Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar has recently revealed his favorites to win the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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.

It’s worth noting that India will play all their matches in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament will be played across Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi in Pakistan.

The final is scheduled in Lahore on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

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Sunil Gavaskar, during an interview, named Pakistan as the favorites, highlighting their home advantage as a major factor.

“The tag of favourites should be given to the home team Pakistan as it’s not easy to beat any team in their home conditions,” Gavaskar said.

The legendary batter cited India’s example of their dominant performance in the home ODI World Cup in 2023, where they remained unbeaten throughout the tournament before losing to Australia in the final.

“India lost in the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 but before that, they put up clinical performances and won ten matches on the trot,” he mentioned.

“Hence, I feel Pakistan are the favourites for the upcoming tournament.”

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Pakistan top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has highlighted several key players of India, who can play a pivotal role in their team’s success in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Fakhar, in an online press conference, acknowledged the impact of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya, emphasizing their ability to shine on the big stage.

“In my opinion, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma will be important players for India in the upcoming tournament,” Fakhar said.

Shifting the focus to the playing conditions, Fakhar discussed the evolving nature of pitches in Dubai, a venue that will host several matches.

He highlighted how the traditionally slow pitches have become more competitive, thanks to improved efforts by ground staff.

“Having flat wickets everywhere is not always a good thing. It’s important to play in different conditions,” he added.

Fakhar Zaman also shared his thoughts on the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, lamenting the absence of a home crowd.

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“It would have been great if India had come, but these things are out of our control. We will miss the home crowd in a match against India,” he said.

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.

The eight-team tournament 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 involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

READ: Virat Kohli suffers injury ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

India batting maestro Virat Kohli is reportedly nursing a neck sprain, raising concerns over his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The reports suggest that the former captain has been struggling with this issue since the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. According to sources, the 36-year-old required an injection to manage the discomfort.

While Kohli was gearing up for a possible return to first-class cricket in Delhi’s Ranji Trophy campaign, this setback has cast a shadow over his availability.

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has yet to receive an official update regarding his fitness or participation in the match against Saurashtra, set to begin on January 23 in Rajkot.

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A DDCA source revealed, “Virat Kohli had a neck sprain and even took an injection for the same.” However, clarity on his fitness is still awaited, leaving fans and selectors in suspense.

The Ranji Trophy offers Kohli a platform to regain form after a tough Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where he managed only 190 runs across five matches.

His domestic stint was also seen as vital preparation ahead of India’s ODI series against England, which kicks off on February 6, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Delhi’s Ranji schedule features two crucial group-stage games, against Saurashtra and Railways, which could have been key for Kohli’s rhythm. However, reports suggest he might skip the first game and join the squad only for the second, depending on his recovery.

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Thursday provided an update regarding the participation of young batter Saim Ayub in the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Saim sustained a fractured ankle on the opening day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa, ruling him out for an initial six weeks. He is currently in London for treatment and a thorough evaluation of his injury.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet announced the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, as they are carefully monitoring Saim’s recovery before making a final decision about his participation.

Shahid Afridi recently revealed in an interview that Saim will miss the upcoming tournament. He mentioned that he advised Saim not to rush his return, as doing so could prolong his injury.

“I talked to Saim Ayub last night. He told me that he needs three weeks, and only after that will his rehab begin,” Afridi said.

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“I advised him not to rush the process. Even the slightest injury, if not allowed to heal properly, can turn into a prolonged issue.

“You’re young and have a lot of cricket ahead of you, so take your time recovering.”

It’s worth noting that Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has previously ensured that Saim Ayub will get the best treatment and expressed hope that the young star will get fit in time for the Champions Trophy.

“Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for Pakistan cricket,” Naqvi stated. “We will provide every possible resource for his treatment and recovery. I am praying for his complete health and will continue to monitor his condition closely.”

“We hope that he will make a full recovery before the ICC Champions Trophy.”

READ: Former cricketer wants Sarfaraz Ahmed to mentor Pakistan in Champions Trophy

LAHORE: The ticket prices for the Pakistan leg of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been finalised, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

According to reliable sources, ticket prices for the Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Pakistan will range from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 25,000.

The chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized this pricing structure, balancing affordability for fans with premium seating options for those looking for a more exclusive experience.

After extensive discussions, the final ticket prices have been locked in, with variations across the three host cities—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—based on venues and seating categories.

The minimum prices of the tickets start at just Rs. 1,000, while the top-tier VIP and hospitality packages go up to Rs. 25,000.

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Fans can choose from several categories, including General Enclosure, First Class, Premium, VIP, and VVIP. Semi-final tickets, expected to be in high demand, will have a higher base price, starting at Rs. 2,500.

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.

The eight-team tournament 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 involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

READ: Rohit Sharma likely to quit international cricket after Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma, the ODI and Test captain of India, is likely to announce his retirement from international cricket after the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Indian media reported on Tuesday.

According to a recent report, Rohit Sharma, who has already stepped down from T20 cricket after successfully guiding India to a triumphant victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, is reportedly considering retirement from the remaining formats as well.

Sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggest that there was a mutual agreement for Sharma to captain the former champions in the Champions Trophy, under the stipulation that he would call it quits afterwards.

It’s worth noting that Rohit Sharma has been under fire lately due to his below-par performance in the Test series against New Zealand and Australia.

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He was rested from the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this month after accumulating a mere 31 runs over the course of five innings during the five-match series.

Further reports also suggest that Rohit Sharma is likely to travel to Pakistan for a pre-tournament photoshoot and a joint press conference featuring the captains of all participating teams of the Champions Trophy.

This event, organised under ICC rules, traditionally takes place in the host country, which for 2025 is Pakistan.

A final decision on Rohit Sharma’s participation in the event is yet to be made, with considerations underway. Indian media noted, “If this visit materialises, it will be a joyous moment for cricket fans in both nations.”

WATCH: Wasim Akram reveals iconic white jacket for Champions Trophy 2025

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday released a special video, showing legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram unveiling the iconic white jacket for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025.

The apex cricketing body released the video across their social media platforms with the caption, “The iconic white jacket is back! #ChampionsTrophy.”

The video showed Wasim Akram delving into the defining qualities that make a true ‘champion’ in the world of sports, highlighting the virtues and traits that set exceptional athletes apart.

The visuals vividly present a skilled tailor, deeply focused as he meticulously stitches the elegant White Jacket. This jacket prominently features the words “Champions Trophy 2025 Pakistan,” intricately embroidered in shimmering golden thread across the front pocket.

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Cricketing superstars such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, Rohit Sharma, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Jos Buttler, and Glenn Maxwell make striking appearances, showcasing their prowess and passion for the game.

Additionally, the video incorporates archival footage that beautifully pays homage to the rich legacy and history of cricket, evoking a sense of pride and nostalgia among fans.

“The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy represents the best of the best and the unveiling of the white jacket, which symbolizes greatness, will now build the excitement of the event across the global cricket community,” said Akram in a media release.

“Next month’s Champions Trophy will see the strongest team win the tournament, as every game is a pressure game and there is no chance for any team to have a break.”

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.

The eight-team tournament 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 involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed among notable unpicked players in PSL 10 draft

The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) has reportedly requested an extension to submit their squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to fitness concerns of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

According to details, Indian selectors wish to assess the fitness reports of their ace fast bowler before confirming their squad for the mega event.

The sources close to BCCI stated that the fast bowler’s participation in the Champions Trophy is now in doubt due to a diagnosed back injury, which he experienced during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Sydney.

For the unversed, Jasprit Bumrah, who was leading the Indian team in the fifth Test after Rohit Sharma was rested, left the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) midway through the second session on day two.

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It was later revealed that he was suffering from back spasms and rushed to hospital to undergo scans. Notably, Bumrah was not named in the ODI series against England due to concerns over his fitness.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Mohammed Shami returned to India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against England after more than a year’s break due to injury.

Shami, 34, last played for India in the 50-over World Cup final in November 2023 and recently participated in a few domestic matches to mark his return to competitive cricket.

India T20 squad to face England: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wk).

READ: Rohit Sharma likely to visit Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan announced their squad for next month’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with prolific opener Ibrahim Zadran returning after an injury lay-off but spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman missing out.

The country’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.

This will be the first time Afghanistan participate in the eight-nation Champions Trophy, staged between February 19 and March 9 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

“Zadran, who was away from action due to an ankle injury, has returned to the squad,” said a statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).

“However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman misses out on the selection, as AM Ghazanfar, a similar mystery spinner, has made the cut for the mega event.”

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Rahman was left out because “he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery”, added acting ACB chief selector Ahmad Suliman Khil.

But the ACB said that the fast-rising opener Sediqullah Atal did secure a place in the squad.

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

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.

Afghanistan will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign with a clash against South Africa in Karachi on February 21, before they face England and Australia in Lahore.

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: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood return to Australia squad for Champions Trophy

Skipper Pat Cummins and injured paceman Josh Hazlewood were named in the squad of Australia for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, in Pakistan next month.

Cummins opted out of the Sri Lanka series, which is set to commence later this month, due to the birth of his second child. He is also reportedly carrying a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Hazlewood was included in the two-time tournament winners’ preliminary 15-man line-up after calf and side strains restricted him to just two Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India over the summer.

While they return, opener Jake Fraser-McGurk was dumped, paying the price for his poor recent form after opening for Australia during their most recent one-day series against Pakistan.

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“This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year’s successful tour of the UK and the more recent Pakistan home series,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on the opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan.”

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.

Australia squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Pat Cummins (capt), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

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