Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

The Indian cricket team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Indian media reported on Thursday citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI source told the media that the board is planning to formally propose Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

This proposal will be presented to the International Cricket Council (ICC), suggesting a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy like the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023.

“India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. We will tell ICC to hold its matches in Dubai or Sri Lanka,” a BCCI source said.

For the unversed, Pakistan was initially slated to be the sole host for the Asia Cup 2023. However, due to India’s reluctance, Sri Lanka stepped in to co-host the tournament under a hybrid model.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted the schedule for the Champions Trophy to the ICC last week, which was reportedly approved by all the participating countries except India.

The BCCI has emphasized that India’s visit to Pakistan is contingent upon receiving permission from the government.

“In the case of the Champions Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India tells us to do,” BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said in May.

“We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government.”

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

In contrast, Pakistan has made four trips to India in the last 16 years. Their most recent visit was last year for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

READ: Former cricketer suggests Mohammad Rizwan for white-ball captaincy

Australian opening batter David Warner has recently expressed his willingness to play in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in Pakistan.

The left-handed batter announced his retirement from ODI cricket earlier this year on the eve of his farewell Test against Pakistan. However, he did not rule out the possibility of turning out to play in the Champions Trophy 2025, only if the team needs him.

His last ODI was the final of the World Cup 2023, where Australia defeated India to lift their record-sixth title.

Recently, he once again expressed, through an Instagram post, that he is ready to play for Australia in the eight-team event, if the management selects him.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Chapter closed!! It’s been an unbelievable experience to play at the highest level for such a long period. Australia was my team. The majority of my career was at the international level,” Warner wrote on Instagram.

“It’s been an honour to be able to do this. 100+ games in all formats is my highlight. I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for Australia in the Champions trophy if selected,” he added.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31)

Australia’s ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins has previously hinted at moving on and giving chance to young players, however, he did not completely rule out the possibility of Warner’s return, calling it an ’emergency option.

“I think it’s probably time to give some others a crack [in ODIs], but knowing that he’s going to still be playing cricket,” he said. “So it might be more of a kind of break glass in an emergency option. But, you know, David is going to be scoring runs somewhere in the world. So you never quite know that this is [the end].”

Warner has represented Australia in 161 ODIs, scoring 6932 runs at an average of 45.30 with 22 centuries and 33 half-centuries.

READ: England announce Playing XI for James Anderson’s farewell Test against West Indies

Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed that Rohit Sharma will lead India in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and World Test Championship after he ended his T20I career with a T20 World Cup triumph.

The top-order batter led India to their second T20 World Cup title last month, ending the cricket-mad nation’s global trophy drought since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Rohit Sharma, along with star batter Virat Kohli, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20I cricket after the win over South Africa in the final in Barbados.

It was also the last match for outgoing coach Rahul Dravid.

“After this victory, the next stage is the 2025 WTC (World Test Championship) final and the Champions Trophy,” Jay Shah said in a video message.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I am truly confident that we will win both the tournaments under the leadership of Rohit Sharma.”

Jay Shah praised the trio of veteran players, as well as Dravid. “This was our third final in the last one year,” Shah said, referring to the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship.

The ODI Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in February and March 2025 in Pakistan, while the World Test Championship cycle will end in June 2025 with the final at Lord’s in London.

India have twice finished runners-up in the Test championship, losing the final to Australia last year. Moreover, they also lost the ODI World Cup final to Australia at home in 2023.

Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy of the white-ball team in 2021 and became the all-format leader a year later.

READ: Arshad Nadeem expresses satisfaction over fourth place finish in Diamond League

Pakistan and India are set to lock horns in a highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash on March 1 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, according to Indian media reports citing an ICC Board member.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly submitted the schedule for the Champions Trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC), which is approved by all the participating countries except India.

“The PCB has submitted the draft of the 15-match ICC Champions Trophy. Seven games in Lahore, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi,” an ICC Board member said.

Notably, India is scheduled to play all their matches in Lahore.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The host Pakistan is placed with India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in Group A, while Group B features England, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan, according to the proposed schedule.

The tournament is proposed to commence on February 19. The final match is scheduled to take place on March 9, and March 10 has been designated as a reserve day in case of any unforeseen circumstances for the final.

The opening match will be played in Karachi, while the final is scheduled in Lahore.

Notably, ICC Champions Trophy will return for its ninth edition after an eight-year hiatus. The last edition was played in England back in 2017, where Pakistan defeated India to clinch their maiden title.

READ: Cricket Australia proposes hosting tri-series with Pakistan, India

Former cricketer Salman Butt termed the International Cricket Council (ICC) responsible to ensure India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

The former Pakistan captain emphasized that if India do not come to Pakistan to partake in the event then it will be the apex cricketing body’s problem.

“If they come, then they welcome, if they don’t, the ICC has to deal with it. We will find out if they can just deal with all the other countries or can do the same with India as well. It will show how much authority they have as a regulator and how neutral they can be,” stated Butt on his YouTube channel.

Reportedly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah had allegedly given a green signal regarding the Indian team’s participation in the Champions Trophy, citing his remarks that India target the World Test Championship (WTC) and Champions Trophy after T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.

“The way this team is progressing, our target is to win the World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy. There will be a similar squad playing there. The seniors will be there,” the Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted Shah.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, Salman Butt is of the view that Jay Shah did not give any signal regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy.

“We try sensationalizing everything. There have been a few reports suggesting that Jay Shah has given a positive signal. However, I don’t think he’s given any signals,” said Butt.

“I wouldn’t have been excited even if there had been a signal from him because it is the ICC’s duty to ensure that all teams visit Pakistan,” he added.

ALSO READ: Former India cricketer calls Babar Azam “selfish”

LAHORE: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Head of Security Dave Musker met with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) COO Salman Naseer and other officials to review the preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025.

According to the details, the high-profile meeting was held at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here with security arrangements for the eight-team tournament its core agenda.

“ICC Head of Security, Dave Musker, met with PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer and other officials at the NCA on Tuesday,” stated PCB.

“Musker is visiting Pakistan as part of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations.

“The eight-team event is scheduled in Pakistan in February-March 2025.”

Earlier this year in March, a three-member ICC delegation visited Pakistan to inspect different venues and facilities in the country for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The delegation led by Chris Tetley, ICC’s Head of Events, included Sarah Edgar, Senior Manager event operations at ICC and Aun Zaidi, Manager event operations.

After inspecting Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, the ICC delegation insisted on the extensive preparations needed to host the Champions Trophy 2025.

Acknowledging the importance of hosting a successful tournament, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi gave the delegation assurances of thorough preparations at every stage.

The eight-team tournament is slated to be held in February next year in Pakistan and is likely to span for over two weeks.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh while hosts Pakistan will defend the title.

READ: Gary Kirsten to join Pakistan team ahead of England T20Is

The Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla on Monday, provided a major update on India men’s cricket team tour to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking to ANI, Shukla stated that the BCCI will follow the instructions of the federal government on sending the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC event.

“In the case of the Champion Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do,” revealed Shukla.

“We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission. So, we will go according to the decision of the Indian government,” he added.

It is worth mentioning here that India refused to tour Pakistan for last year’s Asia Cup and the continental event was thus, held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka emerging as a co-host.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

As per the hybrid model, Pakistan could host only four matches while the rest of the games were played in Sri Lanka including the final.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raced up the preparations to host the Champions Trophy 2025 and shortlisted three venues — Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi in the initial draft schedule, proposed to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Sources further claimed that the cricket board also proposed to host all the India matches at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, also poised to host the final, to minimise the team’s travelling as a security measure.

The eight-team tournament is slated to be held in February next year in Pakistan and is likely to span for over two weeks.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, and Bangladesh while hosts Pakistan will defend the title.

READ: Uganda announce squad for maiden T20 World Cup campaign

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is likely to clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed April-May as the tentative window for the marquee league.

The PSL is held every year in the February-March window but due to its collision with the traditional window of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the cricket board came up with an alternative proposal.

The PCB officials and its six PSL franchisees, in the buildup to their General Council meeting, met on Saturday morning at the Gaddafi Stadium here to reflect on the PSL 2024 and also to look ahead to the PSL 2025.

In the meeting, the cricket board proposed a new window, discussed the availability of venues and also the introduction of some innovative tweaks to the playing conditions, with further discussions to take place in the Governing Council in due course.

“Due to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held in the traditional event window, the event window for the 2025 event will be 7 April 2025 – 20 May 2025,” proposed PCB.

“Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi to host matches in Pakistan with each side playing, at least, five matches on home ground. The PCB will continue to explore additional venues. Four playoffs proposed to be staged at a neutral venue.

“Some innovative tweaks and changes in the event playing conditions were explored with an aim to make the HBL PSL 2025 more exciting and competitive, as well as involve, engage, and increase the fan base.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Salman Naseer reflected on the meeting and asserted that the cricket board will share further data with the franchisees regarding the new window for PSL 2025.

“As always, we had a very exciting and interesting brainstorming session with the franchise owners on the window for HBL Pakistan Super League 2025. The passionate franchise owners provided their all-rounded insight and views on the PCB-recommended window and playoff venues for the 2025 event and beyond.

“At the back of this meeting, and in relation to the most suitable window for HBL PSL 2025 and beyond, the PCB will share further data with the franchise owners so that they can discuss amongst themselves, make a more informed decision and share their ideas and thoughts at the General Council meeting.

“We look forward to working closely with the franchisees to take timely decisions for the future trajectory of one of Pakistan’s biggest brands.”

READ: Taskin, Tanzid propel Bangladesh to beat Zimbabwe in T20I series opener

ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation met the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi here on Wednesday after inspecting venues and facilities in the country for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation led by Chris Tetley, ICC’s Head of Events, included Sarah Edgar, Senior Manager event operations at ICC and Aun Zaidi, Manager event operations.

The meeting was also attended by COO PCB Salman Naseer, Director International Cricket PCB Usman Wahla and other PCB officials.

After inspecting Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, the ICC delegation insisted on the extensive preparations needed to host the Champions Trophy 2025.

Acknowledging the importance of hosting a successful tournament, Mohsin Naqvi gave the delegation assurances of thorough preparations at every stage.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He further presented his plans for the stadiums’ upgradation and reiterated that he would not leave any stone unturned.

“Pakistan is set to host an ICC Tournament which is an absolute pleasure and a welcome development not just for the board but also for the fans across the country who are an important stakeholder in this sport.

“The PCB will arrange top-notch facilities as per the stature of this historic tournament.

“I am delighted to announce that the PCB will upgrade the three major venues in the country well in time before the start of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB will leave no stone unturned in making this a very successful and memorable tournament.”

The ICC delegation expressed satisfaction with the overall facilities on offer across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

READ: Jordan hammer Pakistan in World Cup Qualifier

DUBAI: Indian media conglomerate Disney Star has reportedly demanded the International Cricket Council (ICC) to hold the Champions Trophy 2025 in T20 format, English newspaper The Guardian reported on Friday.

With the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 coming to its closure in a few days and three teams having thus far booked their spots in the semi-finals, there is still much to fight for the sides, placed at the bottom.

As the top seven sides at the conclusion of the group stage of the ongoing World Cup, besides hosts Pakistan, will qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Watch ICC World Cup 2023 Live on ARY ZAP

For the unversed, the qualification scenario for the Champions Trophy 2025 was approved by the ICC Board in 2021 when the multi-national tournament was brought back.

Meanwhile, Disney Star, the media outlet that captured the broadcast rights for all ICC events in a four-year deal running from 2024 to 2027, reportedly intended for the eight-team competition to be in Twenty20 format rather than one-day international, according to The Guardian.

But the media outlet’s demand raised question marks on the qualification scenario of the Champions Trophy 2025 like how a 50-over World Cup can dictate qualification for an eight-team T20 event.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Moreover, if ICC somehow adapts a different system for picking up eight teams, such as ranking points then it would create massive confusion for the teams, who are still fighting to dodge the bottom two in the ongoing World Cup.

Moreover, the move would also pose a major threat to the already downhill ODI cricket.

The conversion of  Champions Trophy 2025 into T20 format will result in oversaturation of the format as the T20 World Cups are scheduled for alternating years between 2024 and 2030, including the Twenty20 format for the 2028 Olympics.

READ: Afghanistan knocked out of ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final race