Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

The tickets for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, were snapped up in record time, selling out within 40 minutes of release.

Yesterday, India secured their place in the final after a thrilling victory over Australia, where Virat Kohli once again delivered on the big stage.

The Men in Blue now await the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, which is currently being played in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

With ticket prices ranging from AED 250 for general admission to a staggering AED 12,000 for Sky Box hospitality, the total revenue generated is estimated at AED 9 million (approximately PKR 685 million).

The rapid sellout of the tickets speaks volumes about the excitement surrounding the final of the Champions Trophy 2025, as fans from across the world prepare to witness one of cricket’s biggest showdowns.

The Dubai stadium management confirmed the rapid sellout, attributing it to the immense excitement surrounding the tournament’s grand finale.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The seating breakdown reflects a diverse pricing structure:

• General Admission (15,000 seats): AED 250–500, bringing in around AED 5.6 million.
• Premium & Pavilion Sections (5,000 seats): AED 500–1,200, generating roughly AED 4.25 million.
• Hospitality (1,700 seats): AED 2,000–12,000, adding nearly AED 10.2 million.

Gates will open at 10:00 AM, with the final set to begin at 1:00 PM. Fans have been advised to arrive early to avoid long queues and fully immerse themselves in the electric atmosphere of one of cricket’s most awaited matches.

READ: Pakistan players suffer decline in ICC ODI rankings

LAHORE: New Zealand have won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa in the 2nd Semi-Final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Playing XIs

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

The ongoing 2025 edition marked the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year break, with the last tournament being held in 2017, where Pakistan defeated their arch-rivals India in the final.

The tournament began with the teams divided into two groups. Group A featured Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Group B included Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

Each team played three group-stage matches, and the top two from each group secured a spot in the semi-finals. From Group A, India and New Zealand advanced, while South Africa and Australia progressed from Group B.

READ: ‘We will play fearless cricket’ Salman Ali Agha issues bold statement as Pakistan captain

LAHORE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has provided a major update on the fitness of star batter Aiden Markram ahead of their crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final clash against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday.

Markram, who was leading South Africa in the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma, experienced hamstring discomfort during the team’s final group-stage match against England on Saturday.

The middle-order batter walked off the field during England’s innings, handing over the leadership duties to wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

The development was first confirmed on the broadcast during the 31st over of England’s innings, raising concerns over Markram’s availability for the knockout stage.

As a precautionary measure, CSA called up spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde as a backup option.

However, the latest update brings relief for the Proteas camp as Aiden Markram has passed his fitness test and is available for selection in the high-stakes semi-final against the Black Caps.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

It’s worth noting that South Africa kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan, rolling them out for 208 in pursuit of 316.

Their second fixture against Australia in Rawalpindi was completely washed out due to rain, but they sealed their semi-final berth in style with a seven-wicket thumping of England, chasing down 180 with ease.

With Markram fit and South Africa in top form, the Proteas will be aiming to make their first Champions Trophy final since 1998.

South Africa Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

Travelling Reserve: George Linde.

READ: Champions Trophy: Gautam Gambhir shuts down claims of India’s ‘advantage’ in Dubai

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has hit back at claims that his side enjoys a home-like advantage in Dubai, dismissing the notion as baseless following his side’s commanding five-wicket win over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final.

India, the 2013 champions, became the first team to secure a spot in the final after outclassing Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, questions have been raised about whether the conditions gave them an unfair edge.

“Even if this tournament was played in Pakistan, we would have still gone with two spinners. The idea that we have some kind of edge in Dubai is completely unfounded,” said Gautam Gambhir while addressing the media after the match.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He further emphasized that India hadn’t even trained at the Dubai International Stadium, instead preparing at the ICC Cricket Academy, which has completely different conditions.

“Tell me, when and where has India played a tournament under these current Dubai conditions? I can’t remember,” he argued, taking a direct swipe at the critics.

Dismissing the ongoing debate, Gambhir made it clear that India’s success had nothing to do with external factors.

“Dubai’s pitches don’t favour us in any special way. Our players have delivered in every department of the game because of their skill and hunger to win,” he asserted.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

He also took a shot at how performances are often judged purely on stats.

“As journalists, you look at numbers. We focus on a player’s impact. Scoring big runs doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t influence the match outcome,” he explained.

With India now just one step away from clinching the title, Gambhir remained focused on the bigger picture.

“The job isn’t done yet; there’s still one crucial match to win,” he reminded.

READ: Steve Smith announces retirement from ODI cricket

Australia star batter Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODI cricket after his side’s defeat against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final.

Smith top-scored for his team in the semi-final, played in Dubai, with a solid 73-run knock; however, Virat Kohli’s 84 powered India to victory.

The 35-year-old batter represented Australia in 170 ODIs since making his debut against the West Indies in 2010.

For the unversed, Smith started his career as a leg-spinning all-rounder before evolving into one of Australia’s finest batters.

During a 15-year-long ODI career, he amassed 5,800 runs at an impressive average of 43.28 and a strike rate of 86.96.

His tally includes 12 centuries and 35 half-centuries, making him the 12th highest run-scorer for Australia in ODIs. His highest score of 164 came against New Zealand in 2016.

With the ball, he claimed 28 wickets, while his sharp fielding saw him pouch 90 catches.

A member of Australia’s 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup winning teams, Smith became ODI captain in 2015 and held the captaincy in his final match on an interim basis in the absence of Pat Cummins.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Among his ODI accolades, Smith was the Australian Men’s ODI Player of the Year in 2015 and 2021 and a member of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year in 2015.

Steve Smith, while reflecting on his decision, described his ODI journey as a “great ride” filled with “amazing times and wonderful memories.” Winning two World Cups, he said, was among the standout moments of his career.

“It has been a great ride, and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said.

“There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight, along with the many fantastic teammates who shared the journey.”

“Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup, so it feels like the right time to make way.”

Although Steve Smith has announced his retirement from ODIs, he stressed that he is focused on Test cricket.

“Test cricket remains a priority, and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship Final, the West Indies tour in the winter, and then facing England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”

READ: Key South Africa player in doubt for Champions Trophy semi-final

DUBAI: The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final will take place in Dubai on March 9, following India’s victory over Australia in the semi-final on Tuesday.

Due to Men in Blue’s qualification, the highly-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final will be played in Dubai despite Pakistan being the host.

It is pertinent to note that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had announced that the venue for the final is subject to India’s qualification.

Consequently, the full implications of India’s refusal to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan were laid bare on Sunday as Australia and South Africa waited to find out whether they will play their semi-finals in Lahore or Dubai this week.

Political tensions between the neighbours mean India has not played a cricket match in Pakistan since 2008, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was not inclined to change the policy for the Champions Trophy, citing government advice over security issues.

Earlier, India’s team reached their third consecutive final of the marquee event, defeating Australia convincingly with four wickets.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Men in Blue successfully chased a challenging target of 265 on a fresh Dubai pitch in 48.1 overs on losing six wickets.

In pursuit of the target, India lost both openers inside the power play. Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8) were dismissed quickly, thanks to some good bowling from Australia.

After the early hiccup, Indian stalwart Virat Kohli and Sheryas Iyer added a 91-run stand to steady the chase. Iyer departed after making a well-made 45 off 62 deliveries, featuring three fours.

But Kohli remained steadfast in the chase, forming vital partnerships with Axar Patel and KL Rahul.

He was the standout performer, scoring a flawless 84 off 98, laced with four boundaries, before being dismissed in the 42nd over.

Following his dismissal, Hardik Pandya took control of the chase and struck a quick-fire 28, bringing India close to the victory. He struck three huge sixes in his 28 off 24 balls.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

With only 4 required off 12 balls, Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 42, hit the winning runs with a six over midwicket and steered India to a memorable victory.

For Australia, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming two wickets.

India veteran batter Virat Kohli was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding batting performance.

Read: India storm into Champions Trophy final with thrilling win over Australia

DUBAI: Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya blitz propelled India to victory over Australia in the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

India successfully chased a challenging target of 265 on a fresh Dubai pitch in 48.1 overs on losing six wickets.

In pursuit of the target, India lost both openers inside the power play. Rohit Sharma (28) and Shubman Gill (8) were dismissed quickly, thanks to some good bowling from Australia.

After the early hiccup, Indian stalwart Virat Kohli and Sheryas Iyer added a 91-run stand to steady the chase. Iyer departed after making a well-made 45 off 62 deliveries, featuring three fours.

But Kohli remained steadfast in the chase, forming vital partnerships with Axar Patel and KL Rahul.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He was the standout performer, scoring a flawless 84 off 98, laced with four boundaries, before being dismissed in the 42nd over.

Following his dismissal, Hardik Pandya took control of the chase and struck a quick-fire 28, bringing India close to the victory. He struck three huge sixes in his 28 off 24 balls.

With only 4 required off 12 balls, Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 42, hit the winning runs with a six over midwicket and steered India into their third consecutive Champions Trophy final.

For Australia, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa were the pick of the bowlers, each claiming two wickets.

India veteran batter Virat Kohli was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding batting performance in the all-important Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia.

Earlier, Steve Smith and Alex Carey’s half-centuries set India a target of 265 in 50 overs.

After opting to bat, Australia were bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs.

Former champions had a poor start as their new opener, Cooper Connolly, was dismissed for a duck after playing nine deliveries.

After the first wicket, Head and Steve Smith added a quick-fire stand of 50 runs. Travis Head smashed five fours and two sixes in his 39 off 33 deliveries before being dismissed off Varun Chakravarthy.

Australia lost wickets at regular intervals, but Steve Smith remained firm at one end and kept the scoreboard ticking with crucial partnerships.

He formed a crucial 54-run partnership with Alex Carey for the fifth wicket, bringing Australia close to 200 runs.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Smith remained the top scorer with his gritty knock of 73 runs, which featured four fours and one six.

After Smith’s departure in the 37 overs, Alex Carey took the charge and helped Australia reach a competitive total. He scored 61 off 59 deliveries, with eight fours and one six.

Mohammed Shami was India’s standout bowler, taking three wickets, while Varun Chakravarthy and Ravindra Jadeja bagged two wickets each.

Playing XIs

Australia: Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

READ: Pakistan head coach explains Babar-Rizwan’s exclusion from T20I squad

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a heartwarming gesture for cricket fans observing Ramadan, announced a free Iftar for spectators attending the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final at Gaddafi Stadium here on March 5.

Fans watching the high-stakes clash between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium will be treated to a complimentary Iftar box.

By simply presenting their match ticket, spectators can receive a package including dates, juice, and a mini pizza—a thoughtful initiative ensuring they don’t miss out on their fast while enjoying the game.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Beyond the free Iftar, fans will also have the option to purchase a variety of food and beverages from stalls inside the stadium during the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

With the match set to begin at 2 PM and Iftar scheduled for 6:05 PM, PCB’s initiative is a commendable effort to enhance the matchday experience, making it not just about cricket but also about community and togetherness during the holy month.

It’s worth noting that the 2025 edition marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year break, with the last tournament being held in 2017, where Pakistan defeated their arch-rivals India in the final.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches over 19 days, taking place in Pakistan and Dubai.

The teams are divided into two groups for the initial stage. Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

Group A consists of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

READ: Mohammad Amir questions Mohammad Rizwan’s decision-making capability

DUBAI: Australia have won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Playing XIs

Australia: Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

The ongoing 2025 edition marked the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year break, with the last tournament being held in 2017, where Pakistan defeated their arch-rivals India in the final.

The tournament began with the teams divided into two groups. Group A featured Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B included Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

Each team played three group-stage matches, and the top two from each group secured a spot in the semi-finals. From Group A, India and New Zealand advanced, while South Africa and Australia progressed from Group B.

READ: Mohammad Amir questions Mohammad Rizwan’s decision-making capability

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has laid out a winning game plan for India ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals against Australia.

Sharing a three-pronged strategy to triumph over Australia, Harbhajan emphasized crucial moves that could help India secure a spot in the final.

Harbhajan advised the Indian bowlers, especially Mohammed Shami, to target Travis Head and dismiss him at the earliest.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Travis Head is a dangerous player. India must target him early, especially Shami, you should get him as early as possible,” he said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Star Sports India (@starsportsindia)

Harbhajan Singh highlighted the threat posed by Australia’s middle-order batsmen, Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis, known for their aggressive batting style and hitting sixes and boundaries.

Australia’s middle-order, especially Glenn Maxwell and Josh Inglis, could be destructive. They only deal in sixes,” said former spinner.

He further advised the Men in Blue not to take unnecessary pressure in a knockout game and stick to their natural game.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

“Don’t take unnecessary pressure of the knock out game. India should play their natural game and stay fearless,” he concluded.

For the unversed, India hammered New Zealand by 44 runs Sunday to be unbeaten in three matches and top Group A of the 50-over tournament played in Dubai and Pakistan.

They next face the Steve Smith-led Australia on Tuesday in Dubai for a place in the final of the eight-nation event.

Read: Steve Smith opens up on ‘silencing’ Indian crowd in Champions Trophy semi-final