Tag: ICC Champions Trophy

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali predicted the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finalists here on Wednesday.

While addressing the media in Punjab’s capital, he named India, New Zealand, and Australia as semi-finalists alongside hosts and defending champions Pakistan.

The right-arm pacer addressed the criticism surrounding the Men in Green’s squad for the mega event and backed the team for the Champions Trophy, stating that the players should be supported.

“I believe this is the best squad for the Champions Trophy. We should support the players, and there should not be any ifs and buts,” said Hasan.

The 30-year-bowler, pivotal in Pakistan’s Champions 2017 triumph, also recalled the title-winning campaign.

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“The memories of the 2017 Champions Trophy are still fresh; it was a phenomenal achievement for all of us young players. We could never forget the winning moment,” said Hasan.

Hasan Ali also called the event being held in the country is a breath of fresh air for Pakistan.

“It is a welcome development that the Champions Trophy is now being held in Pakistan,” remarked the fast bowler.

“It was essential for the young talent to have the event here. I hope the Pakistan team will do well in the Champions Trophy 2025,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Hasan Ali was named the Player of the Tournament in the 2017 Champions Trophy for his outstanding bowling performance.

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: Heinrich Klaasen leads attack to help South Africa post 352-5

In a significant blow to India, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the  ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury.

The right-arm pacer sustained a lower back injury during the final Test against Australia in Sydney last month.

According to a statement issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the selection committee named pacer Harshit Rana as Bumrah’s replacement.

According to Cricinfo, Bumrah’s most recent scans, which he had over the weekend in Bengaluru, did not show anything concerning.

The report further stated that the timeline of his return has not been confirmed. He will likely resume running in a couple of weeks and then bowl gradually after that. The BCCI’s medical team in Bengaluru will monitor his progress.

Furthermore, India has also named mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy in the squad. The spinner will replace Yashasvi Jaiswal, initially named in the provisional squad.

Rana, who made his Test debut down under, has been sensational in the past few months. He played a vital role by taking crucial wickets in team India’s victory over England in the five-match T20I series.

He also made a notable contribution to the first One Day International, bagging 3-53 at an important stage of the match.

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For the unversed, Bumrah arrived at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on 3 February to have his injured back scanned.

Last month, the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, revealed that Jasprit Bumrah would miss the first two ODIs of the home series against England while announcing the squad.

This is the second ICC tournament Bumrah will miss due to injury. He sat out the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia due to a back injury, eventually forcing him to have surgery.

It is pertinent to mention that the ICC had set February 11 as the deadline for all participating teams to submit their final squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

From now on, any subsequent changes to the team will need approval from the tournament’s technical committee.

India’s squad for the Champions Trophy

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

Non-travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube

READ: Akif Javed replaces injured Haris Rauf in Pakistan’s squad for tri-series

KARACHI: Pakistan’s fast bowler, Naseem Shah, on Monday shed light on the national team’s preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the crucial match against South Africa in the ongoing tri-nation series.

Shah, while addressing the media ahead of the must-win encounter against South Africa at the rebuilt National Bank Stadium, admitted that the Men in Green did not perform according to the expectations in the series opener against New Zealand.

However, he expressed confidence in the bowling unit’s ability to make a comeback in the upcoming clash.

“Look, after just one match, you can’t think negatively as a fast bowler. In the last two series, our fast bowlers performed exceptionally well in Australia and South Africa,” said Shah.

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”Here, the conditions are not suitable for fast bowlers. The role of spinners is very important in these conditions,” the pacer remarked.

Speaking about his recent performances, Naseem Shah admitted that he had not been at his best in last few matches.

“To be honest, I am not performing the way I expect from myself,” he added.

While sharing his views on the much-anticipated match between Pakistan and India, Naseem Shah said that the team had not discussed it much yet.

Naseem Shah emphasised that Pakistan has the potential to bounce back despite the disappointing result in Lahore

“Our team has the potential to bounce back and play good cricket,” the fast bowler concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that, New Zealand achieved a convincing victory against Pakistan by 78 runs in the first match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Batting first, Phillips scored a fiery unbeaten ton after Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s fifties to power New Zealand to 330 over the loss of six wickets.

Chasing 331, Pakistan got off to a promising start with the new opening pair of Fakhar and Babar Azam putting together a brisk 52-run stand.

Fakhar Zaman was the only silver lining for Pakistan as they crumbled in chase, and were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series and 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: PCB provides update on Haris Rauf’s injury ahead of Champions Trophy

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided an update on the injury of pacer Haris Rauf ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Doubts were raised about the right-arm fast bowler’s availability for the upcoming eight-nation tournament starting on 19 February.

The pacer faced fitness issues during the tri-nation series opener against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 8 February.

Haris Rauf left the field during the 36th over of the match after bowling 6.2 overs due to fitness concerns.

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The PCB has now shared an update on Haris Rauf injury and his availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

According to the board, the right-arm pacer suffered a muscular sprain in the lower chest during the game and will be rested for Pakistan’s game against South Africa in the tri-nation series.

“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,” said the PCB 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,” PCB concluded.

The PCB medical board has decided to rest the Pakistan pacer for the February 12 game against South Africa as a precautionary measure and part of his ongoing rehabilitation.

It is pertinent to note here that New Zealand achieved a convincing victory against Pakistan by 78 runs in the first match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Batting first, Glenn Phillips scored a fiery unbeaten ton after Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s fifties to power New Zealand to 330 over the loss of six wickets.

Chasing 331, Pakistan got off to a promising start with the new opening pair of Fakhar and Babar Azam putting together a brisk 52-run stand.

However, Fakhar Zaman was the only silver lining for Pakistan as they crumbled in chase, and were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series and 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: Tri-nation series: Matthew Breetzke’s debut ton sets New Zealand 305 to win

South Africa have named all-rounder Corbin Bosch as a replacement for Anrich Nortje in the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Nortje was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a back injury last year and young talent Gerald Coetzee was being considered to replace him in the squad.

However, the side dealt with another blow as their premier all-rounder Coetzee was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring niggle suffered during the SA20 tournament.

Now, all-rounder Corbin Bosch has been added to the South Africa squad for the marquee event, set to begin on February 19.

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The 30-year-old pacer made his international debut in December last year against Pakistan and has played just one ODI and a Test in his brief international career.

Apart from Corbin Bosch’s replacement, the Proteas have also added Kwena Maphaka as a travelling reserve in the squad for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy 2025.

The above-mentioned duo along with batter Tony de Zorzi will depart for Pakistan today to join the South Africa squad for the remainder of the single-league tournament.

South Africa will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan on Friday 21 February at National Bank Stadium Karachi.

South Africa’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Temba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch , 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

South Africa squad for tri-nation series:

Temba Bavuma (c), Eathan Bosch, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Lungi Ngidi, Meeka-eel Prince, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jason Smith and Kyle Verreynne.

READ: Pakistan team reaches Karachi for tri-nation series clash against South Africa

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the national team’s official jersey for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in a grand ceremony at the newly-renovated Gaddafi Stadium here on February 7.

Pakistan’s jersey for the upcoming mega event was unveiled in a star-studded opening ceremony. The kit was revealed by the Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the highly anticipated event during the glittering ceremony.

The PCB uploaded the Pakistan jersey on its social media handles, showcasing the new design ahead of the upcoming series.

“Wear with 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 and support your stars,” wrote PCB on X (formerly Twitter).

 

The PCB also released a minute-long promo to unveil Jersey, starring Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman alongside women cricketers Sadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana.

Earlier Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime minister of Pakistan inaugurated the newly rebuilt Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz said that it was a happy day for everyone that the stadium’s reconstruction was completed with “such grandeur”.

He further stated that he had faith in the Pakistan team to win the tournament.

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“We all are praying for you. We are all waiting for the moment when you will defeat India, Babar Azam and Rizwan, we have lots of expectations from you,” the premier said.

Gaddafi Stadium, now fully revamped, will be in the spotlight during the tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, hosting matches on February 8 and 10.

The venue is also set to play a major role in the Champions Trophy, with at least four matches, including the second semi-final on March 5.

Additionally, if India does not qualify for the final, Gaddafi Stadium is likely to host the title clash on March 9.

It’s worth noting that 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.

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series, Champions Trophy 2025:

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

READ: WATCH: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 official song ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’ released

LAHORE: Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime minister of Pakistan on Friday inaugurated the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium ahead of the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The premier inaugurated the stadium with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and other officials beside him.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz said that it was a happy day for everyone that the stadium’s reconstruction was completed with “such grandeur”.

He further stated that he had faith in the Pakistan team to win the tournament.

“We all are praying for you. We are all waiting for the moment when you will defeat India, Babar Azam and Rizwan, we have lots of expectations from you,” the premier said.

Earlier today, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi inspected the arrangements for the grand opening ceremony and directed officials to ensure a spectacular event befitting the newly revamped Gaddafi Stadium.

He returned to the country early in the morning and, without taking a break, headed straight to Gaddafi Stadium to oversee the preparation for the opening ceremony.

“This event should reflect the grandeur of the new Gaddafi Stadium,” Naqvi emphasized.

He credited the entire team for completing the stadium’s reconstruction in record time, calling it a proud moment for Pakistan.

“The newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium stands as one of the most beautiful and world-class cricket venues, completed in record time,” he stated. “I am thankful to Allah for fulfilling the promise made to the nation.”

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Mohsin Naqvi assured that both cricket fans and players would enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities provided in the stadium.

He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the workers, FWO, NESPAK, contractors, and PCB officials for their dedication and efforts in bringing this vision to life.

The cricket board revealed on Thursday that the opening ceremony will take place on 7 February ahead of the first match at the newly renovated venue.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to welcome cricket fans with a spectacular opening ceremony on 7 February, ahead of the Pakistan versus New Zealand match on 8 February,” the PCB stated in a press release.

“Fans can look forward to a series of colourful events, including live singing, stunning fireworks and a unique light show.

“Renowned singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar and Aima Baig will grace the stage with electrifying performances, followed by a dazzling drum and firework display.

“The opening ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, will be free for the public from 5.30 pm, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.”

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series, Champions Trophy 2025:

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

READ: ‘King Karlega’: Rizwan Backs Babar Azam as Opener for Champions Trophy

LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has backed star batter Babar Azam as an opener for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, saying that ‘King Karlega’, a phrase originally coined by fast bowler Hasan Ali.

Pakistan will begin their campaign in the much-anticipated Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.

While talking to the media ahead of the tri-nation series, Mohammad Rizwan backed Babar Azam as an opener alongside Fakhar Zaman for the eight-team tournament by referencing Hasan Ali’s famous words.

“As Hasan Ali said, ‘King Karlega’-he will do it, Saim Ayub was exceptional, he performed well and his absence will be felt,” said Rizwan.

The white-ball captain reaffirmed the squad selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by stating that as of now there aren’t any changes needed.

“The squad of Champions Trophy is in front of everyone, as of now there are no planned changes to the team.”

He further said that the upcoming match against New Zealand will provide further clarity on the team’s combination and strategy.

Rizwan backed all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah by highlighting their batting performances over the past two years.

“Faheem has been averaging 46 in the last two years with the bat in List A cricket, Khushdil is in great form and there should be no doubts about his selection,” said Rizwan.

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For the unversed, Faheem last played for the Men in Green back in September 2023 while Khushdil’s last appearance for Pakistan in ODIs came in August 2022.

Rizwan also addressed the opening batter Fakhar Zaman’s recent health issues and labelled him a proven match-winner.

“Fakhar had no idea about his illness. It was only after medical tests that we identified the issue, he is a proven match-winner, and everyone knows his impact,” he explained.

Speaking about Gaddafi Stadium, Rizwan admitted that the venue felt new for the team, given the lack of recent matches there.

“Even for us, Gaddafi Stadium feels different now. We will assess the pitch conditions before making any decisions,” he remarked.

While shedding light on the team’s spin attack he downplayed injury concerns for spinners along with stressing that Abrar Ahmed would be supported by Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah.

“Even if a spinner gets injured, they can still manage to play since their injuries are usually minor,” said the white-ball captain.

Pakistan squad for tri-nation series, Champions Trophy 2025:

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

READ: Fakhar Zaman reveals Babar Azam’s batting position in Champions Trophy

LAHORE: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed defended the selection of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the national team’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday.

While addressing the media ahead of the Pakistan team’s second practice session, Aqib revealed the thought process behind the selection of the above-mentioned players.

Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, who had previously played in the ODI format in September 2023 and August 2022, made their comebacks to the national ODI team for the Champions Trophy.

The decision was questioned by former cricket players, and their unexpected selection sparked a social media outcry from fans.

“Criticism regarding Faheem Ashraf’s selection is their opinion, and we respect that. However, we believe in his potential and contribution to the team,” said Aqib.

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“Khushdil Shah’s batting technique is currently at its peak, his name was discussed before the visit to Australia.”

”He was added to the team because we needed an all-round player to cover for Saim Ayub, who could not be replaced by an opening batsman,” explained the head coach.

Discussing the team’s combination, Aqib confirmed that Pakistan usually fields only one specialist spinner in the playing XI unless an injury forces a change.

“If there’s an injury concern, we can immediately bring in a replacement, Saim’s injury posed challenges for the selection committee, and Abrar Ahmed’s presence limited opportunities for Sufiyan Muqeem, given the team’s strategy of using just one spinner,” he added.

Aqib Javed also revealed that while Aamir Jamal hasn’t played ODIs yet, he was considered for selection but didn’t make the final cut.

The head coach also shared his insights about the evolution of the game and the need to score 300 runs.

“Cricket has become faster over the past three to four years, and scoring 300 runs is now a routine achievement without needing to alter the batting approach significantly,” said Aqib.

He also shed light on the importance of scenario-based matches and practising on centre wicket.

“Playing on the centre wicket provides a more match-like environment, which is a common practice worldwide,” Aqib explained.

The head coach concluded by expressing enthusiasm for the Champions Trophy, noting that it will feature the world’s best teams, offering Pakistan a platform to prove their mettle on the global stage.

READ: ICC reveals match officials for Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his views about the high-octane match between Pakistan and India in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ali compared the team combinations of the two sides ahead of the eight-team tournament.

According to Basit Ali, India will have the upper hand in the match due to their players’ experience while Pakistan’s fragile middle order will be a concern.

“Most of our middle-order batters have not played for Pakistan in a long time. I think India have a 70 percent chance while Pakistan will have a 30 percent chance in the game, given India is a more experienced side,” he said.

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Additionally, Ali believes that the game between arch-rivals will be even in case Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli fail to regain form before the all-important Champions Trophy 2025 match.

“If Virat and Rohit are not in form, then the game will be even,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan and India have been placed in Group A alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh.

The Men in Green will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19, and India will play their first match against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.

The arch-rivals India and Pakistan will face off each other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.

Pakistan will play their third and final group match in Rawalpindi against Bangladesh on February 27.

READ: New Zealand squad arrives in Lahore for tri-nation ODI series