Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come under scrutiny for its handling of the ongoing impasse surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy. The tournament, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, has been thrown into jeopardy after India's refusal to travel to the country due to diplomatic tensions.Despite India's long-standing stance of not touring Pakistan, the ICC failed to anticipate the potential conflict when it awarded the hosting rights to the PCB. According to Cricbuzz, an unnamed "key official" criticized the ICC for not being more proactive in addressing the issue.The official pointed out that India's absence from the Champions Trophy was not raised as a concern in any of the 12 ICC Board meetings held since the tournament schedule was announced. This suggests that the ICC may have been complacent in its oversight of the situation.The PCB has maintained its position that it will not agree to a hybrid model for the tournament, similar to the Asia Cup last year where India's matches were played in Sri Lanka. The PCB insists that security is not an issue in Pakistan, citing the successful hosting of England and New Zealand recently.The ICC has yet to respond to the PCB's request for written confirmation from the BCCI regarding India's inability to travel to Pakistan. The governing body is reportedly discussing the schedule with participating teams, but no decision has been made.The PCB has also indicated that it is not willing to host the tournament outside of Pakistan, including in the UAE. This stance further complicates the situation, as the ICC may struggle to find an alternative venue that meets the requirements of all parties involved.The launch event for the Champions Trophy, which was scheduled to take place in Lahore, has been postponed indefinitely. This is a clear indication that the tournament is facing significant challenges and its future remains uncertain.

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC ODI bowler rankings, while Babar Azam continues to dominate as the world's leading ODI batter. Afridi's impressive performances against Australia, where he claimed eight wickets at an average of 12.62, propelled him past Kuldeep Yadav, Rashid Khan, and Keshav Maharaj. This marks the second time Afridi has reached the summit of the ODI bowling rankings, having briefly held the position during the 2023 ODI World Cup.Afridi's seam-bowling partner, Haris Rauf, also made significant progress, moving up 14 places to 13th after bagging 10 wickets in the ODI series against Australia. Naseem Shah also climbed 14 spots to a career-best 55th.In the ODI batting rankings, Babar Azam extended his lead with scores of 37, 15*, and 28* against Australia. He remains well ahead of the Indian trio of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, who occupy the second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.The ODI all-rounder rankings saw significant movement following the ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Player of the Series Mohammad Nabi retained his top spot, while Rashid Khan moved up to third. Azmatullah Omarzai's strong showing pushed him two places up to No. 9, giving Afghanistan three players in the top 10. Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz jumped four places to No. 4 after taking three wickets and scoring 66 in the third ODI.In T20Is, Wanindu Hasaranga's series haul of 6 for 37 against New Zealand lifted him four places to second spot among the bowlers, behind only England's Adil Rashid. Akeal Hosein's economical performance against England earned him third place, while Ravi Bishnoi's four scalps in two games against South Africa moved him up one spot to No. 7.Among batters, the England pair of Phil Salt (second) and Jos Buttler (sixth), alongside West Indies' Nicholas Pooran (10th), all moved up one place each in the batting rankings after two games in the five-match series in the Caribbean. From the ongoing South Africa vs India T20I series, Sanju Samson continued his rise in the batting ranks. A second successive T20I century for the India opener, this time a 50-ball 107 in the first game, saw him leapfrog 27 positions to 39th. The South African duo of Reeza Hendricks (up two places to 12th) and Tristan Stubbs (up 12 spots to 26th) also made headway on the T20I batting charts that is still led by Travis Head. Salt and Suryakumar Yadav round off the top three.

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Rashid Latif has expressed strong views on the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan in cricket. He believes that Pakistan should consider suspending all cricket matches against India and that the ICC should withhold hosting rights from both countries until their issues are resolved.Latif's comments come in the wake of the BCCI's refusal to send its team to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The PCB has written to the ICC seeking written confirmation from the BCCI regarding India's inability to travel to Pakistan.Latif believes that Pakistan should take a strong stance against India's refusal to play in Pakistan. "If I would have been there, I would have taken this decision, and fought against the BCCI," he said.He also suggested that the ICC should stop giving major tournaments to both India and Pakistan until their issues are resolved. "In my opinion, ICC should withhold the hosting rights for both countries until these issues between them are resolved; until their problems are settled," he said.Latif criticized the BCCI's stance regarding security concerns for the Indian team in Pakistan, saying that the ICC's security team had assessed the country and deemed it safe. "This is the first time, I would say, the BCCI is at fault. The reason they are stating is very weak. It has to be in writing that the BCCI and the Indian cricket team is feeling threatened," he said.Latif expressed confidence that Pakistan cricket would not be hampered by a lack of matches with India. "We didn't play at home for 12 long years. What could be more painful than that? Pakistan will get the 34 million dollars in every eight-year time (from ICC), whether they play India or not. The boards that are rich will suffer losses, not a board like PCB that doesn't have the money," he said.

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has extended a warm invitation to the Indian cricket team to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2025. Rizwan's remarks come amidst ongoing uncertainties surrounding the tournament, with reports suggesting that India may refuse to tour Pakistan due to security concerns."KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav are welcome. Everyone who comes will be welcomed. And this isn't our decision; it's the PCB's decision. I hope that when they come, they will be welcomed," Rizwan stated ahead of Pakistan's T20I series against Australia.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing a formal query for the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) stance. The ICC has yet to make a decision, but alternate options, including neutral venues in South Africa and the UAE, are reportedly being considered if India declines to play in Pakistan.The lack of bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2012 has intensified the stakes around ICC events, which have been the only stage where the two teams meet. Last year's Asia Cup, which was supposed to be hosted solely by Pakistan, was split into a hybrid model, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka.This arrangement allowed India to avoid travelling to Pakistan, while Pakistan maintained partial hosting rights. The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, would mark the return of the tournament to the ICC calendar after seven years and remains a potentially historic occasion for cricket in Pakistan.The PCB is determined to host the tournament successfully and has expressed confidence in its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for all participating teams. However, the BCCI's decision will ultimately determine whether the Champions Trophy can be held in Pakistan as planned.

The ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan over the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy has prompted former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali to propose a unique solution. Ali suggests that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should place India and Pakistan in separate pools if it decides to adopt a hybrid model for the tournament.According to Ali, this arrangement would alleviate logistical and diplomatic tensions by minimizing direct encounters between the two teams until the later stages of the competition. However, he acknowledges that neither the ICC nor broadcasters would likely support this idea, as India-Pakistan matches generate significant revenue."If cricket is to continue and the hybrid model is to be maintained, place Pakistan in one pool and India in the other," Ali said on his YouTube channel. "But neither the ICC nor the broadcasters will be happy with this, because this is an opportunity to make money."Ali emphasized the financial importance of the India-Pakistan rivalry for global cricket. "The world is foolish (duniya bewakoof hai) to say that The Ashes is amazing or that the India-Australia series is amazing; it's not like that," he remarked. "As long as cricket is being played and Pakistan-India matches are happening, there will be money; otherwise, there won't be."Amidst escalating tensions, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing to formally approach the ICC, seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) refusal to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly rejected the hybrid model proposal, insisting on securing Pakistan's hosting rights.The Champions Trophy, scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2025, is set to be held in Pakistan. If an agreement cannot be reached, the ICC may consider moving the tournament to an alternative location, with South Africa and the UAE emerging as potential hosts.The ICC faces a difficult situation, as bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been suspended since 2012. In a similar instance, the 2023 Asia Cup adopted a hybrid model, with India's games moved to Sri Lanka while Pakistan retained partial hosting rights.

India's decision to boycott the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the future of the tournament. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed India's withdrawal on Sunday, despite earlier suggestions of a "hybrid" solution involving India playing their matches in Dubai.Pakistan has expressed disappointment and is reportedly considering hosting the tournament without India or boycotting it altogether. Such a scenario would be a major blow to the ICC, which has secured broadcast rights worth $3.2 billion until 2027 and expected an additional $1 billion from other sources.India's absence would significantly impact viewership and popularity, as they are the highest revenue generator for the ICC. Pakistan's absence could also be problematic, as India is scheduled to host four major ICC events between 2024 and 2031. If Pakistan retaliates by boycotting these events, it would further diminish their viewership.The political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented bilateral series for over a decade, making international competitions the only platform for their rivalry. These matches generate immense popularity and viewership, as evidenced by the record-breaking numbers during the 2023 World Cup.Even if Pakistan accepts the "hybrid" model, funding could be an issue. The ICC has allocated $70 million for the tournament, with only $4.5 million for additional expenses. Moving India's matches to Dubai would incur additional costs and travel time for teams.The ICC may increase its budget if plans change, but logistical challenges could arise for all teams involved. The situation highlights the complex relationship between politics and sports, and the potential impact on major sporting events.

The Champions Trophy, a prestigious one-day cricket tournament, has been thrown into disarray by reports that India's men's team will not travel to Pakistan for the event next year. The tournament, which features the top eight ODI teams in the world, is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.The International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body of cricket, has confirmed that it has received an email from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stating that India will not be visiting Pakistan for the tournament. The PCB had previously rejected the idea of a hybrid tournament, in which India would play its matches at neutral venues.The PCB had anticipated a reciprocal gesture from India after Pakistan traveled to India for the ODI World Cup last year. However, India played its matches, including the final, in Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup in Pakistan last year, which was held under a hybrid format.The BCCI, India's influential cricket board, has refrained from commenting publicly on the matter. The BCCI has significant influence at the ICC, and its secretary, Jay Shah, is set to become ICC chairman next month.The absence of India from the Champions Trophy would be a major blow to the tournament. The matches between India and Pakistan are among the most watched events on the world sports calendar."If you play the Champions Trophy without India or Pakistan, the broadcast rights aren't there, and we need to protect them," said England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould last month.The ICC is now faced with the challenge of finding a solution that satisfies all parties involved. One option could be to move the tournament to a neutral venue, but this would likely be met with resistance from the PCB.Another option could be to allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue, but this would also be a compromise for the PCB.The ICC is expected to make a decision on the matter in the coming weeks.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing to request an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India's refusal to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.According to sources, the PCB is drafting a questionnaire to seek clarification from the ICC on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has denied accepting a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue.The PCB's move comes amid reports that Pakistan is considering withdrawing from the tournament if it is moved out of the country. The ICC has the option of hosting the tournament in a different country, with South Africa and the UAE being potential candidates.The PCB's decision to seek an explanation from the ICC is seen as an attempt to resolve the issue and ensure Pakistan's participation in the tournament. The PCB believes that understanding India's reasons for refusing to tour Pakistan is crucial for determining the next steps.Bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been suspended since 2012, although both nations continue to face off in ICC events. The most recent encounter between the two teams was at the T20 World Cup in 2022.Last year's Asia Cup, which Pakistan was originally scheduled to host exclusively, adopted a hybrid format due to India's stance against playing in Pakistan. India's matches were relocated to Sri Lanka, while Pakistan retained partial hosting rights.The Indian team last toured Pakistan in 2008. The PCB's request for an explanation from the ICC is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the Champions Trophy and the strained cricketing relations between India and Pakistan.

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.