Cricket

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy looms large on the horizon, but Team India's limited-over schedule before the tournament raises concerns. With only three ODIs remaining, the recent series defeat against Sri Lanka has cast a shadow over the team's preparations.Former India wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has weighed in on the team's composition, particularly the opening department. Karthik believes Shubman Gill is the ideal partner for skipper Rohit Sharma, while Yashasvi Jaiswal should serve as the backup opener."Rohit and Shubman are a very good combination," Karthik said. "Jaiswal has a great opportunity to be the backup opener and will get his chance if Shubman doesn't perform as expected."Karthik expressed confidence that Gill and Rohit will open the batting for India in the Champions Trophy. However, the tournament's location remains uncertain, with Pakistan scheduled to host but the BCCI reportedly seeking alternative venues.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the event in Pakistan, submitting a draft schedule to the ICC. However, the BCCI has reportedly expressed concerns about the security situation in Pakistan and is exploring the possibility of moving the matches to the UAE or another country."The PCB is fully committed to hosting a world-class ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at three of Pakistan's iconic venues," the PCB said in a statement.The uncertainty surrounding the tournament's location adds another layer of complexity to Team India's preparations. With limited opportunities to fine-tune their game before the Champions Trophy, the team will need to make the most of their remaining matches to ensure they are ready for the challenge.

Pakistan's Cricket Stadiums Undergo Urgent Upgrades for 2025 ICC Champions TrophyWith the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy fast approaching, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recognized the urgent need to upgrade the country's cricket stadiums to meet international standards. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the significant gap between Pakistani venues and global norms, highlighting the inadequacies that must be addressed to successfully host the prestigious event.Naqvi acknowledged that none of Pakistan's current stadiums meet international requirements, lacking adequate seating, bathrooms, and viewing facilities. He stressed the importance of modernizing these venues to keep pace with advancements in global sports infrastructure.The PCB has embarked on an ambitious renovation project, focusing on three key stadiums: Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi's National Stadium, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium. The upgrades, estimated to cost Rs 12.8 billion, aim to bring these facilities up to par with international standards in time for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025.During a visit to Gaddafi Stadium to review the progress, Naqvi expressed confidence that the renovations would be completed on time. He praised the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) for their round-the-clock efforts, stating, "We will make our stadiums one of the best in the world. Providing basic facilities in stadiums is our first priority."In addition to stadium upgrades, the PCB is also exploring the development of a nearby building into a hotel for teams. Naqvi acknowledged the complexities of this project but remained hopeful that it could be completed before the tournament.The PCB's efforts to upgrade Pakistan's cricket stadiums are crucial for the successful hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. By bringing these venues up to international standards, Pakistan will not only showcase its commitment to the sport but also provide a world-class experience for players and fans alike.

Pakistan's hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 hinges on stringent security measures, emphasized former cricketer Basit Ali. The upcoming series against Bangladesh, England, and West Indies serve as crucial tests for Pakistan's ability to provide a secure environment for visiting teams.Ali, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted the importance of heightened security during these tours. "Any security lapses could jeopardize our chances of hosting the Champions Trophy," he said. "We must ensure that there is not even a small breach."Pakistan's recent history of security concerns has raised eyebrows. In 2021, New Zealand and England abruptly canceled their tours due to fears of terrorism. Ali stressed the need to address these concerns head-on."The foreign teams should get the same level of security as our Prime Minister and President," he said. "We must eliminate any possibility of security breaches."The upcoming home cricket season, beginning with the Test series against Bangladesh on August 21, will be a litmus test for Pakistan's security arrangements. The country aims to showcase its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for visiting teams.Ali emphasized the importance of maintaining security throughout the season. "Any negative developments during these series could derail our ambitions of hosting the Champions Trophy," he said. "We must ensure that Pakistan remains a safe destination for international cricket."The cricketer-turned-analyst's comments underscore the critical role security plays in Pakistan's bid to host the prestigious ICC event. By implementing stringent measures and addressing past concerns, Pakistan can pave the way for a successful Champions Trophy in 2025.

The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remain at loggerheads over the tournament's hosting. Pakistan is adamant about hosting the entire event at home, while India is unwilling to send its team across the border.The BCCI has proposed that India's matches be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Sri Lanka. Pakistan has countered with a proposal to host all of India's matches in Lahore. However, no resolution has been reached, and the ICC has reportedly prepared a contingency plan in case India refuses to travel to Pakistan.According to a report in Cricbuzz, the ICC's Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget for the tournament, including an estimate of the increased costs if matches need to be played outside Pakistan. The ICC has also shared a draft schedule with stakeholders, including broadcasters and participating teams.In the draft schedule, all of India's matches are set to be held in Lahore, including the high-profile India-Pakistan match scheduled for March 1. However, this schedule is subject to change if India does not agree to travel to Pakistan.The ICC has allocated $35 million for the tournament itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for production costs. The tournament is scheduled to feature 15 matches over 20 days.The deadlock between the PCB and BCCI has cast a shadow over the tournament, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached. If India does not agree to travel to Pakistan, the ICC will have to implement its contingency plan and find alternative venues for India's matches.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has requested the government to provide a security consultant for their upcoming tour of Pakistan, scheduled for July and August. This request comes amidst concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the safety of the Indian team during the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year.The BCB's cricket operation chairman, Jalal Yunus, expressed concerns about security but stated that the board had received assurances from Pakistan and had decided to proceed with the tour. He emphasized the importance of a security consultant to maintain constant communication with the government on security matters.Bangladesh is set to play two Tests in Pakistan, with the first match in Rawalpindi from July 21 and the second in Karachi from August 30. Yunus noted that none of the Bangladesh players had expressed reservations about the tour and that recent teams visiting Pakistan had been satisfied with the security arrangements."We agreed to go on this tour because they ensured us of that," Yunus said, referring to the security provided during the Asia Cup in Pakistan. "You might have seen in recent times that some international teams have also visited (Pakistan) and they are quite happy with the security they provided."The BCCI, on the other hand, is still awaiting permission from the Government of India for the Indian team's participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The BCCI has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of its players and staff in Pakistan, citing past incidents of violence and terrorism.The security situation in Pakistan has improved in recent years, but concerns remain, particularly in the wake of the 2022 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The BCB's request for a security consultant reflects the ongoing need for vigilance and the importance of ensuring the safety of players and officials during international cricket matches.

The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan has sparked a debate over whether the Indian cricket team will participate. India has not played cricket in Pakistan for over a decade due to security concerns.Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns about India's potential visit to Pakistan, citing the volatile security situation. However, ex-Pakistan pacer Tanvir Ahmed has challenged the Indian team to visit Pakistan, referring to Pakistan's own visit to India for the ODI World Cup last year.In a viral video clip, Tanvir Ahmed commended the Pakistan team for being "brave and fearless" for traveling to India to play cricket. He extended an invitation to the Indian team to come to Pakistan, reassuring them of their safety."We are lions, we came and played cricket in your country. Come here and show... We are inviting you to come and play. We will provide security, we will give you everything. Just come once," said Tanvir Ahmed.Pakistan has assured that all matches involving the Indian team in the tournament will be held in Lahore, and the Indian team will stay at the same hotel throughout their visit. This arrangement is intended to enhance security measures.Last year, the Indian cricket team refused to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup, leading to India matches being staged in Sri Lanka instead. Since 2012, the two nations have not played any bilateral series, with the Indian government limiting cricket encounters between Pakistan and India to ICC or ACC events.The decision of whether India will participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain. The security situation and political tensions between the two countries will likely play a significant role in the decision-making process.

Pakistan's hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy have ignited uncertainty over India's participation due to ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan has been suspended since 2013, leaving the BCCI facing the prospect of not receiving travel clearance from the Indian government for the tournament in Pakistan.However, Pakistan's recent visit to India for the 2023 fifty-over World Cup has sparked discussions about a potential thaw in relations. The initial Champions Trophy schedule designates Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium as the venue for all of India's matches, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan.Amidst the ongoing debate, former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has implored India to travel to Pakistan, emphasizing that it is the "only thing left" in Virat Kohli's illustrious career. Kohli, who made his international debut in 2008, has never played a Test match against Pakistan and has not played a bilateral series in the country since 2006.The BCCI has reportedly proposed a hybrid model similar to the one used for last year's Asia Cup, where India's matches were held in Sri Lanka. The PCB has entrusted the ICC with the responsibility of persuading the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.According to a PCB source, the budget for the tournament has been approved, but the schedule and format have yet to be finalized. The PCB has proposed hosting all of India's games in Lahore, including a potential semi-final and final if India qualifies.The outcome of the Champions Trophy hosting rights for Pakistan hinges on the BCCI's decision, which will be influenced by the political climate between the two countries. If India does not participate, it would be a significant blow to the tournament and a missed opportunity for fans to witness some of the world's best cricketers in action.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a major boost in its bid to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, with Afghanistan pledging its participation in the tournament. This assurance was given by Mirwais Ashraf, the president of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), and Naseeb Khan, the CEO, during the ICC Annual Board Meeting in Colombo.The PCB has been working tirelessly to secure the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy, which will be the first major ICC event to be held in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. However, there were concerns that some countries might follow India's lead if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided not to send its team to Pakistan.Khalid Mehmood, a former PCB chairman, had recently stated that if India didn't send its team to Pakistan, one could expect teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan to follow suit and insist on shifting the tournament to an alternative location.However, the ACB officials' assurances to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi have allayed those fears. Afghanistan's participation in the Champions Trophy is a significant development, as it shows that the country is willing to support Pakistan's efforts to host the tournament.The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan during February and March 2025. It will be the first time that the tournament has been held in Pakistan since 2008.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has vehemently criticized the reported reluctance of India to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ali accused several international cricket boards of blindly following the dictates of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Ali alleged that these boards, including the English, New Zealand, West Indies, and Australian boards, are swayed by the financial incentives offered by the BCCI when their players participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He claimed that these boards would readily agree to any proposal put forward by BCCI President Jay Shah, including the relocation of the Champions Trophy to a neutral venue.Ali also commented on the recent developments involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He suggested that Naqvi had been given false hope by other boards that Pakistan would be granted a bilateral series against India after the Champions Trophy, potentially in a third country.However, Ali strongly advocated against Pakistan agreeing to play the bilateral series in a neutral venue if India refused to play in Pakistan. He argued that the PCB should maintain its stance and refuse to compromise on the principle of home advantage.Ali's comments come amidst reports that the Indian cricket team is unlikely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in 2025. The BCCI is reportedly planning to request the ICC to adopt a hybrid model, with India's matches potentially being played in Sri Lanka or Dubai.The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025. Due to tense political relations, Team India has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008. The last bilateral series between the two nations occurred in 2012-13, with India hosting Pakistan for two T20Is and three ODIs.A similar situation arose during last year's Asia Cup, which was initially planned for Pakistan. However, all of India's matches, including those against Pakistan, were held in Sri Lanka, with the final taking place in Colombo, where India emerged victorious.