Tag: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

KARACHI: The Pakistan cricket team hit the ground running with an intense training session here on Sunday as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to begin on February 19.

The training session took place at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Center’s Oval Ground, where the players participated in an optional three-hour practice under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff.

Focused on sharpening their batting, bowling, and fitness, the players went through a series of drills designed to fine-tune their skills ahead of the mega event.

The session kicked off with warm-up exercises before Pakistan squad dived into specialized drills aimed at enhancing their match readiness.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Throughout the session, the coaching staff closely monitored the players’ performances, ensuring they stayed in top form.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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.

READ: Mohammad Yousuf picks THESE teams as favorites for Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has recently revealed his favorites for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February.

According to Yousuf, New Zealand and India are the most balanced teams in the tournament, with all bases covered in their squads.

“It’s tough to pick a favorite. It’s a big tournament, and momentum can shift at any time. For me, New Zealand looks like the most balanced side,” Yousuf said.

“They have a well-rounded squad suited for subcontinent conditions. Their lineup includes three quality fast bowlers, good spinners, and a solid top six in batting.

“Their wicketkeeper is an all-rounder, and they have two spin-bowling all-rounders as well. India also has a balanced squad.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He recognized that Pakistan would have the distinct advantage of playing on home soil in the Champions Trophy 2025. They can benefit from it if they approach the tournament with strategic intent, harnessing the energy of local support to elevate their performance.

“Pakistan has the edge because they are familiar with the conditions. However, they must play calculated cricket throughout the tournament,” he stated.

Mohammad Yousuf also shared a piece of important advice for the Pakistan team, emphasising the importance of rotating the strike and minimising dot balls.

“We have played on turning wickets recently, so we need to find the gaps against spinners, rotate the strike, and minimize dot balls,” he added.

“In the tri-series final against New Zealand, we struggled to dominate their spinners in the middle overs. With five fielders inside the 30-yard circle, there are always scoring opportunities.”

READ: Former cricketers pick highest run-scorer for Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has raised doubts over the fitness of fast bowler Haris Rauf, saying he might be unable to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

For the unversed, Haris Rauf left the field during the 36th over of the tri-nation series opener against New Zealand after bowling 6.2 overs due to a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region.

“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” PCB shared in a statement.

“The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February.”

However, in a recent interview, Mohammad Amir said that Haris could be ruled out for at least six months if sustained a side strain.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“If Haris Rauf has a side strain, he cannot recover fully before six weeks. If it’s just stiffness, then that’s different,” said Amir. “If it is a grade one or two side strain, no matter what, it will take six weeks, and then the rehab starts.”

The former Pakistan pacer also shared his experience of having the same injury a few years back.

“I got this injury during PSL a couple of years ago. If it is a side strain of grade one or two, then I don’t think he [Haris Rauf] can play the Champions Trophy,” he added.

Mohammad Amir also opined that it would be ‘foolish’ to risk unfit Haris Rauf’s career for the mega event.

“I think it will be foolish to risk his career for three matches of a tournament because he won’t be able to give his 100 per cent,” said Mohammad Amir.

READ: Australia cricket team arrives in Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

LAHORE: The Australia cricket team has arrived in Pakistan in two groups to participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to commence on 19 February.

The first group, featuring head coach, captain Steve Smith and support staff, reached Lahore from Colombo via Dubai.

Soon after, the second group, consisting of 15 players, including the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Matthew Short, and Adam Zampa, along with two additional staff members, also landed in Lahore.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

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.

Meanwhile, Australia will begin their campaign against arch-rivals England on February 22 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Their second match is scheduled for February 25 against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the Aussies will play their final group stage match against Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore.

Australia squad for Champions Trophy 2025

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.

READ: Shahid Afridi predicts leading wicket-taker for India-Pakistan Champions Trophy clash

The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, has arrived in Dubai for the highly-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting next week in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 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.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host Champions Trophy 2025 matches. 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 qualifies, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days. The three group matches will involve India, and the first semi-final will be played in Dubai.

In a video posted to social media with the phrase “Touchdown Dubai,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) showed Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and other team members getting off their tour van and checking into their hotel.

It is pertinent to mention that Team India is considered a strong contender for the trophy title. However, they have suffered a huge blow ahead of the Champions Trophy as their key fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been ruled out of the mega event due to injury.

Team India, which is considered the strong contender for the Champions Trophy, has suffered a huge blow ahead of the mega event as their ace fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been ruled out due to an injury.

India’s cricket team is grouped with its arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh.

The Men in Blue will start their campaign against Bangladesh on 20 February in Dubai, while the highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India will take place on 23 February.

Indian Team 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, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

READ: Former cricketers pick highest run-scorer for Champions Trophy

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday revealed that the additional tickets for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches scheduled in UAE will open today.

According to the ICC, additional tickets will be available for group-stage India matches and Semi-final 1 which are taking place in Dubai.

“Additional tickets for the three group-stage India matches and Semi-final 1 at the Champions Trophy 2025, which are taking place in Dubai, UAE, will go on sale today,” the ICC said in a press release.

Tickets will be available for India’s opening group match with Bangladesh on February 20, while there will also be tickets available for their games against arch-rival Pakistan (February 23) and New Zealand (March 2) at the eight-team tournament.

The mega event final tickets- to be played on Sunday 9 March will be available for purchase after the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Additionally, there will also be limited tickets available for semi-final 1 which will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 4.

For the unversed, the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 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 Champions Trophy 2025 matches. 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: Salman Ali Agha eyes Champions Trophy glory in hometown Lahore

Pakistan vice-captain Salman Ali Agha expressed his aim to win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and lift the coveted silverware in his hometown Lahore.

In the latest episode of the PCB Podcast, Salman opened up about his excitement, while stating that the tournament holds immense significance not just for him, but for the entire nation.

“I am excited for the Champions Trophy—Pakistan hosting an ICC event is special,” said Salman. “As a Lahore native, lifting the trophy in my hometown would be a dream come true. The Pakistan team has the potential to win.”

While the Pakistan-India clash remains the tournament’s most anticipated fixture, Salman made it clear that the ultimate goal is to bring the trophy home.

“The Pakistan-India match is the biggest, but winning the Champions Trophy is more important,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“If we beat India but don’t win the tournament, that win holds no value. However, if we lose to India but lift the trophy, that’s a bigger achievement. Our goal is to perform well and win.”

Speaking about his role as vice-captain, Salman Ali Agha admitted that while the added responsibility brings pressure, it also gives him the freedom to express himself on the field.

“I am really enjoying cricket and the new role given to me. Being vice-captain comes with responsibility but also a sense of freedom,” he stated.

“The victories in Australia and South Africa gave me a lot of confidence, and I always prepare thoroughly a day before the match.”

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19, followed by the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

READ: Steve Smith backs Jake Fraser-McGurk to perform in Champions Trophy

Australia captain Steve Smith has put his weight behind young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to commence on 19 February in Pakistan.

Fraser-McGurk is known for his explosive batting in domestic cricket, however, he has yet to replicate that in international cricket. So far, he has managed just 98 runs in seven ODIs at a dismal average of 14.

However, Smith has shown his faith in the young batter, highlighting his talent and ability to play big shots.

“Yeah, look, he’s obviously a very aggressive player,” Smith said after the series loss against Sri Lanka.

“He’s got all the shots around the ground, and I think it’s just about picking the right moments to play them.

“He hasn’t quite found his rhythm here, but he played a couple of nice shots, and we know the talent he possesses—that’s why he’s in this squad.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Steve Smith also shared his belief that the conditions in Pakistan could help Jake Fraser-McGurk regain confidence and play his natural game.

“He’s dangerous. I think the wickets in Pakistan potentially suit him, so yeah, I think he’s going to learn a lot just being around the group, continuing to work with all of us, as well as the coaches, and just talking about the game,” 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.

Australia will kick off their campaign against England in Lahore on 22 February, followed by the clash against South Africa on 25 February in Rawalpindi, while their last group match is scheduled against Afghanistan on 28 February in Lahore.

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

Australia squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

READ: Mohammad Amir opens up on Babar Azam’s promotion as opener

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner and all the participating teams have revealed their squads.

This tournament marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus and will kick off on February 19, with the host and defending champions, Pakistan, facing New Zealand in the opening match at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

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.

All Squads for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Group A

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

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

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.

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

Group B

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.

England: 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.

Australia: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.

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

READ: Mohammad Amir opens up on Babar Azam’s promotion as opener

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has opened up the decision to promote star batter Babar Azam to play as an opener ahead of 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.

Mohammad Amir, during a recent interview, expressed his disappointment with the decision, highlighting Babar’s ability to build the innings from the number three position.

“As I’ve said before, if I don’t get to bowl with the new ball, I can’t fully utilize my strength,” Amir stated.

“Similarly, Babar’s strength is at No. 3, where he knows how to construct an innings. The role of an opener in ODIs and Tests is completely different from T20s.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The left-arm pacer further acknowledged the importance of clearly defined batting roles in the longer formats, explaining how the mindset and approach differ between formats.

“An opener has to adapt in phases. In the first 10 overs, you need to take chances. The next 10 overs are about building a partnership,” he said.

“Babar is a top player, no doubt, but I believe No. 3 is where he belongs. When you’re struggling, you try different things, but sometimes it’s best to stick to what works.”

Previously, former cricketers Mohammad Hafeez and Basit Ali have also echoed similar sentiments, raising questions about changing Babar Azam’s batting position.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19, followed by the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

READ: Former cricketer slams decision to play Babar Azam as opener