Tag: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan missing out.

The all-rounder was recently banned from bowling in competitions governed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This decision came on the heels of an independent re-assessment of his bowling action revealing concerns over the legality of his deliveries.

Although Shakib Al Hasan remained eligible to participate as a specialist batter, the Bangladeshi selectors opted to exclude him.

Moreover, Bangladesh will also be lacking the services of another veteran player, Tamim Iqbal, who recently retired from international cricket, despite having been approached by the team’s white-ball captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with other key figures within the squad, urging him to reconsider.

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However, experienced players such as wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim and all-rounder Mahmudullah have secured their places in the contingent, bringing their wealth of knowledge and skill to the mix.

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.

Bangladesh are placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan and New Zealand. They will play their opening game in the tournament against India in Dubai on February 20.

Bangladesh squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.

READ: Tamim Iqbal retires from international cricket again

KARACHI: A six-member International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the National Bank Stadium here on Thursday to evaluate the progress of the preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation thoroughly assessed the ongoing development work and took photographs of various sections of the stadium.

They were accompanied by representatives of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), including Usman Wahla, PCB’s Director of International Cricket, who provided an extensive briefing on the progress.

According to sources, 90% of the construction and renovation work at the National Bank Stadium has already been completed.

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The visit to Karachi was part of a larger assessment plan, with the ICC delegation also scheduled to inspect venues in Rawalpindi and Lahore in the coming days.

The tour aims to ensure all necessary facilities, including an ICC temporary office to be set up in a newly constructed building, are in place before the tournament.

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.

Meanwhile, the season finale is scheduled on 9 March in Lahore, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

READ: Steve Smith to lead Australia in Test series against Sri Lanka

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has voiced his deep disappointment over India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The eight-team tournament was originally set to be hosted exclusively by Pakistan. However, the Indian government decided not to send its team to the neighbouring country due to ongoing political issues between the two nations.

Consequently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) adopted a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, with Team India playing all their matches in Dubai.

Watson expressed that it was “unfortunate” for the fans in Pakistan that they would not be able to witness India playing live on their home soil.

“It’s unfortunate things have turned out this way, but everyone loves watching India-Pakistan games,” he said during the ICC Champions Trophy Tour in Sydney.

The former all-rounder shared his experience of playing in Pakistan, stating that it was ‘incredible.’

“I got a small opportunity to play in the PSL in 2019, the first time after playing there in 2005. It was one of the highlights of my career,” he added.

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“To go to Pakistan after a long time and see the love and joy they have for cricket was incredible. They were starved of world-class live cricket.”

Shane Watson acknowledged the importance of hosting such a prestigious event, recognizing how it resonates with the passionate cricket fans in Pakistan.

“It’s going to be huge for Pakistan cricket fans to watch world-class players in their country,” he said.

“This tournament will light up Pakistan. It’s going to be a special event for the country and its cricket fans.”

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.

Meanwhile, the season finale is scheduled on 9 March in Lahore, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

READ: Najmul Hossain Shanto steps down as Bangladesh T20I captain

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday revealed the schedule of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan.

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off in Karachi on 19 February, while the final is scheduled for 9 March.

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.

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Pakistan take on New Zealand in the Group A tournament opener in Karachi on 19 February. The Dubai leg begins the following day with India taking on Bangladesh.

Group B begins on 21 February, with Afghanistan squaring up against the Proteas in Karachi.

A big weekend then kicks off with rivals England and Australia set to clash in Lahore on Saturday (22 February), with the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash set for the day later.

The eight sides in the Champions Trophy competing for the famous white winners’ jackets are the teams that finished in the top eight positions on the points table of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Group A of the tournament features current Champions Trophy holders and hosts Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B features Cricket World Cup 2023 champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan, England and South Africa.

Schedule of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan

20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai

21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan

23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai

24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan

27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan

1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan

2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai

4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai

5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan

9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)

10 March, Reserve day

READ: Fakhar Zaman breaks silence on his post in support of Babar Azam

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday, recalled star batter Joe Root to the national ODI squad for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in Pakistan.

The England Men’s selection panel named 15-member ODI and T20I squads that will play tour India for the white-ball series in January, followed by the Champions Trophy 2025 in February and March.

Root has been a key member of England’s Test team, however, he has not featured in any ODI since the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in November 2023.

Alongside Root, Jos Buttler has also returned to the team and will be leading them during the tour of ODI as well as the eight-team mega-event.

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Meanwhile, Test captain Ben Stokes was not considered for selection owing to a left hamstring injury, which he sustained during the third Test match against New Zealand earlier this month.

England squad will depart on 17 January 2025 for India, where they will play three T20Is and as many ODIs from January 22 to February 12 before heading to Pakistan for Champions Trophy.

England squad for T20I series against India

Jos Buttler (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood

England squad for India ODIs and Champions Trophy

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

READ: Nathan McSweeney breaks silence after being dropped from Australia Test squad

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday confirmed the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan, with India playing their matches at a neutral venue.

Earlier today, a report from ESPNcricinfo revealed that the hybrid model has received approval for the entire ICC event cycle spanning from 2024 to 2027.

The ICC has now officially confirmed the development through a press release.

“ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 to be played across Pakistan and a neutral venue,” the apex cricket body announced.

“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed on Thursday, 19 December.”

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“This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan), set to be played in February and March 2025, as well as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 (hosted by India) and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (hosted by India and Sri Lanka).”

The ICC also confirmed that Pakistan will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, the first event of the next event cycle. Similar to the current cycle, India will not travel to Pakistan for the 2028 event.

“It was also announced that the PCB has been awarded hosting rights of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2028, where neutral venue arrangements will also apply,” the press release further stated.

“The schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be confirmed soon, with Pakistan aiming to defend the title they won in 2017.”

READ: ‘Hybrid model’ approved for Champions Trophy 2025: reports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a significant step towards resolving the long-standing India-Pakistan stalemate by approving a hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025.

This breakthrough follows a proposal from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) put forth on December 2, which introduced an innovative approach dubbed the ‘fusion formula‘.

Under this new arrangement, India, as they wanted, would be playing their matches at a neutral venue during the Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy. In return, Pakistan will also compete at neutral venues during future ICC events that are set to be hosted in India.

According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, this hybrid model has received approval for the entire ICC event cycle spanning from 2024 to 2027.

“The ICC have finally reached a breakthrough in the 2025 Champions Trophy impasse, with a hybrid model agreed upon that will see India’s matches in the eight-team event taking place at a neutral venue,” the report stated.

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“In return, Pakistan’s matches with India in ICC events hosted by India will also take place at a neutral venue.

“ESPNcricinfo has seen a resolution with details of the agreement, and which is expected to undergo an ICC board vote, in which during the 2024-2027 event cycle, all matches involving India in an event hosted in Pakistan will be played at a neutral venue, and in return, all matches involving Pakistan in an event hosted by India will be played at a neutral venue.”

Pakistan will not be travelling to India for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by Sri Lanka.

It’s important to note that this hybrid model is also applicable to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028, the first tournament of the next event cycle, which has now been awarded to Pakistan.

READ: South Africa suffer major blow as key player ruled out of Pakistan ODIs

Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has invited Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, the chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The two cricket officials met in Riyadh to discuss avenues for collaboration, player development, and the growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, Naqvi assured full support for cricket promotion in Saudi Arabia, including assistance with stadium construction and player training programs.

He emphasized the importance of fostering cricket ties between the two nations and suggested initiating a player exchange program to help develop emerging talent.

“Saudi Arabia is like a second home to every Pakistani, and we are delighted to offer our support for the growth of cricket here,” Mohsin Naqvi stated.

“We will provide full support for cricket development and the construction of stadiums,” he added.

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“Saudi Arabia can send its emerging players to Pakistan. A player exchange program can also be initiated for cricket development,” Naqvi concluded.

Prince Saud bin Mishal expressed his gratitude to Mohsin Naqvi for the invitation to the Champions Trophy.

He welcomed the collaboration, revealing that Saudi Arabia currently has around 18,000 active cricket players and has achieved significant milestones, including winning the ACC Challenge Cup.

“We are eager to work closely with Pakistan to develop cricket in Saudi Arabia, and this partnership can open new horizons for our players,” he said.

On the other hand, the deadlock surrounding the Champions Trophy is at a standstill as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is awaiting a response from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the PCB’s ‘fusion formula.’

While there are indications that the BCCI is inclined to accept this ‘fusion formula,’ the situation remains fluid, and there has yet to be any official communication or update on the matter.

READ: Mitchell Santner named New Zealand’s full-time white-ball captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed a new ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula’ to end the stalemate around the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ARY News reported, citing sources.

According to sources, the PCB has forwarded its formula to the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to which Pakistan and India will play all of their game at a neutral venue for the next three years.

As per the Partnership or Fusion Formula, India will not travel to Pakistan and vice versa for their games in the ICC tournaments scheduled for the next three years.

Sources said that the ICC will take a decision on the matter after holding consultations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The development came after the ICC on Friday adjourned the board meeting without a decision about the fate of the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in the February-March window next year in Pakistan.

The meeting was called after the BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan for the tournament.

It is worth noting here that the BCCI suggested a hybrid model instead of travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and proposed India’s matches be held in Dubai.

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The PCB categorically rejected such a proposal and insists that it will hold the entirety of the tournament on its soil.

A day earlier, reports said that the PCB wrote to the International Cricket Council ahead of the scheduled board meeting.

In the letter, the Pakistan Cricket Board made it clear that the hybrid model, which would involve holding some matches in a neutral venue, was not acceptable for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, hinted at a new formula to be created based on parity for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Naqvi emphasised that any new formula regarding the ICC event must ensure equality and fairness.

“A lot of things are going on, I don’t want to comment too much because that can ruin everything, we have presented our point of view to ICC,” said Naqvi while speaking to the media at Dubai Stadium last week.

“India has also given its opinion, All the boards are trying to ensure a win-win situation for all, Pakistan also wants that cricket should win but anything with respect.”

READ: Ricky Ponting wants Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne to follow Virat Kohli

The International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting scheduled for Saturday (today) regarding the hosting of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 has been postponed, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Recent reports indicate that the much-anticipated meeting might be rescheduled for either Sunday or Monday.

The delay in the meeting is primarily attributed to the fact that both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) require additional time to engage in consultations with their respective foreign ministries.

For the unversed, the meeting was initially scheduled for November 29. However, this crucial gathering was adjourned without reaching a definitive conclusion regarding the much-anticipated Champions Trophy.

The meeting was convened by ICC as a direct response to the BCCI announcing its refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, which is slated to take place during the February-March window of next year.

The sources revealed that during the brief meeting, which lasted approximately 15 minutes, representatives from the 12 Full Member countries, three representatives from Associate nations, and an independent director were present, alongside the ICC chairman and CEO.

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During the meeting, Pakistan reasserted its firm opposition to any hybrid model that would spread matches across different venues.

The ICC is actively exploring a variety of options to address the complications surrounding the Champions Trophy 2025, particularly in light of India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.

It is pertinent to note here that the BCCI has suggested a hybrid model instead of travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI proposed that India’s matches be held in Dubai.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has categorically rejected such a proposal and insists that it will hold the entirety of the tournament on its soil. A day earlier, reports said that the PCB wrote to the International Cricket Council ahead of the scheduled board meeting.

Sources said that the PCB made it clear that the hybrid model, which would involve holding some matches in a neutral venue, was not acceptable for the Champions Trophy 2025.

READ: It’s unacceptable that Pakistan visit India but they don’t: Mohsin Naqvi