Tag: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has addressed the controversy surrounding the absence of the Indian flag at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speculation began swirling after a video surfaced on social media, showing the flags of all participating teams except India being hoisted at the venue.

This sparked debate, with many assuming that the PCB had intentionally excluded the Indian flag in response to India’s decision to play its Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) instead of Pakistan.

However, according to media reports, the PCB has clarified that the omission was not intentional but rather a directive from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

A PCB spokesperson explained that the ICC has instructed all venues to display only four flags on match days: those of the ICC, the PCB, and the two teams playing that day.

“The ICC has advised that only four flags will be hoisted on Champions Trophy 2025 match days: ICC (Event Authority), PCB (Event Host), and the two competing teams. It’s as simple as that,” the spokesperson stated.

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“Since India will not be playing any matches in Pakistan, their flag will not be displayed at any of the three venues — Karachi, Lahore, or Rawalpindi — during the tournament,” he added.

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: Champions Trophy 2025: India’s jersey with ‘Pakistan’ imprint revealed

LAHORE: The England cricket team, led by captain Jos Buttler, has arrived in Pakistan to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to commence on 19 February.

The 31-member touring party, including players, coaching staff, and management officials, reached Lahore via Dubai. Head coach Brendon McCullum and England’s managing director Robert Key also accompanied the team.

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.

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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.

England are placed in Group B featuring the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 champions Australia, alongside Afghanistan and South Africa. They will play its group-stage matches in Lahore and Karachi.

England will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 22 against arch-rivals Australia at Lahore’s newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

The second group match will be against Afghanistan on February 26, also at Gaddafi Stadium, while their final group stage encounter is scheduled for March 1 against South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi.

England Squad for Champions Trophy 2025

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

READ: New Zealand suffer major blow ahead of Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan

New Zealand suffered a major blow ahead of the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against hosts Pakistan as fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the tournament with a foot injury.

Ferguson sustained the injury during the warm-up match against Afghanistan in Karachi on Sunday, where he experienced pain in his right foot after bowling a spell.

Following an initial medical assessment, it was confirmed that the speedster would not recover in time for the tournament.

With the Champions Trophy set to kick off tomorrow and its short duration making a return unlikely, the decision was made to send Lockie Ferguson back home for rehabilitation.

In his absence, pacer Kyle Jamieson has been drafted into the Blackcaps squad and is set to depart for Pakistan this evening.

Jamieson recently made a successful comeback to domestic cricket in December after a 10-month recovery from a back stress fracture.

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New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment over Ferguson’s injury, acknowledging the pacer’s importance to the team.

“We’re really disappointed for Lockie [Ferguson],” Stead said. “He’s a key part of our bowling attack and brings valuable experience in major tournaments.”

“We know how much he was looking forward to playing, and we hope he makes a swift recovery.”

However, Stead is confident that Jamieson can step up and fill the void left by Ferguson.

“Kyle brings extra pace and bounce, which will be effective in these conditions,” Stead added.

“He’s been bowling with great energy since his return and has shown his ability in the shorter formats. Given his recent workload and performances, he’s ready if needed in the tournament.”

New Zealand will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 against Pakistan on 19 February at Karachi’s newly renovated National Bank Stadium.

They will then travel to Rawalpindi for the match against Bangladesh, scheduled on 24 February, while their final group match is scheduled against India in Dubai on 2 March.

New Zealand Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

READ: Champions Trophy 2025: India’s jersey with ‘Pakistan’ imprint revealed

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the national team’s jersey for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19.

The jersey was revealed through pictures on the team India’s official Instagram page featuring captain Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh dressed in new colours.

For the unversed, there was a controversy surrounding India’s kit due to reports from Indian media stating that the BCCI has decided to omit Pakistan’s name from the jersey of Team India for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

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However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that it is a mandatory requirement for all participating teams to display the tournament’s official logo on their kits, which includes the host nation’s name.

Later, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia later clarified that the team India will adhere to the guidelines of the ICC and will imprint the host’s name on their jersey.

Consequently, the newly-revealed jersey of India for the Champions Trophy 2025 featured ‘Pakistan’ with the logo on the right side.

 

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It’s worth noting that Team India will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on 20 February against Bangladesh.

They will then face arch-rivals and hosts Pakistan in the much-awaited Champions Trophy clash on 23 February. Meanwhile, their final group stage match is scheduled against New Zealand on 2 March.

India Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

READ: Ahmed Shehzad questions Babar Azam’s promotion as an opener

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has expressed confidence in his fitness ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on Wednesday in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Rauf returned to a practice session days after suffering an injury scare during the recently concluded tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa.

While talking to the media on the sidelines of the practice session, Rauf appeared confident about his fitness, stating that the team management would decide whether he would play against New Zealand in the tournament opener.

“I am feeling better than before. I have practiced for two days and bowled today,” said the pacer.

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“Personally, I am satisfied with my fitness and not feeling any pain, but the final decision rests with management whether I will play against New Zealand or not,” remarked Rauf.

The fast bowler reflected on Pakistan’s bowling unit and the strategy of playing with three fast bowlers and one front-line spinner.

“Our bowling unit is not limited to only one spinner. We also have Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman, who play a part in the match as spinners depending on the conditions,” explained the speedster.

For the unversed, the pacer sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during their opening game of the tri-series against New Zealand.

Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called up left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed to replace Haris Rauf in the tri-nation ODI series.

“The replacement is only for the tri-nation ODI series, as Haris Rauf is expected to be fully fit and available for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” a PCB spokesperson said at the time of the announcement.

The Pakistan pacer seemed to have recovered from his injury as he bowled in the team’s practice session in Karachi.

The right-arm quick sprinted during the practice session and bowled alongside pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain.

READ: WATCH: Bangladesh’s jersey for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 revealed

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has officially revealed the team’s jersey for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19.

The cricket board revealed the new jersey through a video on their social media platforms on Sunday, featuring Bangladesh’s star cricketers, adding to the excitement as the tournament draws closer.

Staying true to tradition, the iconic green remains the jersey’s dominant colour, but it’s the bold splash of red that steals the spotlight this time.

The striking red accents on the collar, sleeves, and chest give the jersey an energetic and fierce look, perfectly embodying the aggressive cricketing spirit of Bangladesh.

 

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What truly stands out is the flame-like red design at the bottom, inspired by the stripes of the Royal Bengal Tiger – a fitting symbol of the team’s fearless attitude.

Adding a touch of elegance are the gold embellishments on the shoulders, enhancing the overall appeal of the jersey. The back of the jersey also features golden accents that shine from every angle, giving the kit a regal finish.

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On the front, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 emblem and Pakistan’s name are displayed on the right side, while the left proudly showcases the BCB logo with the iconic Bengal Tiger symbol.

It’s worth mentioning that Bangladesh will kick off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on 20 February against India in Dubai.

Following that, they will travel to Rawalpindi where they are scheduled to face New Zealand and Pakistan on 24 and 27 February respectively.

Bangladesh Champions Trophy squad

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

READ: Three matches to watch at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on Wednesday with the world’s top eight teams competing in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the prestigious title.

AFP Sport looks at three highly anticipated matches in the group phase of the 50-over tournament:

Australia v England

The Ashes rivals Australia and England are set to clash in Lahore on Saturday. World Cup holders Australia have had the upper hand against their old foes in recent ODI matches and won their previous series 3-2 last year.

But both come into the Champions Trophy 2025 with question marks hanging over them.

Australia are without their “Big Three” pacemen — Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip) and Mitchell Starc, who has opted out for personal reasons.

Add in the absences of all-rounders Mitchell Marsh (back) and Marcus Stoinis (retired), and half of their regular team is missing.

The depleted side suffered a heavy 2-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka on the eve of the tournament.

England, with Test coach Brendon McCullum now in charge, did no better and were whitewashed 3-0 in India. Since winning the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, England have struggled in white-ball cricket.

India v Pakistan

TV ratings rocket with millions tuning in to watch the arch-rivals Pakistan and India any time they battle it out, owing to the deep rivalry between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

The two teams will meet on Sunday in Dubai. The tickets for the clash were sold out minutes after going on sale as more than 150,000 fans queued online to grab a seat in the 25,000-capacity stadium.

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India refused to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, forcing the latter to agree to partially relinquish hosting rights to Dubai after a long stand-off.

On the pitch, India are favourites to win the tournament for a third time, in what is expected to be the international swansong for Rohit Sharma. However, Pakistan are the defending champions and are known for their unpredictability.

Afghanistan v England

More than 160 British politicians called for England to boycott the match in Lahore on February 26 over the erosion of women’s rights by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan.

Skipper Jos Buttler rejected the idea, saying: “I don’t think a boycott is the way to go about it.” Barring a shock last-minute about-face, the game will go ahead.

After being well beaten in India last week, Buttler insisted that England can be “dangerous” at the Champions Trophy, even if recent evidence suggests otherwise.

Afghanistan have become a rising force in white-ball cricket in recent years, rising to eighth in the ODI world rankings, one place below England.

The Afghans beat Australia on the way to a historic semi-final place at last year’s T20 World Cup, before losing to South Africa.

READ: Five potential breakout stars to watch at the Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is set to make its comeback after an eight-year break on February 19 with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser at Karachi’s newly renovated National Bank Stadium.

AFP Sport highlights five less heralded players looking to make a name for themselves at the 50-over tournament:

Varun Chakravarthy (India)

A late entry into the Indian squad for the tournament, wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy adds value to the bowling line-up on expected slow pitches in Dubai.

The 33-year-old only made his ODI debut in this month’s England series after claiming 14 wickets in India’s 4-1 T20 triumph.

He has been a standout in the Indian Premier League 20-over tournament and played a key role with 21 wickets in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title triumph last year.

Chakravarthy is part of a formidable Indian spin attack, and coach Gautam Gambhir said he could offer the “X-factor”.

Tayyab Tahir (Pakistan)

Middle-order batsman Tayyab Tahir was a breakout star for Pakistan in the 2023 Emerging Teams Asia Cup when his sparkling century led the team to victory in the final against arch-rivals India.

Tahir, 31, enjoyed a good run in the domestic circuit and a few T20 outings for Pakistan before making his ODI debut last year.

His scores in white-ball internationals have been moderate, with his highest 39 not out in a T20 game.

But Tayyab Tahir has had praise from pundits, with fast bowling great Wasim Akram calling him a “very exciting talent” after his batting blitz in the Pakistan Super League.

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Tom Banton (England)

Somerset batsman Tom Banton joined England in India for the final ODI of this month’s series and showed glimpses of his talent in a 38-run knock for a losing cause.

The 26-year-old, who took guard at number three in Ahmedabad, came in as cover for injured Jacob Bethell and replaced him in England’s Champions Trophy squad.

Playing his seventh ODI and his first since August 2020, Banton took on the Indian spinners and made a six off Washington Sundar with a spectacular switch hit over backward point.

Banton has been in top form in T20 franchise cricket and is the leading batter in the United Arab Emirates’ premier competition, amassing 493 runs including two centuries from 11 innings.

Aaron Hardie (Australia)

Seam-bowling all-rounder Aaron Hardie, 26, gets his chance after the sudden retirement of Marcus Stoinis ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Hardie, a right-arm pacer and powerful batter, rattled Sri Lanka with figures of 2-13 and then made 32 with the bat before Australia went down in Colombo last week.

He turned heads in 2018 when he dismissed Indian top guns Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a tour game for Cricket Australia XI and hit 86 with the bat.

Hardie made his white-ball debut for Australia in 2023 but is still awaiting a performance that cements his place in the team.

Will O’Rourke (New Zealand)

Standing an imposing six feet, four inches (1.93 meters), the fast bowler has impressed in his nine ODI matches and is set to play in his first ICC tournament.

The 23-year-old O’Rourke made his ODI debut in 2023 but it was his opening Test at home last year that got him attention after he claimed a match haul of nine wickets against South Africa.

He recently played a starring role with figures of 4-43 for the Black Caps in their win over Pakistan in the tri-series final in Karachi — the venue for the Champions Trophy opener between the same two teams.

With tearaway quick Ben Sears ruled out and Lockie Ferguson recovering from a hamstring injury, New Zealand will depend on O’Rourke and senior quick Matt Henry to fire.

READ: Former Indian cricketer raises doubt over Babar Azam’s status as top Pakistani batter

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has raised doubts over Pakistan star batter Babar Azam and his status as the country’s best batter heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar, who has been Pakistan’s mainstay at the number three position, was promoted to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series.

However, his performance in this new role has been disappointing, as he returned with scores of 10, 23, and 29, sparking discussions about the decision to move him to the opening spot.

Harbhajan Singh, in a video on his YouTube channel, criticised Pakistan’s batting line-up, highlighting their recent forms. He took a dig at Babar while mentioning his below-par average against India.

“Their star batter is Babar Azam. His average against India is 31. If you are a top batter, I believe you should have an average close to 50, which he doesn’t have,” he stated.

The former Indian spinner lavished praise on Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, noting his remarkable positivity and free-spirited style of play.

However, he pointed out Rizwan’s struggle against India, revealing that his average dips to 25 in encounters with the arch-rivals.

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“Then, there is Rizwan. I like him as a player. He is a man with a positive attitude and plays freely. But his average against India is 25,” he added.

He then turned his attention to Fakhar Zaman, the sole full-time opener for Pakistan, emphasizing his formidable batting prowess.

“Fakhar Zaman, their only full-time opener, has an average of 46. It’s a good average. Fakhar can take the game away from India,” the former spinner said.

Harbhajan Singh then assessed the rest of Pakistan’s batting lineup, highlighting their averages against India, suggesting that, despite some talent, none of them appeared to pose a significant threat.

“Right now, if we look at Faheem Ashraf, his average is 12.5. I don’t think he can pose a threat to the opposing team,” he further added.

“And Saud Shakeel’s average against India is 6. So, with such averages, when I look at the batting lineup, I don’t have the confidence that this team will win.”

READ: Champions Trophy: Harbhajan Singh issues bold statement about Pakistan-India clash

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has made a bold statement about the result of his country’s upcoming match against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

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 high-octane clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Harbhajan Singh predicted India to win single-handedly while calling it an ‘overhyped’ match. The former spinner asserted that India is a much stronger team.

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“India and Pakistan. You heard it right, this is an overhyped match. Because there is nothing in it,” he said. “India is a very strong team, while Pakistan is an inconsistent team as they recently lost to New Zealand at home.”

“Pakistan’s team seems to be a little weak. Because apart from Babar and Rizwan, there is no other batsman in that team. If you look at their team in bowling they are not in form.”

Harbhajan also expressed confidence in India’s squad, while predicting that this team can win the Champions Trophy 2025.

“In the match between India and Pakistan, Pakistan is far behind, and India looks like a team that can win this Champions Trophy,” he stated.

Squads for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

READ: Mohammad Amir casts doubts over Haris Rauf’s Champions Trophy participation