Tag: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced the squad for the upcoming ODI series against England as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Rohit Sharma will lead the team, while injured pacer Jasprit Bumrah has also been named in the squad for the Champions Trophy. Harshit Rana will feature in the ODI series against England as a backup for Bumrah.

Alongside Bumrah, there were concerns about the fitness of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has been out of action since his hernia surgery in November, however, he has been named in the India squad.

On the other hand, returning pacer Mohammed Shami also found a place in the squad for the Champions Trophy after being named in the T20I squad against England.

“Shami has played most of the Syed Mushtaq Ali games and some of the Vijay Hazare games,” said India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

“To get him involved in T20Is is mainly to get him up to pace in international cricket, and we are hoping he is at 100% when it comes to Champions Trophy matches.”

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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.

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.

Squad for England ODIs: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja

READ: Fakhar Zaman lists Indian players to keep an eye on in Champions Trophy 2025

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.

READ: Pakistan’s Asad Ali Memon summits Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica

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

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

READ: Women’s Ashes 2025: Ashleigh Gardner helps Australia defeat England in first ODI

AUCKLAND: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in Pakistan, with India playing their matches in Dubai.

Seasoned players Kane Williamson, Devon Conway and Lockie Ferguson were recalled to form an experienced New Zealand squad to contest the Champions Trophy.

The aforementioned three players were unavailable for the recently concluded home ODI series against Sri Lanka because of offshore T20 commitments.

Batters Williamson and Conway have been playing in South Africa’s T20 league while pace bowler Ferguson is involved in Australia’s Big Bash competition.

Ben Sears was also selected for the ICC tournament co-hosted by Pakistan and UAE, having missed the 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka with a knee injury.

It will be the first senior ICC event for Sears and fellow pace bowlers Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith.

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Coach Gary Stead will oversee a squad he said also boasted experience and depth.

“We’re currently blessed with a lot of quality players and that certainly made for some challenging selection discussions,” Stead said.

Spin bowler Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand at a major event for the first time, after being named full-time white ball captain in December.

Santner, former skipper Williamson and wicketkeeper Tom Latham were all part of the New Zealand squad for the last edition of the Champions Trophy, in England and Wales in 2017.

New Zealand will contest the tournament’s opening match against Pakistan in Karachi on February 19, followed by pool games against Bangladesh and India.

New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke

READ: Shakib Al Hasan dropped as Bangladesh announce squad for Champions Trophy