Cricket

Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan's seasoned allrounder, has announced his intention to retire from One-Day Internationals (ODIs) after the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 38-year-old revealed his plans following Afghanistan's 2-1 series victory over Bangladesh in the UAE, where he was named Player of the Series.Nabi's decision stems from his desire to focus on T20 Internationals (T20Is) and contribute to Afghanistan's continued growth in the shortest format. With 167 ODI appearances, Nabi is Afghanistan's most capped player in the format and currently holds the No. 1 ranking among ODI allrounders according to the ICC.Throughout his ODI career, Nabi has been a pivotal figure for Afghanistan. His 3600 runs place him second on the country's all-time run-getters list, while his 172 wickets make him the second-highest wicket-taker. His all-round abilities have been instrumental in Afghanistan's rise to prominence in international cricket.Nabi's retirement from ODIs will mark the end of an era for Afghanistan cricket. He has been a constant presence in the team since their ODI debut in 2009, captaining them in their maiden World Cup appearance in 2015. His experience and leadership will be sorely missed by the team.However, Nabi's decision to continue playing T20Is is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Afghanistan cricket. He remains a key player in the team's T20I setup and will continue to guide the younger generation of players.The 2025 Champions Trophy will be Afghanistan's first appearance at the prestigious event. Their qualification for the tournament is a testament to their progress in ODI cricket. Nabi's presence in the team for this tournament will provide invaluable experience and leadership.

India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has addressed the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the 2025 Champions Trophy. The issue arose after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to inform the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).In a video circulating on social media, Suryakumar was asked by a fan why India was not coming to Pakistan. He responded, "Brother, it is not in our hands."The PCB has since stated that it will not accept a hybrid model for the tournament, which would have allowed India to play matches at a neutral venue. According to a report in Pakistan's Dawn newspaper, the Pakistani government is considering asking the PCB to withdraw from the Champions Trophy entirely."In such a case, one of the options the government is mulling is that of asking the PCB to ensure Pakistan don’t participate in the Champions Trophy," the report quoted a source.Suryakumar Yadav is currently leading the Indian T20 side in their four-match series against South Africa. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled to be played in Centurion on Tuesday.The standoff between India and Pakistan has raised concerns about the future of the Champions Trophy. The tournament is one of the most prestigious in international cricket, and its cancellation would be a major blow to the sport.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing to formally challenge the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The PCB has reportedly sought legal advice and will now seek clarification from the ICC regarding India's stance.According to sources, the PCB has consulted with legal experts following guidance from the Pakistan government. The PCB will use this legal consultation in its letter to the ICC, arguing that India's refusal to travel to Pakistan is unjustified.The Pakistan government has also advised the PCB to involve other cricket boards in this issue. The government believes that a match of such importance cannot be played outside Pakistan, given the significance of both countries in the sport.The government has also suggested that the PCB emphasize its positive conduct and attitude while presenting its case. The government believes that India has no moral or legal grounds to refuse to travel to Pakistan.India has not played a bilateral series in Pakistan since 2008. However, India has participated in tournaments hosted by Pakistan in neutral venues. For example, the 2023 Asia Cup was hosted by Pakistan, but India played all its games in Sri Lanka, including the India-Pakistan clash.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has initiated talks with senior government officials to discuss the future course of action after the ICC conveyed India's unwillingness to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.The PCB's challenge to the ICC is a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the two cricket boards. The outcome of this challenge could have implications for the future of cricket in Pakistan and the relationship between the two countries.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received confirmation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India is unwilling to tour Pakistan for next year's Champions Trophy. This news has sparked outrage within the Pakistani cricket community, with former players and officials demanding a boycott of matches against India.Former Test captain Javed Miandad expressed his anger, stating that Pakistan cricket will not only survive but prosper without India. He questioned the ICC's ability to generate revenue from events without matches between the two nations.Inzamam-ul-Haq, another former Test captain, voiced his disappointment, emphasizing that there is no threat to the Indian team in Pakistan. He believes that India is depriving cricket of a major occasion.Rashid Latif, a former Pakistan captain, called for a strong statement from the PCB. He condemned India's decision as purely political and unacceptable in sports.Since the 2008 Asia Cup, India has not sent its cricket team to play in Pakistan. However, Pakistan has visited India for the T20 World Cup in 2016, a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, and the 50-over World Cup last year.Former Test cricketer Mohsin Khan stressed that sports and politics should never be combined. He advised the PCB to remain calm before making any decisions.The PCB is currently in talks with senior government officials to discuss the future course of action. The Pakistani cricket community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of these discussions, as they hope to see a strong response from their board.

Varun Chakravarthy's mesmerizing performance in the second T20I against South Africa has reignited calls for his inclusion in India's squad for next year's ICC Champions Trophy. The mystery spinner bamboozled the Proteas batters, claiming 5 of the 7 wickets that fell in the match.Chakravarthy's magical spell kept India in the hunt for a win despite defending a paltry score of 124. His former Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Dinesh Karthik took to social media to advocate for the spinner's selection, stating that "India would be making a grave error" if they overlooked him for the Champions Trophy.India captain Suryakumar Yadav also heaped praise on Chakravarthy, calling his performance "incredible" and "brilliant." However, the selection committee faces a dilemma as Chakravarthy has yet to make his ODI debut. Throwing an uncapped bowler into a tournament as prestigious as the Champions Trophy may not be the most prudent decision.Despite his lack of ODI experience, Chakravarthy's exceptional skills in the shortest format cannot be ignored. His ability to deceive batters with his variations and control makes him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.If India decides to take a risk and include Chakravarthy in their Champions Trophy squad, they will have a potent weapon at their disposal. His ability to bowl economically and take wickets at crucial moments could prove invaluable in the high-pressure environment of the tournament.However, the selection committee must carefully weigh the pros and cons of selecting an uncapped player for such a significant event. They will need to consider Chakravarthy's ability to adapt to the longer format and the potential impact of the pressure on his performance.Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Chakravarthy in the Champions Trophy squad will rest with the selectors. But if his performance in the T20I series against South Africa is any indication, he has the potential to be a game-changer for India in the upcoming tournament.

Mohammad Salahuddin, a renowned coach with an impressive track record, has been appointed as the senior assistant coach of the Bangladesh cricket team. This marks his second stint with the team, having previously served in the same role from 2006 to 2010. Salahuddin's appointment, which extends until the Champions Trophy next year, is a testament to his reputation as one of the most successful coaches in the domestic circuit.Salahuddin, who has led the Comilla Victorians to four BPL titles, has already begun working with the Test cricketers in Dhaka while the team is in Sharjah for the ODIs against Afghanistan. He will accompany the Test players to the Caribbean on Monday."I believe this is the right time to work with the Bangladesh team," Salahuddin said. "I may not be in coaching for much longer, perhaps another four or five years. It would be a privilege to contribute to the development of more generations of cricketers. If I can make a positive impact, it will be worthwhile, regardless of the time I have until the Champions Trophy."Salahuddin acknowledged that he has not yet had detailed discussions with head coach Phil Simmons, who was appointed on an interim basis in mid-October following the dismissal of Chandika Hathurusinghe. "My role may be different this time," Salahuddin said. "I need to understand the head coach's philosophy and support him. I hope our players can gain more confidence. I will also monitor their communication with the foreign coaches."In 2017, Salahuddin was on the verge of being appointed as the team's batting consultant, but the BCB canceled the appointment at the last minute. This soured relations between Salahuddin and the BCB for several years, and Salahuddin's outspoken criticism of Bangladesh cricket did not help mend fences.However, with the recent change in the country's political regime, the BCB elected Faruque Ahmed as president, who pledged to incorporate a Bangladeshi into the coaching setup. Salahuddin stated that his extensive discussions with Faruque convinced him to reduce his coaching commitments elsewhere."I requested some time to settle my commitments," Salahuddin said. "I have been in talks with Faruque bhai for three months, which gave me time to resolve those commitments."Salahuddin has played a significant role in the development of several cricketers, including Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, during his previous stint as assistant coach. He has also contributed to the growth of players like Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam Ankon, who are now part of the Bangladesh Test team.Salahuddin urged the media and fans to avoid labeling players as heroes or villains based on their performances. "Players go through a lot to earn their place in the national team," he said. "Some may take time to succeed in international matches, while others may find success immediately. It's important to be patient and supportive."

Pakistan is considering legal action against India's refusal to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy on Pakistani soil. Sources indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to resolve the dispute.The issue stems from India's long-standing refusal to play bilateral cricket series with Pakistan due to political tensions. While Pakistan traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain.Media reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed a "hybrid" solution, where India would play its matches in Dubai. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied any such communication and insists that all matches must be held in Pakistan.The BCCI has reportedly informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The ICC is expected to inform Pakistan about this development and finalize the tournament schedule accordingly.Naqvi has stated that if India does not participate in Pakistan, he will consult with the government for further instructions. Dubai is considered a suitable alternative venue for India's matches due to its large stadium capacity and recent hosting of the Women's T20 World Cup.The PCB's stance is supported by the fact that Pakistan has successfully hosted international cricket matches in recent years, including the 2022 Pakistan Super League final and the 2023 PSL matches in Karachi and Lahore.The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the future of cricket between India and Pakistan. If CAS rules in favor of Pakistan, it could force India to reconsider its stance on bilateral series. Conversely, if CAS dismisses Pakistan's case, it could further strain relations between the two cricket boards.

The ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the hosting of the Champions Trophy has taken a new turn, with reports emerging that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it will not send the Indian team to Pakistan for the tournament. Instead, the BCCI has proposed playing its matches in Dubai. However, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has denied receiving any formal communication from the BCCI.As per protocol, the BCCI must obtain clearance from the Indian government before making any decision on the team's travel to Pakistan. Amidst this impasse, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that other cricket boards may also decline to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.In a YouTube video, Ali stated that the BCCI will officially decline on the 11th of November, and he will observe which other cricket boards follow suit. He attributed this potential reluctance to the significant influence of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Ali praised PCB chief Naqvi for his handling of the situation, noting that the public discourse in both Pakistan and India has subsided, leaving the matter to be resolved through official channels. He emphasized that the decision will ultimately rest with the BCCI, PCB, and ICC.Ali expressed concern that the standoff could have negative consequences for cricket, as it pits the love of the game against financial considerations. He questioned which boards would support Pakistan and which would favor the BCCI due to IPL pressure.In 2023, the PCB adopted a hybrid model for the Asia Cup, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan also agreed to play India in Ahmedabad during the ODI World Cup. If the BCCI maintains its stance, the PCB may escalate the matter to the ICC, where BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who will assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1, will have to make a decision.Sources indicate that the BCCI wants a resolution before Shah takes charge as ICC chairman. If the PCB agrees to the hybrid model, it remains to be seen which venue the ICC will designate for the final.The PCB had reportedly proposed that the Indian team establish a base in Chandigarh and travel to Lahore only on match days. However, this idea has been deemed logistically impractical.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled a significant event connected to the upcoming Champions Trophy, originally set to take place on November 11 in Lahore. The cancellation stems from ongoing disagreements over the tournament's schedule, particularly regarding India's participation.The ICC had intended to use the November 11 event to kick-off the tournament, marking 100 days until the championship began. However, these plans have been put on hold due to uncertainty surrounding India's willingness to travel to Pakistan.Sources indicate that scheduling conflicts, exacerbated by India's reluctance to play in Pakistan, are the primary reasons for the cancellation. There are also suggestions that the ICC might cite Lahore's severe smog as a contributing factor.The Champions Trophy was initially planned to be held across multiple cities in Pakistan, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. However, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informing the ICC that it hasn't received government approval to send its team to Pakistan, a hybrid model for the tournament is looking increasingly likely. This arrangement would involve moving some matches, especially those featuring India, to the UAE.Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, has expressed his frustration over the lack of official communication regarding India's participation. He has stated that the PCB is ready to discuss a hybrid model but has not received any formal communication from the BCCI.India's original schedule had them facing Bangladesh on February 20, New Zealand on February 23, and Pakistan on March 1, all in Lahore. Adjustments to the tournament venues, if not the dates, seem unavoidable.The ICC is still in discussions with Pakistan, the host nation, and other participating countries on the Champions Trophy schedule. Once confirmed, the ICC will announce the schedule through its normal channels.