Cricket

Pakistan is eagerly preparing to host the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9, 2023. In anticipation of this global cricketing event, a five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) will arrive in Karachi on Tuesday night for a four-day assessment of Pakistan's readiness.The ICC team, comprising experts in event management, security, cricket operations, and production, will meticulously inspect the three designated venues: Karachi's National Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. They will scrutinize stadium facilities, practice areas, and hotels earmarked for players and officials, ensuring they meet the high standards expected of such a major tournament.This visit follows previous trips by key ICC figures, including Security Manager David Mucker, Head of Events Chris Tetley, and Pitch Consultant Andy Atkinson, who have already familiarized themselves with the Pakistani venues. However, the current delegation reflects some recent changes within the ICC, showcasing a refreshed team taking the reins.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed confidence in the timely completion of renovations at the designated stadiums. However, local media reports have hinted at potential delays in the upgrade projects. "The redevelopment of the stadia in Karachi and Lahore is progressing rapidly and the PCB is confident that the construction companies will meet their targets on time," said a PCB spokesperson. "These upgrades are not just a necessity but a critical step in elevating our venues to meet the expectations of the modern game."The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, carries a budget of $65 million, as approved by the ICC. The PCB has already submitted a draft schedule for the eight-team tournament, but its finalization hinges on a significant factor: India's participation. Should India choose not to travel to Pakistan, the ICC and PCB may need to consider a hybrid model, potentially hosting some matches at neutral venues, mirroring the approach taken for last year's Asia Cup.This ICC visit, therefore, carries immense weight, serving as a critical evaluation of Pakistan's preparedness to host a successful and memorable Champions Trophy. The world will be watching as Pakistan aims to showcase its passion for cricket and its ability to deliver a world-class event.

India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm the team's travel plans to Pakistan. The BCCI has repeatedly stated that the Indian team will only travel to Pakistan if the Central government grants permission.Amidst the ongoing debate, former Pakistan cricketer Moin Khan has appealed to legendary Indian players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid to persuade the BCCI to send Team India for the Champions Trophy."Former India cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, etc., should tell their cricket board to keep politics away from cricket. Cricket should not be obstructed by political issues. The fans would love to see India and Pakistan play. It will not only benefit Pakistan, but overall cricket will be benefitted," Moin said at an event.However, Moin also emphasized that Pakistan should not send their team to India if India does not participate in the Champions Trophy. "India ought to honor their commitments with the ICC. And if they do not come, then Pakistan should reconsider their decision to participate in any future events slated to be held in India," he added.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will commence on February 19 and be held entirely in Pakistan, rejecting a hybrid model for India's matches, as was the case with the Asia Cup 2023.According to the PCB proposal, the ICC Champion's Trophy 2025 will be scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with all matches taking place across three major cities: Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Sources within the PCB indicate that International Cricket Council (ICC) officials who visited Pakistan to inspect the arrangements for the event have expressed satisfaction with the systems in place.If the Champions Trophy does remain in Pakistan, it could be the first major international cricket tournament hosted solely by the nation.

India's Hesitation to Tour Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy Raises ConcernsFormer Pakistan captain Moin Khan has expressed concerns over India's reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Khan urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take a firm stance if India continues to refuse, reflecting the growing frustration within the cricket community over the lack of bilateral matches between the two countries.Khan emphasized the importance of Indian cricket legends intervening to persuade the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to separate sports from politics. He stated, "Former India cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, etc., should tell their cricket board to keep politics away from cricket. Cricket should not be obstructed by political issues. The fans would love to see India and Pakistan play. It will not only benefit Pakistan, but overall cricket will be benefited."Khan also questioned the role of the International Cricket Council (ICC) if India does not participate. He called on the global cricket body to ensure that India honors its commitments. "India ought to honor their commitments with the ICC," he said. "And if they do not come, then Pakistan should reconsider their decision to participate in any future events slated to be held in India."The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to take place in Pakistan, but India's participation remains uncertain due to ongoing political tensions. India has not toured Pakistan since 2006, and diplomatic relations show no signs of improvement, making an Indian tour to Pakistan highly unlikely.The lack of bilateral matches between India and Pakistan has been a major disappointment for cricket fans around the world. The two teams have a rich history of rivalry and have produced some of the most memorable matches in cricket history. However, political tensions have prevented them from playing each other on a regular basis.Khan's comments reflect the growing frustration within the cricket community over the lack of India-Pakistan matches. He urged the ICC to take a more proactive role in resolving the issue and ensuring that both countries honor their commitments to the sport.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is dispatching a delegation to Pakistan this month to assess preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The delegation will engage with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to finalize the tournament's schedule and address logistical matters.The PCB has submitted a tentative schedule to the ICC, proposing Lahore as the base for the Indian team. However, the schedule remains subject to approval from participating boards and the Indian government's decision on whether to allow its team to play in Pakistan.The ICC delegation will conduct site inspections at Champions Trophy venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. They will evaluate infrastructure development, security arrangements, broadcasting facilities, team accommodations, and travel plans.With Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, set to assume the role of ICC chairman on December 1, the announcement of the Champions Trophy schedule may be delayed, similar to last year's World Cup in India.The delegation's visit underscores the ICC's commitment to ensuring a successful Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The tournament is scheduled to take place in September 2023 and will feature the top eight ODI teams in the world.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a dilemma as ongoing stadium renovations threaten to disrupt the upcoming Test series against England. With Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi's National Stadium undergoing major overhauls, the PCB is considering moving one Test offshore.Abu Dhabi, a former "home" venue for Pakistan during their exile, has emerged as a potential alternative. However, the city is hosting an Ireland-South Africa series until October 7, which could rule out the first Test.Rawalpindi Stadium, which hosted the Bangladesh Tests, is also undergoing renovations in preparation for the Champions Trophy in February 2023. Hosting two Tests in Rawalpindi could delay the work, potentially impacting the tournament.Multan and Rawalpindi remain the only viable venues in Pakistan for Tests. However, hosting two Tests in Rawalpindi could be problematic due to security and accommodation demands during the Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) meeting from October 15-16.The PCB is also considering Faisalabad's Iqbal Cricket Stadium, which will host the Champions Cup in September. However, it has not hosted a Test since 2006.The PCB is under pressure to finalize venues as England fans are expected to attend the series. England head coach Brendon McCullum has emphasized the need to know the venues in advance to select the appropriate squad.The stadium upgrades coincide with Pakistan's busiest home season in decades, with seven Tests, four white-ball internationals, the Champions Trophy, and an expanded domestic calendar. The upgrades are long overdue but have become essential as Pakistan prepares to host the Champions Trophy next year.

The upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025 has sparked speculation about whether the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the tournament. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012 due to political tensions, and their only recent encounters have been during international tournaments.Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns about the security of the Indian team if they were to travel to Pakistan. He believes that the Indian government should only consider sending the team if Pakistan can guarantee their safety."I feel the security concerns are always there and if the security of the players is not ensured there then I don't think that the team should go there," Singh said. "If they say that the teams will get full security and there is no hassle then it's on the government to think and make decisions."Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria also believes that India should not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. He suggests that Dubai would be a more suitable venue due to the security concerns."Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan," Kaneria said. "The safety of the players is the first priority."The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet made a decision on whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The final decision will likely depend on the security situation in Pakistan and the advice of the Indian government.

India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yet to confirm their plans. Last year, Pakistan co-hosted the Asia Cup under a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Sri Lanka due to security concerns.Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has expressed his disappointment over India's reluctance to tour Pakistan. He believes that if Australia can visit Pakistan, India should follow suit. "When a team like Australia can visit Pakistan, why not India? The India-Pakistan bilateral series should happen. Both governments need to sit and talk. This will benefit cricket," Akmal told Times of India.The BCCI has consistently stated that the Indian team will only travel to Pakistan with the approval of the central government. India captain Rohit Sharma has also emphasized that the players are willing to play anywhere, but the final decision rests with the government.Akmal, however, believes that the Pakistan government would never prevent their players from playing in India. He pointed out that Pakistan toured India for the ODI World Cup last year. "Pehle aapne Asia Cup le liya, ab Champions Trophy ki baatein kar rahe hain. Kyun kar rahe hain aap aisa? (First you took away the Asia Cup from Pakistan; now talking about the Champions Trophy, why?) ... Pakistan has done a lot of hard work to bring cricket back to the country. If India invites Pakistan, our government will never stop us. They will say, 'Go and play.' The Indian government should do the same. Let's keep politics aside and play cricket," he added.The Champions Trophy is a prestigious tournament that brings together the top eight ODI teams in the world. Pakistan has invested heavily in hosting the event and is eager to showcase its progress in bringing international cricket back to the country. India's participation would be a significant boost for Pakistan and would help to further strengthen the bonds between the two nations through the shared love of cricket.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a proactive step towards preparing for the 2025 Champions Trophy by appointing five legendary cricketers as mentors for domestic and international players. This move aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket and identify and nurture future stars.The Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to commence on September 12, will serve as a platform for domestic players to showcase their skills alongside senior team members. To ensure the tournament's success, the PCB has enlisted the expertise of Waqar Younis, Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saqlain Mushtaq as mentors.These former stalwarts will provide guidance and support to the teams, focusing on strategic planning, team-building, leadership development, and personal growth. Their vast experience and knowledge will be invaluable in shaping the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the importance of these mentors, stating, "They will play a pivotal role in the development and progression of our emerging cricketers. Their expertise will help us identify, develop, and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats."The Champions One-Day Cup will be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, marking the return of One-Day cricket to the venue after a two-year hiatus. The tournament will provide a competitive environment for domestic players to impress the selectors and earn a spot in the national team.The PCB's decision to appoint these mentors reflects its commitment to improving the quality of domestic cricket and preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy. With their combined experience of over 32,000 runs and 1,500 wickets in international cricket, these mentors will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the development of Pakistani cricket.

England's selectors are considering recalling Joe Root and Ben Stokes for the 2025 Champions Trophy despite their absence from 50-over cricket since last year's World Cup. Both players are currently unavailable due to rest and injury, respectively, and will miss the upcoming ODI series against Australia and the tour to the West Indies.The Champions Trophy, scheduled for mid-February in Pakistan, will provide England with a crucial opportunity to prepare for the tournament. The team will play three ODIs in India at the start of the month, which will be the only chance for Root, Stokes, and other all-format players like Chris Woakes and Mark Wood to gain experience in the 50-over format before the tournament.England's selector, Luke Wright, emphasized the importance of fielding a strong team for the Champions Trophy. "We'll want to be as strong as possible," Wright said. "There's no Test cricket around at that point, so it gives us an opportunity to play our strongest team."Despite Root's struggles at the World Cup, Wright defended the decision to rest him against Australia, citing his heavy workload in recent years. "He's given a lot to English cricket," Wright said. "There's no reason why he can't then come into the major tournaments… we know how important Joe is to the England team."Wright acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the 50-over format, which English players rarely play. "It's a challenge for everyone, isn't it? And even more so for us in England… Those top players are able to adapt as well as possible, as I don't think it's as big a problem for them as it would be for some of the others."England have dropped Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow from both their T20I and ODI squads, but Wright denied that their international careers are over. "They're disappointed to miss out," he said. "I certainly won't be saying that that's the end for them. They're fine cricketers, but right now, we just want to give some other opportunities."Jos Buttler remains as captain despite England's recent struggles in white-ball cricket. He is under pressure heading into the Australia series and may hand over the wicketkeeping duties to Phil Salt in the T20Is. Wright indicated that Buttler is considering fielding at mid-off to be closer to his bowlers.Wright emphasized the need to restore energy to the white-ball set-up after two disappointing World Cup campaigns. "I wouldn't say [things have been] stale," Wright said. "Those guys have given us some of the best times we've had in white-ball cricket. It's life… It's a great time now: without a World Cup just round the corner as there hasn't been for a while is an opportunity to blood some new players."England's squad for the Australia ODIs includes three uncapped players: Jacob Bethell, Josh Hull, and John Turner. Wright highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for younger players in the 50-over format.