Cricket

The fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), remains uncertain due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) reluctance to travel to Pakistan. The PCB has submitted its plans for the tournament to the International Cricket Council (ICC), but the possibility of a hybrid model remains.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has criticized the BCCI and its secretary, Jay Shah, for their stance. Ali believes that other cricket boards will follow the BCCI's lead when the issue is discussed at the ICC meeting. He has urged the PCB to adopt a tit-for-tat approach and refuse to play matches outside of Pakistan if India refuses to travel for the Champions Trophy.The PCB has reportedly left the decision in the hands of the ICC. The budget for the tournament has been approved, but the schedule and format have not yet been finalized. The PCB has proposed hosting all of India's matches in Lahore, including a semi-final and the final if India qualifies.The BCCI's refusal to travel to Pakistan stems from security concerns. India has not played a bilateral series in Pakistan since 2007 due to tensions between the two countries. The PCB has assured the ICC that it will provide adequate security for the tournament, but the BCCI remains unconvinced.The ICC is expected to make a decision on the venue and format of the Champions Trophy in the coming months. If the tournament is held in a hybrid model, it would be the first time that the Champions Trophy has been played in multiple countries.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted the International Cricket Council (ICC) with the task of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for early 2024. The ICC recently approved the event's budget during meetings in Colombo, but the schedule and format remain undecided.The PCB has submitted a draft schedule and format for the tournament, along with a budget, to the ICC. The board has proposed hosting all of India's matches in Lahore, including a potential semi-final and the final. The PCB has also provided the ICC with details on tax modalities, venue selections, and government clearance for the Indian team to visit Pakistan.The PCB initially expressed interest in hosting the Champions Trophy in 2021, and the ICC awarded hosting rights in 2022. The final documentation for the host agreement was submitted during Ramiz Raja's tenure as PCB Chairman.Although PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi did not have formal meetings with BCCI secretary Jay Shah or other BCCI officials at the ICC meetings, interactions were described as cordial. The PCB has now delegated the responsibility of finalizing and announcing the tournament schedule to the ICC.The ICC must also obtain confirmation from the BCCI regarding the Indian team's travel to Pakistan. The BCCI has historically maintained that playing cricket in Pakistan is a decision made by the Indian government. During the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, India played its games in Sri Lanka based on a 'Hybrid Model.'The PCB has fulfilled its obligations as hosts by submitting the draft schedule and budget, as well as providing detailed documentation to the ICC. The ICC now has the responsibility to finalize the event logistics and secure India's participation.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied rumors of proposing an offshore T20I series against India, emphasizing its current focus on the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy. Despite speculations of discussions between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCCI officials, a reliable source within the PCB has clarified that no such proposal is being considered.The PCB's primary objectives at the ICC meetings in Colombo are to secure budget approval for the Champions Trophy and to obtain assurances from the ICC and BCCI regarding India's participation in the tournament in Pakistan. The source stressed that these are the board's top priorities, and any bilateral ventures with India are not currently under consideration.India has suspended bilateral cricket series with Pakistan since 2012, and the two nations have not played a Test series since 2007. The participation of India in the Champions Trophy remains uncertain, with rumors suggesting that the Men in Blue may prefer to play their matches outside Pakistan.The PCB's focus on the Champions Trophy is understandable, given the tournament's significance and the challenges involved in hosting such a major event. The board is determined to ensure a smooth and successful tournament, which will be a major boost for Pakistan's cricket infrastructure and reputation.While the possibility of an offshore T20I series between Pakistan and India remains a topic of speculation, it is clear that the PCB's current priorities lie elsewhere. The board is committed to delivering a memorable Champions Trophy and securing India's participation in the tournament, which would be a significant step towards the resumption of bilateral cricket between the two nations.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering inviting India to a bilateral T20I series at a neutral venue in 2025. This proposal will be discussed during the ICC annual conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi will meet BCCI secretary Jay Shah.The PCB remains firm in its stance that the Champions Trophy matches will not be moved outside Pakistan. However, the board is willing to accommodate India's concerns by offering a neutral venue for the T20I series. The matches could potentially be scheduled during the free days of both teams after the Champions Trophy.Pakistan has emphasized that it will provide full security to the Indian team if they travel to Lahore for the Champions Trophy. The PCB has also acquired land adjacent to the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium to construct a 5-star hotel, which will eliminate the need for teams to stay in distant hotels and reduce security concerns.Naqvi is expected to persuade Shah to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the final decision rests with the Indian government, which has previously expressed security concerns about traveling to Pakistan.India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2012, with the Indian government restricting cricket encounters to ICC or ACC events. The PCB's invitation for a T20I series in 2025 could be a step towards resuming bilateral cricket between the two nations.

With the ICC Champions Trophy looming on the horizon, concerns linger over Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness in the 50-over format. Despite his impressive performances in T20 cricket, Pandya's endurance in longer formats remains a question mark.Sources within the BCCI have revealed that Pandya's fitness will be closely monitored in domestic cricket over the next few months. The all-rounder has requested a break from the upcoming ODI series in Sri Lanka, citing personal reasons. However, his bowling workload will be under scrutiny in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year."While he has done exceptionally well bowling just four overs in T20 cricket after returning from his injury, Hardik hasn't been tested in longer formats. His endurance needs to be monitored," a BCCI source told TOI.Pandya's selection for ODIs is not guaranteed if he lacks the stamina to bowl longer spells. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and head coach Gautam Gambhir have expressed reservations about handing him a leadership role due to his uncertain availability.Suryakumar Yadav was appointed captain for the T20Is in Sri Lanka, while Pandya was stripped of his ODI vice-captaincy, which was given to Shubman Gill."Hardik's batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup, but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs," the source added.Pandya's injury history has been a concern, with his India comebacks often coinciding with ICC tournaments. He lost his place in T20 cricket after the 2021 T20 World Cup due to his inability to bowl at full throttle.With only six ODIs remaining before the Champions Trophy, the BCCI is keen to ensure that Pandya is fully fit and ready to contribute with both bat and ball. His workload will be carefully managed to avoid any setbacks that could jeopardize his participation in the prestigious tournament.

Ravindra Jadeja's absence from India's squads for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour has sparked discussions about the future of the spin all-rounder position in the team. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the new management under head coach Gautam Gambhir is keen on exploring other options to build a team for the future.Jadeja has been a crucial part of India's ODI setup for the past decade, with an impressive record of 2756 runs and 220 wickets. However, the management believes that it is time to look at other options to ensure a smooth transition in the spin all-rounder role.Axar Patel has emerged as the first-choice spin all-rounder, with Washington Sundar being considered the second-choice. Both players have shown promise in recent performances, and the management is eager to give them more opportunities to prove their worth."There are only six ODIs, including the three in Sri Lanka, before next year's Champions Trophy," a BCCI source told the Hindustan Times. "The selectors want to utilize the handful of games by giving more opportunities to Axar Patel and Washington Sundar."Jadeja's position in the Test team remains unaffected, highlighting his importance in home conditions for India's World Test Championship bid."Jadeja is outstanding in Test cricket. His bowling in home conditions is unmatchable. He will be important for India's World Test Championship bid," the source added.The decisions made by the new management reflect a strategic shift towards grooming future talents ahead of the Champions Trophy. The Sri Lanka tour will provide a valuable opportunity for Axar Patel and Washington Sundar to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a permanent spot in the team.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is facing scrutiny ahead of its Annual Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, due to allegations of overspending in the construction of a temporary stadium in New York for the recent T20 World Cup.The stadium, known as the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, was erected for eight matches in the tournament. However, concerns have been raised about the financial outlay for the project. Pankaj Khimji, a director of the ICC, has requested a forensic audit of the expenses associated with the stadium's construction.The issue is expected to overshadow the conference, where the ICC will discuss the budget for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year. The tournament, which returns to the ICC calendar after an eight-year hiatus, will have a budget that must be approved by the ICC Board.The budget plan will be reviewed by the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee (F&CA), chaired by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah. The committee will scrutinize the financial outlay before it is presented to the ICC Board for approval.Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been designated as the host cities for the Champions Trophy. However, India's participation in the tournament remains uncertain due to strained relations between India and Pakistan. The BCCI has reportedly expressed a preference for a hybrid model, similar to the one used in the Asia Cup last year, where India played all their matches in Sri Lanka.The ICC will have the final say on the matter. Meanwhile, the alleged overspending on the New York stadium will continue to cast a shadow over the conference. The ICC is under pressure to address the concerns raised by Khimji and ensure transparency in its financial dealings.

The upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings in Colombo from July 19-22 are expected to witness a potential clash between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the Champions Trophy.India is likely to express its inability to tour Pakistan for the tournament, citing a lack of government clearance. This could lead to a heated discussion during the "any other business" category of the meetings. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, with India's matches planned for Lahore.If India refuses to travel to Pakistan, the ICC may consider a hybrid model for the tournament, with India playing their matches in the United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka. However, the PCB is likely to strongly oppose such a move.Meanwhile, the suspense over India's next T20 captain continues. In an online meeting on Tuesday, new head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors discussed the possibility of appointing Suryakumar Yadav, the world's second-ranked T20 batsman, as the regular captain. However, no final decision has been made.The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, is expected to attend the India vs Pakistan Women's Asia Cup match in Dambulla on Friday.

George Bailey, the chief selector for the Australian men's cricket team, has confirmed that David Warner, the seasoned left-handed opening batsman, will not be considered for selection in the Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025.Following Australia's exit from the Super Eights stage of the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Warner had indicated his intention to retire from international cricket. However, he had expressed a willingness to make a final appearance in the 2025 Champions Trophy.Bailey has now put an end to any speculation, stating unequivocally that Warner has fully retired from representing Australia in international cricket. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating Warner's legacy as a crucial player across all formats of the game."Our understanding is that David is retired, and (he) should be commended on what has been an incredible career across all three formats. You never know when Bull's joking…think he's just stirring the pot a bit," Bailey said to reporters."He's had a wonderful career, can't celebrate it enough, and think as time goes by, his legacy of what he has done for Australia and we reflect back on that, the legend of a player is only going to continue to grow. But as far as this team goes and the journey to transition to some different players, in his case across all three formats, it's going to be exciting."Bailey also affirmed that Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc remain integral to the team's plans for the 2025 Champions Trophy and possibly the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. This statement comes in the wake of the decision to rest the two players from the T20I matches against Scotland and England, respectively, in September."I don't think there's anyone who's not there that we've put a line through permanently besides David. This is the way we are going with this squad. If opportunities arise or there are gaps at different points there's nothing to say that Wadey might not come back, but certainly, at this point, we are excited about giving Josh (Inglis) a run," Bailey said."The next T20 World Cup is 2026, so I imagine there may be some more changes than what we are seeing in this squad but specifically to those guys (Starc and Maxwell), no we haven't had any conversations about where they think their T20 journey may finish. Certainly for Glenn and Mitch, the Champions Trophy is very much on the horizon, (and is a) very important tournament for those guys.""And Starcy in particular, I think he's going to have a huge summer. Clearly, some of the decisions made around this series are around prioritising and getting guys right for what will be a really big summer. As far as ending players, seeing where guys might finish up, we haven't had those conversations," he elaborated.Bailey commended Mitchell Marsh for his leadership of the Australian team during the T20 World Cup. Although Australia was eliminated in the Super Eights stage after losing to Afghanistan and India, Bailey recognized Marsh's captaincy skills."I loved the way he captained through the T20 World Cup. He was really clear on how he wanted to lead that team. He was as disappointed as anyone that we didn't get to the end goal that everyone was hoping to achieve, but if you look at his early success rate as a captain across T20 he's done a really great job."