Tag: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The tickets for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India were reportedly sold out within minutes after online sales for the Dubai-leg matches went live.

The overwhelming demand for Pakistan-India match tickets saw around 140,000 cricket fans rush to the ticketing website in an attempt to secure their seats for the blockbuster encounter.

The much-awaited match of the tournament is set to take place at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Ticket prices for the much-awaited fixture started at AED 500, soaring up to a staggering AED 12,500. For the remaining three matches scheduled in Dubai, the lowest ticket price was AED 125.

The Champions Trophy clash between Pakistan and India reportedly generated AED 45.6 million (approximately Rs 3.4 billion) in ticket sales, with the stadium’s 25,000-seat capacity being filled in record time.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, the tickets for all Dubai-hosted matches of the Champions Trophy 2025 were completely sold out, amassing a total of AED 88.5 million.

Back in Pakistan, where the remaining 10 matches of the tournament will be staged, the response was just as overwhelming.

Fans flocked to designated ticketing centres in large numbers, eager to grab seats for their preferred fixtures in what promises to be one of the biggest cricketing events on home soil.

The thrilling two-week competition will see the world’s top eight teams put it all on the line in 15 intense matches across 19 days, with every match counting in the pursuit of the iconic white jackets.

READ: Sri Lanka star batter announces retirement amid Australia Test series

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has commented on the prospect of star batter Babar Azam playing as an opener alongside Fakhar Zaman during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar, who bats number three for Pakistan, has been asked to fulfil the role of opener in the absence of injured Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury, sustained during the tour of South Africa.

The PCB management wants Babar to take up the role just like Sachin Tendulkar, who started his career as a middle-order batter in 1989, however, he was later promoted to open the innings and spent most of his career at the top of the order.

Basit Ali, in a video on his official YouTube channel, backed the idea to promote Babar, suggesting that the star batter will not be under pressure to perform as an opener.

“Babar’s place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy,” he stated.

“I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn’t perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

According to the sources, head coach Aqib Javed, batting coach Shahid Aslam and captain Mohammad Rizwan convinced Babar Azam to bat as an opener for Pakistan.

The team management believes that Babar can play the same role that Sachin played for the Indian cricket team after becoming an opener.

It is noteworthy that Babar has opened the batting for Pakistan in just two ODIs which was way back in 2015.

After that, he has been the mainstay for the national team at the number three position. However, he has been a regular opener for Pakistan in T20Is for more than two years.

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), 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.

READ: Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium set for revival after 19 years

BENGALURU: Indian pace stalwart Jasprit Bumrah is set to undergo scans and assessment under the BCCI medical team supervision amid an injury scare ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The right-arm pacer arrived at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Monday to undergo scans on his injured back ahead of the multi-nation tournament.

According to the reports, Bumrah will remain at NCA for at least two to three days as part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team’s evaluation of the severity of his injury.

After the team’s observations, the medical panel will submit their reports to the Indian team selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar.

The 33-year-old fast bowler who picked a back injury in the final test down under in their recent five-match away series, is part of India’s squad for the Champions Trophy.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Last month, the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar while announcing the squad, revealed that Jasprit Bumrah will not play in the first two ODIs in a three-match home series against England.

“Bumrah has been told to off-load for five weeks after and he won’t be available for the first two ODIs against England. We are waiting on his fitness and will know his status in early February from the medical team,” said Agarkar in a press conference.

“We’ll probably find out a bit more around that time, what exactly, and with regards to what his medical condition is, I’m sure BCCI might just put something out, from the physio itself,” Agarkar concluded.

According to the Times of India, the final decision on Bumrah’s participation in the mega event will be taken after his injury assessment but if he fails to recover on time, he is likely to be replaced by all-rounder Harshit Rana

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.

READ: Champions Trophy 2025: compete list of announced team squads

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to promote star batter Babar Azam as an opener in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, taking inspiration from a former legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar.

According to reliable sources, Babar, who bats number three for Pakistan, has been asked to fulfil the role of opener in the absence of injured Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury, sustained during the tour of South Africa.

The PCB management wants Babar to take up the role just like Sachin Tendulkar, who started his career as a middle-order batter in 1989, however, he was later promoted to open the innings and spent most of his career at the top of the order.

This role proved to be a turning point in Tendulkar’s career who scored 82 off 49 balls in his first match as an opener. Overall, in 344 matches as an opening batter, he scored 15,310 runs at 48.29 and made 45 ODI hundreds.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

According to the sources, head coach Aqib Javed, batting coach Shahid Aslam and captain Mohammad Rizwan convinced Babar to bat as an opener for Pakistan.

The team management believes that Babar can play the same role that Sachin played for the Indian cricket team after becoming an opener.

It is noteworthy that Babar has opened the batting for Pakistan in just two ODIs which was way back in 2015.

After that, he has been the mainstay for the national team at the number three position. However, he has been a regular opener for Pakistan in T20Is for more than two years.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), 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.

READ: Imam-ul-Haq breaks silence on Champions Trophy 2025 snub

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has downplayed the hype around the high-octane clash against arch-rivals Pakistan during the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The neighbouring countries will square off on Sunday, February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Gautam Gambhir discussed the emotional significance of the India-Pakistan match while emphasizing that it is still just another game as their primary objective is to win the Champions Trophy.

“Look, we don’t go to the Champions Trophy [2025] thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important,” Gautam Gambhir said during the annual BCCI awards.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not only win one particular game. But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the title, we’re going to try and take it as seriously as possible.”

“And more importantly, I think when two countries, India and Pakistan, play against each other, obviously the emotions are really high, but ultimately the contest remains the same.”

Gambhir emphasized the fierce competition in the eight-team tournament, stating that the format leaves little margin for error, making every match crucial for a title challenge.

“Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a make-or-break, so you can’t stop anywhere in this tournament,” Gambhir noted.

READ: Wasim Akram questions Faheem Ashraf’s selection in Pakistan squad

Former Pakistan captain and bowling great Wasim Akram opened up on the selection of the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, expressing grievance over the selection of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah.

Pakistan announced their squad for the tri-nation series and the upcoming eight-team tournament on January 31.

While talking on the sidelines of the International League T20 (ILT20), Wasim Akram did not seem pleased with the selection of Faheem and Khushdil.

“I haven’t thought about the team announcement yet. But a couple of things that I have thought about. For instance, Faheem Ashraf is in the team. I wish him all the best.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“He is a talented cricketer. But in the last 20 matches, his bowling average is 100 and he averages nine with the bat. He came out of the blue and Khushdil also came out of the blue,” the Sultan of Swing said.

Wasim Akram also shed light on Pakistan’s decision to select only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, for the much anticipated mega event.

“We are taking one spinner, a proper spinner especially knowing the conditions here in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I think India has three to four spinners in their squad.

“There is a reason behind that they have selected this. Anyway, the team has been selected. I wish the Pakistan team all the best,” he remarked.

The former captain expressed his delight over the return of Fakhar Zaman, while suggesting who should open with Fakhar in the absence of injured Saim Ayub.

“And now there will be a problem of opening as well. Fakhar Zaman has been picked, thank God he is back in the squad. He is one of the main players in world cricket in white ball,” he added.

“I would like to see Mohammad Rizwan as a middle-order batter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while I will be backing Babar Azam as an opener.

“His technique is great, If Babar plays 50 overs, he will score 100 or more than that, and with that, the entire team’s batting will score around him. This is my thought.”

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), 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.

READ: Imam-ul-Haq breaks silence on Champions Trophy 2025 snub

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday revealed that the tickets for the Dubai leg of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will go on sale from 3 February (today).

“Get ready to secure your seats for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 as tickets for India’s three group-stage matches and the first semi-final, scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE, will be available for purchase starting Monday, 3 February, at 16:00 hours GST.,” the ICC stated in a press release.

“Fans can buy tickets online for the matches to be held at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium with general stand prices starting from AED 125.

“Ticket Sales for the 10 matches scheduled in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, have already gone on general sale on Tuesday.

“Additionally, for those preferring physical tickets, they will be available from Monday, 3 February, at 16:00 Pakistan Standard Time (PST) across 108 TCS centres in 26 cities nationwide.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Tickets for the much-anticipated Final, set to take place on Sunday, 9 March, will be released following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.”

The eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 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 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

READ: Imam-ul-Haq breaks silence on Champions Trophy 2025 snub

Pakistan top-order batter Imam-ul-Haq has reacted after not being included in the national team’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on 19 February.

The name of Imam was being discussed in the media as a potential inclusion to Pakistan’s squad following the ankle injury of young opening batter Saim Ayub during the tour of South Africa.

However, the selectors chose to include Fakhar Zaman as the sole specialist opener in the Champions Trophy squad. Fakhar will be joined by either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, who are middle-order batters, at the top of the batting order.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

After the squad announcement, Imam-ul-Haq took to his official Instagram account to express his disappointment, hoping that his journey is not over and that he will continue to work hard.

“Not the outcome I expected, but the journey isn’t over. This is how life is—it’s all about growth and getting stronger with every hurdle. Patience and trust in Allah is the key!” he wrote.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Imam Ul Haq (@imamulhaqofficial)

Imam played his last of 72 ODIs against South Africa during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He has scored 3,138 runs at an impressive average of 48.27, featuring nine centuries and 20 half-centuries.

Meanwhile, his last international match was the Boxing Day Test against Australia in December 2023 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), 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.

READ: Ricky Ponting, Ravi Shastri predict Champions Trophy 2025 finalists

Former Australian and Indian great players Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri predicted the two former champion teams as the finalists of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan. 

Ponting and Shastri made bold predictions about two teams reaching the finals due to their recent performances in major tournaments.

The duo made these predictions in a bumper episode of The ICC Review while speaking to the host Sanjana Ganesan.

While sharing his views in the episode Ricky Ponting predicted Australia and India to play in the big final.

”It’s hard to go past India and Australia again,” Ponting told The ICC Review.

“Just think about the quality of players in both countries right now, and you look back in recent history when these big finals and big ICC events have come around and inevitably Australia and India are there somewhere” said the Australian legend.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Ponting also named Pakistan as another team that could pose a significant challenge to the two teams.

“The other team that is playing some really good cricket at the moment is Pakistan, Their one-day cricket over the last little bit has been outstanding.”

“We know they’re not always the most predictable team in those big tournaments, but they seem like they’ve sorted things out a little bit” Ponting concluded.

Moreover, along with tipping the Indian team to go all the way in the tournament, Former India head coach Ravi Shastri predicted England and South Africa as the other semi-finalists of the mega event.

The eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 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 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

 READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Physical tickets to go on sale from 3 February

Dubai: The physical tickets for the much anticipated eight-team tournament ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will go on sale from Monday, 3 February.

Following this week’s sale of online tickets, physical tickets will be available to fans at the 108 Tranzum Courier Service (TCS) centres located in 26 cities across event-hosting Pakistan.

Meanwhile, ticket information for India matches to be played in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 20 and 23 February and 2 March, will be released in due course.

The tickets for the Champions Trophy Final to be played on Sunday, 9 March – will be available for purchase following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, 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 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: Tickets for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to go on sale from THIS date