Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This decision stems from advice received from the Indian government, which has advised against sending the team to Pakistan due to security concerns.The Champions Trophy, an eight-team tournament, is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025. However, the BCCI's decision has forced the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider contingency plans.One possible solution is a hybrid model, where teams would play matches in Pakistan and a second venue. However, the PCB has previously ruled out this option. ESPNcricinfo understands that contingency plans were drawn up months ago in anticipation of such a scenario.The UAE and Sri Lanka are potential candidates to host matches alongside Pakistan. The ICC has been informed of the BCCI's stance, but it remains unclear whether the decision has been communicated in writing. The PCB has stated that it will need written confirmation before discussing the matter with the government.The BCCI's decision is based on the strained political relations between India and Pakistan. India has not toured Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, despite Pakistan playing several ICC events in India, including the 2023 World Cup. The two sides have only played one bilateral series since then, a white-ball tour by Pakistan in 2012-13.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. The competing teams are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. The schedule and ticketing details for the tournament have yet to be announced.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is poised to witness a bidding frenzy for some of India's most sought-after cricketers. Among them, Rishabh Pant stands out as a potential record-breaker, according to former India cricketer Aakash Chopra.Pant, who was not retained by the Delhi Capitals, is expected to command a massive paycheck at the auction. Chopra believes that the wicket-keeper batter could surpass the current record of Rs 24.5 crore, set by Mitchell Starc in the IPL 2024 auction."Rishabh Pant could still become the most expensive player in the history of the IPL," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "He could go even beyond Rs 25-26 crore."Pant's impressive performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 and Test cricket have solidified his status as one of India's most valuable players. Several teams, including the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are expected to engage in a bidding war for his services."I can see three teams going absolutely hammer and tongs for him," Chopra predicted. "One has Rs 110 cr (PBKS), one has Rs 83 cr (RCB). They'll fight each other and a lot of money will be spent."While the Delhi Capitals have the third-highest auction purse, it is unlikely they will use their Right to Match (RTM) card on Pant. The franchise has already retained several key players, including David Warner and Prithvi Shaw.Pant's availability during the auction is uncertain as he is expected to be playing in the first Test between India and Australia, which clashes with the auction dates. However, his absence is unlikely to deter potential bidders.The IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be a thrilling event, with several other top players, including Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, also set to go under the hammer. The auction will take place in Jeddah on November 24 and November 25.

Rohit Sharma's Availability for Border-Gavaskar Trophy Opener Remains UncertainIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma's participation in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth remains in doubt. Rohit himself had expressed uncertainty about his availability due to a "personal reason," but recent reports suggest that he may travel to Australia with the first batch of players on November 10.While Rohit's presence in Australia does not guarantee his participation in the Perth Test, it indicates a potential change in his stance. Rumors have circulated that Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh are expecting their second child, which could be the reason for his initial request for time off.According to India Today, Rohit will fly to Australia with the first group of players on Sunday, while the second batch will depart on Monday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to divide the team into two batches due to limited availability on commercial flights.However, Rohit's participation in the opening match is still subject to his personal situation. He could potentially return home before the match begins. Nevertheless, it appears that Rohit is keen on giving himself a chance to play."He is traveling but his participation in the 1st Test is yet not confirmed. Will see what happens next anything in regards to this. His availability is subject to his personal matter," an India Today source said.After the conclusion of the New Zealand Test series, Rohit had expressed uncertainty about his availability for the Perth match. "I am not sure of my availability for the first Test in Perth, Fingers Crossed," he had said.Rohit recently participated in a six-hour meeting with BCCI selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The meeting covered various topics, including the reasons for India's 0-3 defeat against New Zealand.

Australia's opening batsman conundrum intensified on Saturday as teenager Sam Konstas staked his claim with an unbeaten 73, while his rivals faltered ahead of the first Test against India.Konstas, 19, seized his opportunity in the final match of the Australia A series against India A, guiding his team to a six-wicket victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His composed innings, which included seven fours and a six, came after a challenging start to the series, where he had managed only 16, 0, and 3 in his previous three innings.Konstas' resurgence reminded selectors of his potential, having impressed with consecutive centuries for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield. However, his recent struggles for Australia A had raised doubts about his readiness to replace David Warner as Australia's opener.Meanwhile, Konstas' competitors failed to capitalize on their chances. Nathan McSweeney, who had emerged as a frontrunner with scores of 39 and an unbeaten 88 in the previous match, could only manage 14 and 25 at the MCG. Marcus Harris, hoping to add to his 14 Test caps, followed up his solid 74 on Friday by falling for a golden duck in the second innings. Cameron Bancroft, whose hopes of reviving his Test career were already fading after poor performances in Mackay, also suffered a golden duck.With the first of five Tests against India beginning on November 22 in Perth, Australia's selectors now face a difficult decision about who will open alongside Usman Khawaja. Konstas' strong performance has thrown a spanner in the works, while McSweeney, Harris, and Bancroft have failed to cement their positions.

India and South Africa will clash in the second T20I on Sunday, with the hosts aiming to extend their winning streak in the format. Sanju Samson's blistering century in the series opener has given India a significant advantage, but they will be seeking more consistency from their top-order batsmen.Abhishek Sharma's string of low scores has raised concerns, and the team management may consider alternative options for the opening slot. Tilak Varma's promising start in the first match will also be under scrutiny as he looks to cement his place in the middle order.Despite a strong bowling performance in the first T20I, India's middle and lower order exposed a vulnerability. The team will be eager to address this weakness and build more substantial partnerships.South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back from their loss. Missing key players like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas will rely on their senior players to step up. Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen will need to deliver if South Africa is to level the series.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. India will be aiming to take a 2-0 lead, while South Africa will be determined to avoid a series defeat.

Australia A emerged victorious in the second unofficial Test against India A at the MCG, securing a 2-0 series win. The match witnessed a thrilling run chase, with Sam Konstas and Beau Webster guiding Australia A to a six-wicket triumph.India A, resuming on 123/6, were bolstered by Dhruv Jurel's second half-century of the match (68) and Prasidh Krishna's 29. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tanush Kotian also contributed, ensuring Australia A faced a challenging chase of 168.However, Australia A's chase got off to a disastrous start as Prasidh struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft for ducks. Nathan McSweeney's 25 further dented their hopes, leaving them reeling at 73/4.Enter Sam Konstas, who showcased his composure and batting prowess. The 19-year-old remained resolute in defense and gradually expanded his game, hitting boundaries off Prasidh and Kotian. He formed an unbeaten 96-run partnership with Beau Webster (46*), guiding Australia A to victory.Earlier, Jurel had been the cornerstone of India A's batting, sharing a crucial 94-run stand with Reddy. However, his dismissal to Corey Rocchiccioli opened the door for the tail, which added 67 runs. Kotian and Prasidh frustrated the bowlers with a 49-run partnership, but Konstas' sensational diving catch at deep midwicket ended Prasidh's innings.Rocchiccioli wrapped up the innings with his fourth wicket, leaving Australia A with a tricky chase. Konstas and Webster rose to the occasion, guiding their team to victory with an unbeaten 96-run stand.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has sparked a debate over the treatment of Rinku Singh by Team India. Chopra has questioned the team's strategy of placing Rinku lower in the batting order, suggesting that he should be given the opportunity to bat at number four instead of number six.Chopra believes that Rinku has not been given the optimal platform to showcase his capabilities. "Are we being fair to Rinku? It's a very important question," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "He was in your team against Bangladesh and before that as well. Whenever you have sent him up the order or he has got to bat in the powerplay, he has scored runs every time."Chopra emphasized that Rinku has consistently performed well when given more overs to bat. He highlighted that the left-hander has emerged as a reliable player for India in critical situations, scoring crucial runs at a commendable strike rate. "He has scored a half-century every time. He has emerged as a crisis man. He scored those half-centuries at very good strike rates," Chopra added.Rinku, having scored 490 runs at a strike rate of 173.14 in 20 T20I innings, remains a promising prospect for India. Chopra proposed that Tilak Varma could have been shifted to the number six position, allowing Rinku to bat at number four and affording him more time to settle in and make a significant contribution."I feel you could have played him at No. 4 in Durban. In fact, you could have done that in this entire series and moved Tilak Varma down because someone has to go at No. 6," he explained.While acknowledging Rinku's finishing abilities, Chopra pointed out that the 27-year-old doesn't fit the mold of a typical power-hitter like Andre Russell or Hardik Pandya. He believes that Rinku's batting style, which prioritizes timing over sheer power, would be more effective if he were given a higher batting position."I am asking this question only because Rinku can finish but he is not just a finisher. This is my understanding. I feel he knows how to drive the game. He is hitting sixes but he is not someone who muscles the ball. He is not Andre Russell and he is not Hardik Pandya as well," Chopra said.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stern warning to India, stating that Pakistan will not be expected to make "good gestures" indefinitely following India's alleged refusal to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.Naqvi's comments come amidst reports that India has declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in early 2025. The Champions Trophy will feature two groups of four teams each, with participants including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and defending champions Pakistan."In recent years, Pakistan has extended numerous good gestures. However, we hope we are not expected to always do so," Naqvi told reporters in Lahore, as quoted by Geo News.India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series since the 2012-13 Pakistan tour of India, due to strained political relations. Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in major International Cricket Council (ICC) white-ball events and Asia Cup tournaments.The last Test series between these Asian rivals took place in December 2007 in India. India's last tour of Pakistan for a bilateral series was in 2006, with their most recent visit to Pakistan being for the Asia Cup in 2008.Last year, Pakistan was set to host the Asia Cup in full, but India played its matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. The latest encounter between the two nations occurred during this year's ICC T20 World Cup on July 9 at Nassau County Stadium, New York, USA. India, batting first, scored 119, with Rishabh Pant contributing 42 runs. Jasprit Bumrah's impressive 3/14 then restricted Pakistan to 113/7, securing India a thrilling six-run victory.Naqvi's warning reflects Pakistan's growing frustration over India's reluctance to play bilateral cricket in Pakistan. The PCB has repeatedly expressed its desire to host India for a series, but India has cited security concerns as a reason for its refusal.The PCB's stance is supported by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has urged India to reconsider its position. The ICC has stated that it is committed to ensuring the safety of all teams participating in its events, including those held in Pakistan.It remains to be seen whether India will change its stance and agree to play in Pakistan. However, Naqvi's warning is a clear indication that Pakistan is no longer willing to tolerate India's reluctance to play bilateral cricket in the country.

Pakistan's confidence is soaring as they prepare for the decisive third ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The visitors have been in scintillating form, led by the fiery bowling of Haris Rauf, who has claimed eight wickets in the series so far.Pakistan's victory in the second ODI in Adelaide was a clinical display of pace bowling and aggressive batting. Saim Ayub, the young opener, played a key role in the win, treating Australia's frontline attack with disdain.Australia, on the other hand, will be without several key players, including Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne, who are preparing for the upcoming Test series against India. Josh Inglis will captain Australia for the first time, facing the daunting task of galvanizing a new-look team.The Optus Stadium is expected to provide a fast and bouncy surface, which should suit Pakistan's pace attack. Rauf, in particular, will be looking to exploit the extra bounce and continue his impressive form.Pakistan's batting has also been in good touch, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan providing stability at the top of the order. Kamran Ghulam and Salman Agha have also made valuable contributions.Australia's batting has been a concern, with openers Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk struggling for form. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will need to step up and provide some much-needed runs.The series has taken on added significance ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Both teams will be eager to gain momentum and confidence before the tournament.