Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

Australia is facing a major setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with captain Pat Cummins likely to miss the tournament due to an ongoing ankle injury.

Cummins, who has been struggling with the issue since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, has yet to resume bowling, putting his participation in serious doubt.

Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that while Australia’s ODI squad is set to depart for Sri Lanka on Thursday, Cummins is “heavily unlikely” to be part of the touring party.

His absence means the team will need a new captain, with Steve Smith and Travis Head emerging as the frontrunners for the leadership role.

“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling, so he’s heavily unlikely. That means we do need a captain,” McDonald said.

“Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two we’ve been having conversations with while building out the Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home. They’re the obvious choices for the leadership role.”

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It’s worth noting that Pat Cummins isn’t the only fitness concern for Australia ahead of the Champions Trophy as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is also battling an injury, dealing with a hip issue that kept him out of part of the Test series against India.

Hazlewood’s availability for the Champions Trophy remains uncertain, with further medical updates expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.

He is unlikely to feature in the remainder of the domestic season, though there is still a possibility that he could return for the IPL, where he plays for the Lucknow Super Giants.

With Marsh sidelined, selectors are weighing up their options for his replacement. Uncapped ODI player Beau Webster is in contention while seam-bowling all-rounders Aaron Hardie and Marcus Stoinis are already in the squad but carrying their own injury concerns.

In Cummins and Hazlewood’s absence, Sean Abbott is expected to be recalled to the ODI squad of Australia after missing out on the initial Champions Trophy selection.

READ: New Zealand squad arrives in Lahore for tri-nation ODI series

Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy is likely to be added to the national team’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Indian media reported.

The reports came out in the wake of the fact that the mystery spinner joined the national team’s training camp on Tuesday ahead of the three-match ODI series against England.

It’s worth mentioning that the deadline for the teams to make changes to their preliminary squads without ICC approval is February 11.

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not announced his inclusion in the squad, his presence in the training camp has raised speculations that might be added to the squad for the England ODIs as well as Champions Trophy 2025.

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India has previously named four spinners in their preliminary squad for the eight-team event, including the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sunder, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

Previously, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement, predicted that Varun Chakravarthy could be added to the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, following his brilliant bowling performance in the T20I series against England.

Chakravarthy bagged the Player of the Series award in the five-match T20I series, after claiming 14 wickets.

India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja

*Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad is subject to his fitness.

READ: Shahid Afridi reveals how he took pity on Harbhajan Singh

Former Pakistan pacer Tanveer Ahmed questioned the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf in the national team for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Tanveer Ahmed while appearing on a TV show stated that the all-rounder was included in the squad despite his poor performance in his last 20 One Day Internationals (ODIs).

“He has just nine wickets in the last 20 innings, a batting average of only 10 in his last 34 innings and still he is included in Pakistan’s squad,” the former pacer said.

However, his co-host then mentioned that the allrounder’s performance in List A cricket in 2023-24 has played a pivotal role in his selection for the Champions Trophy.

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According to the co-host, the allrounder scored 454 runs in 11 innings at an average of 44 and took 19 wickets in 14 innings in List A cricket.

On the contrary, Tanveer Ahmed was of the view that Faheem Ashraf’s stats in international cricket mattered more than his List A record.

The former pacer also highlighted that opening batter Imam ul Haq and allrounder Aamer Jamal were not included in the squad despite better performances in domestic cricket.

Earlier, several former players including legendary cricketer Wasim Akram expressed their reservations about the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the Champions Trophy squad.

It is worth noting here that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on January 31 announced the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tri-nation series with New Zealand and South Africa and the Champions Trophy 2025.

Opening batter Fakhar Zaman made a return to the 15-member Pakistan squad alongside all-rounders Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf and batter Saud Shakeel.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and 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: Sri Lanka star batter announces retirement amid Australia Test series

The tickets for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India were reportedly sold out within minutes after online sales for the Dubai-leg matches went live.

The overwhelming demand for Pakistan-India match tickets saw around 140,000 cricket fans rush to the ticketing website in an attempt to secure their seats for the blockbuster encounter.

The much-awaited match of the tournament is set to take place at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Ticket prices for the much-awaited fixture started at AED 500, soaring up to a staggering AED 12,500. For the remaining three matches scheduled in Dubai, the lowest ticket price was AED 125.

The Champions Trophy clash between Pakistan and India reportedly generated AED 45.6 million (approximately Rs 3.4 billion) in ticket sales, with the stadium’s 25,000-seat capacity being filled in record time.

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Meanwhile, the tickets for all Dubai-hosted matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 were completely sold out, amassing a total of AED 88.5 million.

Back in Pakistan, where the remaining 10 matches of the tournament will be staged, the response was just as overwhelming.

Fans flocked to designated ticketing centres in large numbers, eager to grab seats for their preferred fixtures in what promises to be one of the biggest cricketing events on home soil.

The thrilling two-week competition will see the world’s top eight teams put it all on the line in 15 intense matches across 19 days, with every match counting in the pursuit of the iconic white jackets.

READ: Sri Lanka star batter announces retirement amid Australia Test series

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has commented on the prospect of star batter Babar Azam playing as an opener alongside Fakhar Zaman during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar, who bats number three for Pakistan, has been asked to fulfil the role of opener in the absence of injured Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury, sustained during the tour of South Africa.

The PCB management wants Babar to take up the role just like Sachin Tendulkar, who started his career as a middle-order batter in 1989, however, he was later promoted to open the innings and spent most of his career at the top of the order.

Basit Ali, in a video on his official YouTube channel, backed the idea to promote Babar, suggesting that the star batter will not be under pressure to perform as an opener.

“Babar’s place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy,” he stated.

“I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn’t perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open.”

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According to the sources, head coach Aqib Javed, batting coach Shahid Aslam and captain Mohammad Rizwan convinced Babar Azam to bat as an opener for Pakistan.

The team management believes that Babar can play the same role that Sachin played for the Indian cricket team after becoming an opener.

It is noteworthy that Babar has opened the batting for Pakistan in just two ODIs which was way back in 2015.

After that, he has been the mainstay for the national team at the number three position. However, he has been a regular opener for Pakistan in T20Is for more than two years.

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: Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium set for revival after 19 years

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to promote star batter Babar Azam as an opener in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, taking inspiration from a former legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar.

According to reliable sources, Babar, who bats number three for Pakistan, has been asked to fulfil the role of opener in the absence of injured Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury, sustained during the tour of South Africa.

The PCB management wants Babar to take up the role just like Sachin Tendulkar, who started his career as a middle-order batter in 1989, however, he was later promoted to open the innings and spent most of his career at the top of the order.

This role proved to be a turning point in Tendulkar’s career who scored 82 off 49 balls in his first match as an opener. Overall, in 344 matches as an opening batter, he scored 15,310 runs at 48.29 and made 45 ODI hundreds.

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According to the sources, head coach Aqib Javed, batting coach Shahid Aslam and captain Mohammad Rizwan convinced Babar to bat as an opener for Pakistan.

The team management believes that Babar can play the same role that Sachin played for the Indian cricket team after becoming an opener.

It is noteworthy that Babar has opened the batting for Pakistan in just two ODIs which was way back in 2015.

After that, he has been the mainstay for the national team at the number three position. However, he has been a regular opener for Pakistan in T20Is for more than two years.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and 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: Imam-ul-Haq breaks silence on Champions Trophy 2025 snub

Former Pakistan captain and bowling great Wasim Akram opened up on the selection of the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, expressing grievance over the selection of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah.

Pakistan announced their squad for the tri-nation series and the upcoming eight-team tournament on January 31.

While talking on the sidelines of the International League T20 (ILT20), Wasim Akram did not seem pleased with the selection of Faheem and Khushdil.

“I haven’t thought about the team announcement yet. But a couple of things that I have thought about. For instance, Faheem Ashraf is in the team. I wish him all the best.

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“He is a talented cricketer. But in the last 20 matches, his bowling average is 100 and he averages nine with the bat. He came out of the blue and Khushdil also came out of the blue,” the Sultan of Swing said.

Wasim Akram also shed light on Pakistan’s decision to select only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, for the much anticipated mega event.

“We are taking one spinner, a proper spinner especially knowing the conditions here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I think India has three to four spinners in their squad.

“There is a reason behind that they have selected this. Anyway, the team has been selected. I wish the Pakistan team all the best,” he remarked.

The former captain expressed his delight over the return of Fakhar Zaman, while suggesting who should open with Fakhar in the absence of injured Saim Ayub.

“And now there will be a problem of opening as well. Fakhar Zaman has been picked, thank God he is back in the squad. He is one of the main players in world cricket in white ball,” he added.

“I would like to see Mohammad Rizwan as a middle-order batter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while I will be backing Babar Azam as an opener.

“His technique is great, If Babar plays 50 overs, he will score 100 or more than that, and with that, the entire team’s batting will score around him. This is my thought.”

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: Imam-ul-Haq breaks silence on Champions Trophy 2025 snub

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday revealed that the tickets for the Dubai leg of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will go on sale from 3 February (today).

“Get ready to secure your seats for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 as tickets for India’s three group-stage matches and the first semi-final, scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE, will be available for purchase starting Monday, 3 February, at 16:00 hours GST.,” the ICC stated in a press release.

“Fans can buy tickets online for the matches to be held at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium with general stand prices starting from AED 125.

“Ticket Sales for the 10 matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, have already gone on general sale on Tuesday.

“Additionally, for those preferring physical tickets, they will be available from Monday, 3 February, at 16:00 Pakistan Standard Time (PST) across 108 TCS centres in 26 cities nationwide.

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“Tickets for the much-anticipated Final, set to take place on Sunday, 9 March, will be released following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.”

The eight-team ICC Champions Trophy will consist of 15 matches over 19 days and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.

In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host tournament play. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.

Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

The three group matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

READ: Imam-ul-Haq breaks silence on Champions Trophy 2025 snub

Pakistan top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq has reacted after not being included in the national team’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on 19 February.

The name of Imam was being discussed in the media as a potential inclusion to Pakistan’s squad following the ankle injury of young opening batter Saim Ayub during the tour of South Africa.

However, the selectors chose to include Fakhar Zaman as the sole specialist opener in the Champions Trophy squad. Fakhar will be joined by either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, who are middle-order batters, at the top of the batting order.

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After the squad announcement, Imam-ul-Haq took to his official Instagram account to express his disappointment, hoping that his journey is not over and that he will continue to work hard.

“Not the outcome I expected, but the journey isn’t over. This is how life is—it’s all about growth and getting stronger with every hurdle. Patience and trust in Allah is the key!” he wrote.

 

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A post shared by Imam Ul Haq (@imamulhaqofficial)

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).

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: Ricky Ponting, Ravi Shastri predict Champions Trophy 2025 finalists

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has questioned the national selectors over the squad chosen for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, raising concerns about the lack of consistency and planning in team selection.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series, involving New Zealand and South Africa, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday.

Following the announcement, Ahmed Shehzad took to his official X (formerly Twitter) and raised concerns over a few decisions, particularly the inclusion of one specialist spinner in the line-up.

“Only one genuine spinner in Champions Trophy squad and you are playing in Pakistan and UAE are you serious?” he wrote.

Shehzad also expressed his surprise at the uncertainty surrounding the opening combination of Pakistan.

“2 new openers will be playing directly in Champions Trophy; Fakhar making a comeback and we still don’t know who will open with him,” he added.

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He further raised concerns over the inclusion of Usman Khan and Faheem Ashraf, both of whom earned recalls, despite having little to no recent 50-over experience.

“Faheem & Usman make there way back in the team from T20 tournament happening in Bangladesh without playing any ODI cricket in recent past for the country. Are you guys for real?” he stated.

Another selection call that left Shehzad baffled was the inclusion of Saud Shakeel, questioning where he would even fit in the playing XI.

“And where are you willing to adjust Saud Shakeel? Another one came directly into the champions trophy squad,” he remarked.

Despite his strong criticism, Ahmed Shehzad ended his remarks on a positive note, expressing his unwavering support for the national team.

“All the best Team Pakistan. Besides all the blunders our prayers still will be with you,” he concluded.

READ: Rashid Khan equals Dwayne Bravo’s T20 record