is scheduled against New Zealand on 2 March.

India Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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

READ: Champions Trophy: Towhid Hridoy’s century lifts Bangladesh to 228 against India