Cricket

The Champions Trophy 2025 host venue remains a mystery, with three options on the table: Pakistan, a hybrid model, or a complete relocation. The uncertainty stems from the BCCI's refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, the designated host nation.Pakistan has maintained a firm stance against a hybrid model, which would involve matches being played in both Pakistan and a neutral venue. Former Pakistan pace legend Shoaib Akhtar believes that back-channel talks are ongoing and that a solution is possible."We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution," Akhtar said. "It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI."Akhtar emphasized the importance of the Champions Trophy for Pakistan, as it could pave the way for hosting larger tournaments in the future. "Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events," he said.Sources close to the development have indicated that the ICC is expected to finalize and announce the schedule by the end of the week. The ICC is reportedly in discussions with the PCB to address India's concerns.The decision on the host venue will have a significant impact on the tournament and on Pakistan's reputation as a host nation. The Champions Trophy is a prestigious event, and its successful hosting would be a major boost for Pakistan cricket.

KL Rahul Reveals Virat Kohli as the Most Famous Person in His Contact ListAhead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) conducted a light-hearted Q&A session with Indian batter KL Rahul. Among the questions posed, Rahul was asked to name the most famous person in his contact list. Without hesitation, Rahul promptly replied, "Virat Kohli," eliciting laughter and amusement from fans and fellow cricketers.Rahul's response is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two cricketing icons. Kohli, widely hailed as one of the greatest modern-day cricketers, has not only dominated Indian cricket but has also left an indelible mark on the global cricketing landscape. His influence extends far beyond the sport, making him a household name.Rahul's answer underscores the deep bond they share, having played together in countless international matches and sharing both triumphs and setbacks on and off the field. Their camaraderie and mutual respect were evident throughout the Q&A session, with Rahul's candid response highlighting the admiration he holds for Kohli.During the same session, pacer Mohammed Siraj posed a question to Kohli, asking him to select his favorite knock in Australia. Kohli reminisced about his remarkable century in Perth during the 2018-19 series, describing it as his top pick.Despite India's heavy defeat by 146 runs in that match, Kohli's innings stood out as a beacon of brilliance. He was the lone Indian batter to shine, showcasing his resilience and determination in challenging conditions. His century remains a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering spirit.As Kohli responded to questions from the BCCI's Social Media team, both Sarfaraz and Mohammed Siraj were heard enthusiastically exclaiming "Legend, Legend," a clear indication of the profound respect he commands from his teammates.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a worldwide Trophy Tour for the Men's Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. However, the initial plans to conduct the tour in contested regions of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoJK) sparked objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, promptly opposed the PCB's unilateral decision and called for ICC intervention. Subsequently, the ICC suspended the tour and issued a revised schedule excluding PoJK locations.Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev emphasized that such matters fall under governmental jurisdiction. "It's the government's responsibility. If the government says it's okay, then it's fine. People like us should not give opinions, our opinions don't matter," he said.The international Trophy Tour will commence in Islamabad, where the trophy will be displayed at Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and Pakistan Monument. Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will accompany the tour.The tour will then visit prominent Pakistani cities including Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila before proceeding internationally. The ICC stated that the tour will offer unique engagement opportunities for global supporters through vibrant activities aligned with the event's refreshed visual identity.ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya welcomed the event's launch, stating, "We are delighted to launch the Trophy Tour with DP World ahead of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy, where another action-packed programme of activity is available to fans across the world."He elaborated on the fan experience, noting, "The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport's passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy."

The recent Test series defeat to New Zealand on home soil has prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to revive its 'A' programme, which aims to develop a strong bench of players for the Indian cricket team.The 'A' programme, which was a dynamic initiative under former NCA head Rahul Dravid, involved touring with developmental teams throughout the year. However, the programme suffered after the COVID-19 lockdown, as other countries refused to bear the expenses of hosting India's U-19 and 'A' teams.NCA head VVS Laxman is now working on a plan to create a player resource pool. The BCCI has tried to organize a couple of shadow 'A' tours, such as the one that preceded India's Test tour of Australia. Laxman is exploring ways to provide greater exposure to the next generation of cricketers.Other boards are reluctant to host 'A' series, which do not generate revenue for them. The expenses must be borne by the local board. The BCCI needs to find a way to make these tours affordable.Earlier this year, an 'A' series against England Lions was held just ahead of England's tour of India. The series provided the selectors with valuable insights into the players' abilities. The board also needs to ensure that Emerging tournaments and other series do not coincide with the Ranji Trophy, as this can impact the quality of the competition.The impact of the 'A' programme was evident during the last tour of Australia, where players like Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, and Washington Sundar stepped up in the absence of senior players.

IPL Mega Auction: BCCI Unveils Two Marquee Player ListsAhead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant change in the bidding process. The auction, scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will feature two sets of marquee players, each comprising 8-9 individuals.This move marks a departure from the previous mega-auction in 2022, which utilized only one marquee list. However, it aligns with the format employed in the 2018 and 2014 auctions.The marquee players are expected to include top-tier talent such as Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, R Ashwin, Mitchell Starc, and Jos Buttler. Notably, Ben Stokes, who would have been a marquee player, has opted out of this year's auction.Each marquee player will have a base price of INR 2 crore, which could potentially exhaust 30-50% of the total auction purse. Franchises are expected to secure at least two prominent players each, with an average cost of INR 20-25 crore. This could amount to INR 200-250 crore from the total purse of Rs 641.5 crore.It's important to note that franchises have already allocated Rs 558.5 crore of their permitted INR 1200 crore during recent retentions. The auction's trajectory will likely hinge on the bids placed for players in the first two sets, many of whom are expected to be sold.Punjab Kings, holding the largest available purse at INR 110.5 crore, are well-positioned to acquire top players. The BCCI will soon announce the precise bidding order and the marquee list. They recently distributed a register of 1,574 names, including 1,165 Indian players and 409 overseas players. This roster comprises 320 capped, 1224 uncapped, and 30 Associate players. Additionally, franchises have retained a total of 46 players.

The fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remain at loggerheads over the tournament's venue.The BCCI has refused to travel to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns. The PCB has rejected a "hybrid model" that would see some matches, including India's, played at a neutral ground.Amidst the impasse, speculation has emerged that the tournament could be shifted to India if Pakistan withdraws. A report by Sports Tak claims that discussions within the BCCI have explored this possibility.The report suggests that the ICC could face significant financial penalties if Pakistan pulls out, as the India-Pakistan clash is a major draw for broadcasters. However, the BCCI has not yet made any formal proposal to host the tournament.Cricbuzz has reported that an unnamed "key official" has criticized the ICC for not being more proactive in resolving the issue. The publication notes that India's refusal to travel to Pakistan has been known for some time, and that no objections were raised when the Champions Trophy schedule was announced.The ICC has not yet commented on the latest developments. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a dilemma over the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send the Indian men's cricket team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. This has angered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has the legal hosting rights for the event.The PCB is unwilling to accept a hybrid model, where some matches would be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as it has done so on multiple occasions in the past. The situation puts pressure on the ICC to find a solution.The ICC has three options:1. Convince the PCB to agree to the BCCI's hybrid model proposal, which would see five of the 15 games of the tournament being played in the UAE.2. Move the Champions Trophy out of Pakistan entirely, but this could lead to the PCB withdrawing its team's participation.3. Postpone the Champions Trophy indefinitely, which would have significant financial implications for both the ICC and the PCB.The PCB has hosted several top teams in Pakistan in recent years, including New Zealand, England, and Australia. It has also sought an explanation from the ICC over the BCCI's reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan.The PCB has been informed by the Pakistan government that the hybrid model is "off the table." The ICC is now facing a difficult decision that could have major consequences for the future of cricket in Pakistan.

The ongoing saga surrounding the Champions Trophy has once again ignited tensions between India and Pakistan, two cricketing giants with a long and complex history. Pakistan cricketer Ahmad Shahzad has openly criticized India's stance on the tournament, accusing them of making "false promises" and prioritizing non-cricket concerns.Shahzad's frustration stems from India's reluctance to play in Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. He believes that Pakistan has consistently praised India's performances on the field, but India has not reciprocated this gesture by supporting Pakistan's hosting of major events."Pakistan now needs to step forward and clarify its stance," Shahzad said on Pakistani channel Geo News. "We've known for a long time that India are making false promises. Whenever they play well, we praise them because they deserve it. But when it comes to this issue (coming to Pakistan), India have been lying for a long time."Shahzad's comments have been met with support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is reportedly preparing to challenge the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision. The PCB plans to question the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the rationale behind the BCCI's stance.The ICC now faces a difficult task in finding a solution that satisfies both parties. One option is to move the tournament out of Pakistan entirely, potentially to South Africa or the UAE. However, Pakistan has reportedly threatened to withdraw from the Champions Trophy if hosting rights are removed.The dispute has escalated to a point where it could have significant implications for the future of India-Pakistan cricket relations. The ICC must tread carefully to avoid further damage to one of the most intense rivalries in the sport.

The ongoing dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy has taken a new turn. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed the PCB that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, sparking controversy and uncertainty.The PCB has expressed its disappointment and is seeking clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting arrangements. While the ICC has stated that India will not travel to Pakistan, there has been no official confirmation of a hybrid model being proposed.Former England captain Michael Vaughan has weighed in on the situation, expressing concern that the decision could further deteriorate the already strained sporting relationship between India and Pakistan. Vaughan believes that the absence of India from the Champions Trophy in Pakistan could lead to a prolonged hiatus in matches between the two nations."India have obviously announced that they would not be playing in Pakistan, looks like they're going to play in Dubai. I do think by India not going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, I think that relationship now could be an off-image, it has not been great for a long time and I think it is going to be at its worst," Vaughan said.Vaughan emphasized the global appeal of India-Pakistan matches and expressed regret that India would not be playing in Pakistan. He suggested that the series could be played in neutral venues such as Australia or the UK to accommodate the large fan base.Meanwhile, a report in PTI suggests that the Champions Trophy could follow a hybrid model, with India's matches being played in Dubai or another country. However, a reliable PCB source has denied any such discussions at this stage.The PCB is expected to send an email to the ICC seeking clarification on the Indian decision. The Board is also in consultation with the government for guidance and directives.The situation remains fluid, and the PCB is yet to make a decision on its next steps. The outcome of the ongoing discussions will determine the fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy and the future of India-Pakistan cricketing relations.