Tag: ICC

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), rejected the possibility of adopting a hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 following India’s refusal to travel to the host country, ARY News reported on Tuesday citing sources.

The cricket board sent a letter to the ICC following directives from the country’s government to express its concerns. The PCB conveyed that the Pakistani government is determined to host the entire tournament.

Sources reported that the PCB has sought official clarification and concrete reasons for India’s refusal to tour Pakistan in a letter.

In its letter, the PCB clearly stated that hosting the Champions Trophy using a hybrid model is not an option, emphasizing that Pakistan will not compete against India at any alternate venue.

The upcoming ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in the February-March window in 2025, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain.

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Previously, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), that Team India will not be visiting Pakistan for the tournament citing security concerns.

However, on Sunday, sources confirmed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that the Indian government is not ready to allow their cricket team to travel to Pakistan.

In response, the PCB has been considering different options at the moment, with a possibility of them opting out of the tournament completely in case of a hybrid model, sources reported.

The cricket board is also considering refusing to play against India in all future tournaments if it does not send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

READ: ‘Pakistan should adopt Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup stance in Champions Trophy’

Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama has been banned from cricket for a year by the sport’s world governing body after he pleaded guilty to a corruption charge.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said the 26-year-old spinner, who has not been included in a national squad since June 2022, admitted breaching the body’s anti-corruption code.

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned Sri Lanka player Praveen Jayawickrama from all cricket for one year, of which six months are suspended, after he admitted breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code,” the apex cricketing body said in a statement on Wednesday night.

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” Jayawickrama admitted to being in breach of the following provision under the Code: Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing or delaying any investigation that may be carried out by the ACU, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code.

“As a result of the admission, Jayawickrama has accepted a sanction of a one-year period of ineligibility, of which the last six months are suspended.”

He was accused of failing to report an approach to fix a match during the Sri Lanka Premier League tournament in 2021, as well as future international matches. He was also accused of deleting messages on his phone relating to the approach.

Jayawickrama has played five international matches in each of the sport’s three formats since his international debut in April 2021 in a Test against Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka introduced tough laws in 2019 to fight corruption in sports, including match-fixing in cricket, the country’s most popular sport.

READ: Pakistan spinner Usman Qadir bids farewell to cricket career

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation met the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi and expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation is currently on a visit to Pakistan to inspect the venues and preparations for the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to be played in February-March 2025.

Mohsin Naqvi held a detailed discussion with the ICC delegation and assured world-class arrangements for the mega-event.

He also ensured that the stadiums would be upgraded in time for the tournament and that all teams would get full-proof security.

“It is an honor to host the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” said Mohsin Naqvi. “The arrangements are being finalized for the tournament.”

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“I ensure that players of all teams will enjoy the game of cricket in a peaceful and safe environment in Pakistan,” he added.

“After the upgrade, the stadiums will have international standard facilities and the fans will enjoy more cricket matches.”

The ICC delegation expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements for the Champions Trophy in Karachi and Rawalpindi.

The meeting was attended by ICC Senior Manager of Events Sara Edgar, Champions Trophy Event Lead Oun Mohammad Zaidi, General Manager Cricket Wasim Khan, PCB’s Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla, and Director Security Colonel Retired Khalid Mahmood.

READ: Latham, Williamson hit fifties as New Zealand take control of first Sri Lanka Test

The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday to review the arrangements for the upcoming Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The delegation reached Karachi last night and visited the National Stadium this morning, inspecting the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

After Karachi, the ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

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Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

However, Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation is set to visit Karachi’s National Stadium to review the arrangements for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

The six-member delegation will reach Karachi tonight and will visit the National Stadium tomorrow to inspect the ongoing construction work and preparation for the Champions Trophy.

The six-member delegation includes event organizers and security representatives, who will also meet representatives of law enforcement agencies in Karachi.

The ICC delegation will then travel to Islamabad and Lahore for the next phase of the inspection. They will prepare the complete report of venues and preparation after completing the visit.

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Geoff Allardice refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitation in participating in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

READ: Sharjah Cricket Stadium to host 250th ODI with Afghanistan-South Africa clash

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced a historic moment for Pakistan cricket as Saleema Imtiaz becomes the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires.

This prestigious nomination qualifies her to officiate in women’s bilateral international matches and ICC Women’s Events, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s cricketing history.

Saleema, who is the mother of Pakistan women’s international player Kainat Imtiaz, began her umpiring career with the PCB Women’s Umpires Panel in 2008.

Her extensive experience includes officiating in high-profile events under the Asian Cricket Council, such as the 2022 and 2024 ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup and the 2023 ACC Emerging Women’s Cup in Hong Kong.

Most recently, she was a member of the playing control team for the ACC Women’s Premier Cup 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.

Saleema’s rise to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires cements her status as a trailblazer in the sport.

Her first on-field appointment in a bilateral series will see her officiate the Pakistan-South Africa women’s T20I series in Multan, which begins on Monday.

She will be partnered by Faisal Aafreedi from the PCB International Panel of Umpires with Nasir Hussain as TV umpire, while Humairah Farah will serve as the fourth umpire and Muhammad Javed Malik from the PCB International Panel of Match Referees will oversee the series as match referee.

With her nomination to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, Saleema Imtiaz not only breaks barriers but also sets an inspiring precedent for the next generation of female cricket professionals.

Saleema, who will turn 53 on 18 December 2024, expressed her excitement about joining the ICC’s International Panel of Development Umpires.

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“I am beyond thrilled to join the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires. I owe immense gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board for the invaluable opportunities that paved the way for this achievement,” she stated.

“The journey has been filled with hard work and personal sacrifices, but now, standing at the cusp of this new chapter, it all feels worth it.

“This isn’t just a win for me – it’s a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan. I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport.

“This moment reflects the growing influence of women in cricket and the PCB’s commitment to fostering that development. I sincerely hope to see more women follow in my footsteps and embrace this beautiful game.

“Ever since Kainat made her debut for Pakistan in 2010, my own dream has been to represent my country at an international level.

“While I’ve had opportunities with the Asian Cricket Council, officiating at the highest level has always been the ultimate goal.

“I’m now focused on performing to the best of my abilities in both bilateral and ICC matches, and building my reputation as a reliable and respected match official.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also confirmed match officials for the 2024-25 cricket season following an annual appraisal process.

There is no change to the PCB Elite Panel of Match Referees, while, following feedback from the ICC, there is also no change in the ICC International Panel of Match Referees and Umpires.

Ahmed Shahab, Khalid Mehmood Sr., Rana Muhammad Arshad and Qaiser Waheed have been promoted to the PCB Elite Panel of Umpires from the PCB Supplementary Panel of Umpires. Qaiser will replace Shozab Raza, who will retire on 31 October.

The four umpires to be promoted from the development panel to the supplementary panel are Anser Mahmood (with effect from 1 November), Jamshid Iqbal, Naseer Ahmed and Zeeshan Arif.

READ: Former Pakistan captain advises Babar Azam to focus on performance

The Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice, has confirmed that the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played in Pakistan, as scheduled, dismissing any speculation about the event being relocated to a different country.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025  is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February to March, however, India’s participation in the tournament is uncertain as the BCCI seeks the government’s approval to visit the country.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Geoff Allardice refuted the reports, stating that no teams have indicated any hesitancy to participate in the tournament.

During a media briefing in Dubai for the Women’s T20 World Cup, Allardice expressed satisfaction about Pakistan as the venue for the tournament. He further highlighted the ICC’s confidence in Pakistan’s ability to host the Champions Trophy.

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Notably, Pakistan is upgrading three stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi for the Champions Trophy.

The PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently shared that the renovations of the stadiums will be completed before the commencement of the Champions Trophy.

“The basement of Gaddafi Stadium will be constructed by September 30. Each floor will be completed in a three-week period. The front building would consist of a steel structure. The main building of Gaddafi Stadium will be completed by December 31,” said Naqvi.

“Pindi Stadium will have to be completely demolished and rebuilt, the seats will be installed in the stadium before the Champions Trophy.

“The renovation at Karachi’s [National Stadium] will also be completed before the Champions Trophy,” he concluded.

READ: Stallions skipper Haris picks strongest opposition in Champions Cup

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, released a new economic report regarding the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, stating that the tournament generated a massive boost to the economy of India.

According to the report, the Indian economy received a hefty boost of USD1.39 billion (INR 11,637 Crores) by hosting the global event.

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Economic Impact Assessment, conducted by Nielsen revealed that the 10-team tournament held in October-November last year was the biggest edition of the ODI World Cup.

“The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has demonstrated the significant economic power of cricket, generating economic benefit of USD 1.39 billion for India,” ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice said in a statement.

The report further claimed that a record-breaking 1.25 million fans attended the World Cup 2023 out of which 75 per cent were attending a 50-over Men’s World Cup for the first time.

Out of the foreign spectators, 55 per cent had previously visited India but the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 resulted in a major hike as 19 per cent of spectators visited the country for the first time.

“The impact of tourism across the host cities amounted to USD 861.4 million of revenue generation, through accommodation, travel, transportation and food and beverage because of a massive influx of domestic and foreign tourists attending the matches,” read an ICC statement.

“The secondary and incremental spends within the economy was a key driver, generating USD 515.7 million, which was approximately 37 per cent of the total impact.

“International travellers visited multiple tourist destinations during their stay which amounted to an economic impact of USD281.2 million and nearly 68 per cent of international attendees said that they would recommend India as a tourist destination to friends and family in the future further enhancing India’s global image.”

Besides tourism, the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 also resulted in the creation of over 48,000 full and part-time jobs.

“The event created thousands of jobs and showcased India as a premier tourist destination, proving that ICC events not only engage fans passionately but also contribute significantly to the economies of our host nations,” Allardice said.

It is worth mentioning here that Australia outclassed unbeaten India in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad to lift their sixth ODI World Cup title.

READ: Pakistan, India players may team-up in potential Afro-Asia Cup revival

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressed optimism about the possibility of India visiting Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 after the election of Jay Shah as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in the February-March window, will be hosted by Pakistan. However, India’s participation in the tournament is still uncertain due to the political tensions between the neighbouring countries.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) representatives, on numerous occasions, said the Federal government will decide to send their national men’s team to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, on 27 August, Jay Shah, who was serving as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, was elected unopposed as the ICC Chairman.

During a discussion on his YouTube channel, Rashid Latif mentioned that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chose not to challenge Shah’s election, which seems like a deliberate strategy to ensure India’s visit to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

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“PCB has not opposed Shah’s appointment for a reason. I think there’s an understanding. If India’s team comes, it will be because of Jay Shah’s efforts, along with support from their government,” Rashid said.

“Approval has already been halfway granted. India is coming to Pakistan,” the former captain predicted.

Remember, reports emerged in Indian media, citing a source from the BCCI, that the Indian team will not be visiting Pakistan for the upcoming ICC event.

Further reports claimed that the board has formally proposed Dubai and Sri Lanka as potential venues for hosting India’s matches.

Previously, India refused to travel to Pakistan to participate in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2023. As a result, the continental event was held in a hybrid model with Sri Lanka stepping in as a co-host.

It is worth noting that India has not travelled to Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008 due to the long-standing political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

READ: Abrar Ahmed joins Pakistan squad for second Bangladesh Test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the Independent International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman, the apex cricketing body confirmed Tuesday.

According to a statement released by the ICC, Shah will assume the role on December 1, 2024.

“Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah, who has served as the BCCI Honorary Secretary since October 2019 and Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, will assume this prestigious role on December 1, 2024,” said ICC.

For the unversed, Jay Shah was the sole candidate for the position after Greg Barclay, who hails from New Zealand, declined to seek a third tenure.

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Reacting to his election as Independent ICC Chairman, Jay Shah shared his goals to enhance the popularity of cricket globally. He further asserted that the return of the sport in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 would play a pivotal role for the growth.

“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” Shah stated.

“I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before.”

“While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflection point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways.”

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