Cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering adjustments to the schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which it is hosting, to accommodate matches involving India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move comes after the Indian government expressed concerns about its team traveling to Pakistan due to security and socio-political reasons.The PCB is exploring a "Hybrid Model" similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, where India played its matches in Sri Lanka. Sources within the PCB believe that even if India is not permitted to tour Pakistan, minor adjustments can be made to the schedule, with India likely playing its matches in Dubai or Sharjah.The International Cricket Council (ICC) cannot force any board to go against its government's policy, and it remains to be seen when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will make a final decision. By the time the decision is made, the ICC will be chaired by India's Jay Shah.The PCB is urging the ICC to announce the tournament schedule by next week, as officials from the governing body are expected to visit Lahore. The PCB has proposed a tentative schedule that includes a marquee match between India and Pakistan in Lahore on March 1, 2025.The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19, 2025, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi. The final is set for March 9 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. According to the proposed schedule, all of India's matches would be held in Lahore for security and logistical reasons.The PCB is investing heavily in upgrading its stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, where the Champions Trophy matches will be played. The board is spending approximately 13 billion rupees on these renovations.

India and South Africa Set for T20I Rematch with World Cup GrudgeThe upcoming T20I series between South Africa and India holds both a sense of unfinished business and a glimpse into the future. In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, India snatched victory from South Africa's grasp, leaving the Proteas heartbroken.While many key players from that final will be absent, the series remains significant as both teams prepare for the next World Cup in 15 months. India, fresh off a 3-0 series win against Bangladesh, will look to continue their aggressive approach. South Africa, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back from their recent struggles.Form Guide and Key PlayersSouth Africa's form has been inconsistent, with losses to West Indies and a draw against Ireland. Aiden Markram, who has struggled for runs this year, will be under pressure to deliver. India, meanwhile, has been in impressive form, posting a massive 297 for 6 in their last T20I. Tilak Varma, who has yet to make a significant impact at the international level, will be eager to prove his worth.Team News and DebutsSouth Africa may hand debuts to allrounder Andile Simelane and legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter. India is likely to give batting allrounder Ramandeep Singh his T20I cap and recall Axar Patel.Pitch and ConditionsThe match will be played at Kingsmead in Durban, a high-scoring venue with an average first-innings total of 184. However, rain could disrupt the proceedings, with a 40% chance of precipitation.Stats and Trivia* India has a strong head-to-head record against South Africa in South Africa, with six wins and three losses in nine T20Is.* Suryakumar Yadav has the highest strike rate (169.48) among players with at least 1000 T20I runs.* Arshdeep Singh is India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is this year, with 28 scalps in 14 games.* Heinrich Klaasen has three half-centuries and a strike rate of 168.09 in nine T20I innings against India.Quotes"It has been a testing few months now... But you lock into the bigger picture, you lock into how much it is going to help cricket in South Africa moving forward," said Aiden Markram on South Africa's recent struggles."It has always been challenging playing against South Africa... Hopefully, we will have a game [tomorrow]; last time we missed out on the game here," said Suryakumar Yadav on facing South Africa for the first time since the T20 World Cup final.

In the recently concluded three-Test series against New Zealand, India's senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli endured underwhelming performances, scoring only 91 and 93 runs respectively. This has raised concerns ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, which begins on November 22 in Perth.Former India captain Kapil Dev has expressed optimism about the experienced pair, urging them to focus and enjoy their game. "They're among the best. Sometimes, it's about focusing a bit more. I'd just tell them to go out there, enjoy, and express themselves," Dev said.India's humiliating 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand marked the first time they had been clean-swept in a three-Test series on home soil. New Zealand also became the first team in 12 years to clinch a Test series in India.Despite this setback, Dev believes Indian cricket is in a good place overall. "When there's an issue, it's crucial to rectify it quickly. We're proud of our spinners, our batsmen, and our bowlers," he said.India has previously claimed consecutive series victories in Australia, under Virat Kohli in 2018-19 and Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21. With Rohit Sharma now at the helm, India aims for a historic third straight series win on Australian soil."The rough patch has passed. Now, let's focus on the positives, and I hope they play well," Dev added.The Test series against Australia will feature five matches, with the opening Test in Perth followed by a day-night Test in Adelaide, a match at The Gabba in Brisbane, the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the final Test in Sydney.

India's humiliating 3-0 Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand has raised serious concerns about the team's preparation and approach. This is the first time India has suffered a clean sweep in a Test series of three or more matches on home soil.Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has slammed the team for its dismal performance, particularly the batters' inability to counter the New Zealand spinners. Gavaskar believes that the Indian team was not adequately prepared for the series and cited Sachin Tendulkar's meticulous preparation for an important series in 1998 as an example.In 1998, India was set to face Australia in a home Test series. Gavaskar revealed how Tendulkar prepared himself during warm-up games for Mumbai against Australia to counter Shane Warne during the Test matches."That's the reason why Sachin Tendulkar was Sachin Tendulkar. He was so fiercely proud of what he could do and what he wanted to do for the team," Gavaskar said. "He asked Laxman Sivaramakrishnan to come and go around the wicket, create a rough around that area so that he could practice that slog sweep and the inside out shot against Shane Warne."Gavaskar emphasized the importance of such preparation, stating that it is essential for players to be ready for the challenges they will face in international cricket. He believes that the Indian team's lack of preparation contributed to their poor performance against New Zealand."So, I think that is the kind of preparation that everybody needs to do. If you don't do it then with the gaps that are there will always be that little body speed and back speed situation, which takes a long time to get back," Gavaskar said.The Indian team's performance in the Test series against New Zealand has raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. The team's batters have struggled against spin bowling, and their bowlers have been unable to take wickets consistently.The Indian team will need to address these issues if they want to regain their status as one of the top Test teams in the world. They will have a chance to do so in their upcoming Test series against Australia, which begins on February 9.

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith is poised to reclaim his customary position at No. 4 in the batting order for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. This move has sent shivers down the spines of the Indian team, as all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has issued a stern warning about Smith's formidable presence.Maxwell described Smith as a "scary proposition" for India, citing his exceptional form in the nets. "He looks really crisp with his footwork, timing, and movement," Maxwell said. "He's unfazed by anything thrown at him."Smith's return to No. 4 is a strategic move, as he has a remarkable average of over 65 against India in Tests. He has amassed over 2,000 runs in 19 Test matches against the subcontinent giants.Maxwell praised Smith's unwavering dedication to his craft. "He's never satisfied," Maxwell said. "He's always working on his technique, and it's a scary proposition for this summer."Smith's return to form is a major boost for Australia, who are eager to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series holds immense significance for both teams, as they are the top two contenders in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.Smith's experience and class will be crucial for Australia's success. He has scored 9,685 runs in 109 Tests and is on the cusp of reaching the 10,000-run milestone.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has expressed his disapproval of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) allowing New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra to practice at their academy ahead of the Test series against India. Ravindra emerged as the highest run-scorer for New Zealand as the visitors completed a historic 3-0 whitewash in the series.Uthappa criticized CSK's decision, stating that the franchise should prioritize the country's interests over those of its players, especially when it comes to foreign players who will be competing against India. He emphasized that a line should be drawn when the nation's interests are at stake.Ravindra, who was part of the CSK squad in IPL 2024, was granted permission to practice at the franchise's academy to acclimatize to Indian conditions. However, Uthappa believes that this decision was inappropriate, as it potentially gave Ravindra an unfair advantage in the Test series.Despite his criticism of CSK, Uthappa acknowledged the franchise's reputation for taking care of its players. However, he stressed that the country's interests should always come first.Ravindra, on the other hand, described New Zealand's 3-0 Test series victory over India as a special and unforgettable experience. He praised the team's performance and expressed his joy at being part of such a historic achievement.New Zealand's victory marked the first time a visiting team had completed a clean sweep in a three-Test series against India. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel played a crucial role in the victory, taking 6-57 in India's second innings.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between India and Australia, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has predicted a 3-1 triumph for the Baggy Greens. Ponting's prediction stems from India's recent series defeat to New Zealand and the absence of key pacer Mohammed Shami due to injury.Ponting believes that Shami's absence will make it challenging for India to claim the 20 wickets required to win a Test match in Australia. "Taking 20 wickets in a Test match for India is going to be the biggest challenge," Ponting said. "I think they'll bat well enough out here with the current group of batters that they've got."Despite acknowledging that India may sneak in a win at some point in the five-match series, Ponting remains confident in his overall prediction. "I think India will win a Test match somewhere through the five Test matches," he said. "But I still think now, Australia probably look a bit more settled, a bit more experienced and we know that they're a very hard team to beat at home."Regarding the potential top-scorer in the series, Ponting identified Steve Smith and Rishabh Pant as the frontrunners. He believes that Smith's move back to No.4 in the batting order increases his chances of success, while Pant's form and ability to bat in the middle order make him a formidable contender.Among the bowlers, Ponting backed Josh Hazlewood to top the wickets chart. He cited Hazlewood's current form and consistency as the reasons for his prediction. "I think Hazlewood out of the Australian quicks, is right at the moment, is probably at the peak of his powers more than the other guys," Ponting said.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is a crucial ICC World Test Championship series that could determine the potential finalists of the WTC cycle. With Australia and India currently at the top of the table, the outcome of this series will have a significant impact on the race to the final.

Arshdeep Singh Eyes 100-Wicket Milestone as India Prepares for South Africa T20I SeriesIndian seamer Arshdeep Singh is poised to make history as India embarks on a four-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series against South Africa. With 87 wickets from 56 matches, Arshdeep is just 13 wickets away from becoming the first Indian to capture 100 wickets in T20Is.Currently, Yuzvendra Chahal holds the Indian record for most wickets in T20Is, with 96 scalps from 80 matches. However, Arshdeep's impressive economy rate of 8.28 suggests that he could surpass Chahal's tally in the upcoming series.Interestingly, India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya is also on the cusp of reaching the 100-wicket milestone in T20Is. Pandya has claimed 87 wickets in 105 matches, boasting an economy rate of 8.17.The India-South Africa T20I series will commence on November 8 at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban. The second match will be played at St George's Park in Gqeberha on November 10, followed by the third match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on November 13. The series will conclude with the fourth T20I at Wanderers Stadium on November 15.India's T20I squad for the South Africa series includes:* Suryakumar Yadav (C)* Abhishek Sharma* Sanju Samson (WK)* Rinku Singh* Tilak Varma* Jitesh Sharma (WK)* Hardik Pandya* Axar Patel* Ramandeep Singh* Varun Chakaravarthy* Ravi Bishnoi* Arshdeep Singh* Vijaykumar Vyshak* Avesh Khan* Yash Dayal

As India embarks on a transitional phase in T20 cricket, a group of promising second-line stars are eager to seize their opportunity in the upcoming four-match series against South Africa. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, and Varun Chakravarthy are among those hoping to establish themselves as first-choice players in the format.Samson, who has impressed as an opener in recent matches, will be keen to solidify his claim for a regular spot at the top of the order. Abhishek Sharma, known for his explosive batting, will aim to showcase his consistency and versatility with both bat and ball. Varma, after a promising start to his T20I career, will be eager to regain his form and prove his worth.Jitesh Sharma, who has slipped down the pecking order, will be determined to make an impact with his wicketkeeping and batting skills. Chakravarthy, who impressed against Bangladesh, will look to maintain his momentum and establish himself as a reliable spinner.The series also provides an opportunity for a new-look pace bowling unit, comprising Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Yash Dayal, to prove their mettle. While Arshdeep and Avesh have had their moments at the international level, Vijaykumar and Dayal will be eager to translate their domestic and IPL success into the international arena.Ramandeep Singh, who was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders after a productive IPL season, will be keen to replicate his all-round abilities. The senior players in the side, including skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, will be hoping for a strong outing to help India bounce back from their recent home series defeat against New Zealand.South Africa, on the other hand, will be seeking revenge after losing to India in the T20 World Cup final in June. The Proteas will be led by Aiden Markram and will feature a mix of experienced and emerging players.