Cricket

The legendary bond between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. Despite their contrasting personalities, these two icons shared a deep respect for each other's skills and contributions to the team.Ganguly, the former Indian captain, often credited Tendulkar as a calming influence and a constant support during his tenure. When faced with challenges, Sachin stood by him, providing both moral and tactical support. Similarly, Ganguly acknowledged Sachin's strategic insights, referring to him as the "team's think tank."Their camaraderie extended beyond the field, as they often faced off against the fiery Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar in high-octane matches. Tendulkar and Ganguly, with their contrasting styles, neutralized Akhtar's threat by rotating the strike and counter-attacking. Their left-right combination forced Akhtar to adjust his line and length constantly, reducing his effectiveness.In a viral video, Ganguly expressed his admiration for Tendulkar, recalling an incident where Sachin suffered a double fracture in his rib cage after being hit by Akhtar. Despite the pain, Tendulkar continued to bat, showcasing his unwavering determination.Akhtar, too, has repeatedly expressed admiration for both Sachin and Sourav, calling them two of the best players of his era. He described Sachin as "calm and calculating," while Ganguly was "gritty and gutsy," praising both as challenging opponents for different reasons.The battles between Sachin, Sourav, and Shoaib represent the golden era of India-Pakistan cricket, marked by intensity, skill, and mutual respect. These encounters were more than just cricket-they were a spectacle of sportsmanship and passion, making them unforgettable for fans.Tendulkar and Ganguly's partnership defined an era of Indian cricket where the team started believing in its ability to dominate globally. Their friendship and on-field success continue to inspire young cricketers worldwide, serving as a testament to the power of teamwork and mutual respect.

The ICC Champions Trophy venue saga has taken a dramatic turn with India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Pakistan remains adamant about hosting the entire event in the country, while India insists on a hybrid model for its matches.The financial implications of an India-Pakistan match extend beyond the two nations, impacting the global cricketing ecosystem. The International Cricket Council (ICC) relies heavily on revenue generated from such high-profile events to distribute shares to its member boards.Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes a hybrid model is the only viable solution to ensure India and Pakistan participate in the Champions Trophy. "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.Ali criticized the notion that rivalries like India vs. Australia or The Ashes are comparable to India vs. Pakistan matches. "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 asserted.Ali emphasized the financial significance of India-Pakistan matches for the survival of cricket. "As long as cricket is being played and Pakistan-India matches are happening, there will be money; otherwise, there won't be," he said.The ICC is facing a dilemma as it attempts to balance the demands of both India and Pakistan. A hybrid model would allow India to play its matches at a neutral venue, while Pakistan would host the remaining fixtures. However, such a compromise could potentially reduce revenue for the ICC and broadcasters.The outcome of the venue negotiations will have a significant impact on the future of the Champions Trophy and the broader cricketing landscape. The ICC must carefully consider the financial implications and the importance of India-Pakistan matches in maintaining the sport's global appeal.

The Champions Trophy 2025, a prestigious cricket tournament, has become a subject of intense debate due to the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is designated as the host nation, but India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event has thrown the tournament's fate into uncertainty.India's decision stems from concerns about the safety of its players in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited a history of terrorist acts and cross-border terrorism as reasons for its reluctance to tour Pakistan. The BCCI has reportedly submitted a dossier to the International Cricket Council (ICC) outlining its concerns.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the other hand, has taken a hard stance, rejecting the possibility of a "hybrid model" that would see some matches played in a neutral venue. The PCB has also requested a written explanation from the ICC regarding India's refusal to travel to Pakistan.The ICC now faces a difficult task in resolving the matter. It has three options:1. Convince the PCB to accept India's proposal for a hybrid model, with matches played in both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).2. Move the entire tournament out of Pakistan, which could lead to the PCB withdrawing its team from the competition.3. Postpone the Champions Trophy indefinitely, which would have significant financial implications for both the ICC and the PCB.The ICC's decision will have a major impact on the future of the Champions Trophy and the relationship between India and Pakistan in international cricket.

India and Pakistan Set for Clash in Inaugural Women's U19 Asia CupThe Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the draw for the inaugural Women's U19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from December 15 to 22. The tournament will feature six teams divided into two groups of three.Group A consists of arch-rivals India, Pakistan, and Nepal, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia. All matches will be played at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.The tournament will kick off on December 15 with Malaysia facing Sri Lanka in the opening game. Later that day, India and Pakistan will lock horns in a highly anticipated clash.The following day, Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh, followed by Pakistan facing Nepal. The final group-stage fixtures will be held on December 17, with Bangladesh taking on Malaysia and India facing Nepal.The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four round, scheduled for December 19 and 20. The third-placed teams from both groups will compete in a fifth/sixth-place play-off on December 18.The top two teams from the Super Four will qualify for the final, which will be played on December 22.The Women's U19 Asia Cup is a significant event for women's cricket in the region. It provides a platform for young players to showcase their skills and gain valuable international experience. The tournament is also expected to generate excitement and enthusiasm among fans, particularly in India and Pakistan.

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.

Pakistan cricket legend Rashid Latif has strongly condemned reports that India may refuse to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Latif emphasized that ICC tournament commitments are binding and questioned the validity of security concerns, citing the recent successful tours of Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa to Pakistan.Latif argued that a refusal to participate would require a "solid reason" under ICC regulations, similar to the specific threats that prompted West Indies and Australia to skip matches in Sri Lanka during the 1996 World Cup. He warned that if Pakistan were to reciprocate India's stance by opting out of ICC events, it would severely impact the ICC's relevance and viewership.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi echoed Latif's sentiments, expressing disappointment over India's reported stance and emphasizing the tournament's potential to strengthen regional cricket ties. Naqvi stated that the PCB would only accept India's absence if it was provided in writing with clear reasons.Meanwhile, TimesofIndia.com reported that the BCCI has requested matches be played at a neutral venue, with Dubai being the leading option. Sources indicate that the BCCI has already conveyed its concerns to the PCB and other ICC stakeholders.Latif's comments highlight the importance of adhering to ICC commitments and the potential consequences of political interference in cricket. The PCB's stance underscores its determination to host the Champions Trophy successfully and its belief that politics should not overshadow the sport. The BCCI's request for a neutral venue raises questions about the future of ICC events in Pakistan and the impact it could have on the development of cricket in the region.

Pakistan's recent struggles in Test cricket, coupled with early exits from the last ODI and T20 World Cups, have raised concerns about the management of the sport by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the development of domestic talent.Despite a promising performance in the ongoing second Test against England in Multan, Pakistan lost the first Test despite scoring over 500 runs in their first innings. They were also swept 2-0 at home by Bangladesh in the preceding series.In response to the team's poor form, the PCB has appointed a new selection committee, reducing its size from seven to five members. Led by former pacer Aaqib Javed, the committee includes Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, and Hassan Cheema. The captain and head coach have been stripped of their voting rights in the selection process.Aaqib Javed, who played in numerous memorable India-Pakistan matches, recently met with India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Javed revealed that Gambhir expressed concerns about Pakistan's decline."We met the Indian players during our series against Sri Lanka. Gautam Gambhir asked me, 'Aaqib bhai, what has happened to Pakistan cricket? There is so much talent, we all see it, but what have they done?'" said Javed.Javed believes that Pakistan's fall has diminished the excitement of India-Pakistan encounters. "He (Gambhir) also feels sorry about it, because there are a few (top-level) teams, and the Pakistan-India matches provide the biggest thrill. So if your team (Pakistan) falls like that, then one of the game's biggest matches loses its charm.""People in the ICC laugh about it," he added.The PCB's decision to revamp the selection committee and the concerns raised by Gautam Gambhir highlight the urgent need for Pakistan to address its cricket management and talent development strategies.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2024 in Pakistan, faces uncertainty over India's participation due to political tensions between the two nations. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has emphasized the importance of protecting broadcast rights, indicating that the tournament will proceed with or without India's involvement.ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould and Chair Richard Thompson acknowledged that alternative arrangements are being considered in case India declines to travel to Pakistan. They stressed that the Champions Trophy is a significant event for Pakistan, which has not hosted a major ICC tournament since 1996.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not sent a team to Pakistan since 2008 due to strained relations. Last year, the Asia Cup was shifted to a hybrid model with India's matches played in Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, participated fully in the 2023 World Cup in India.The PCB remains committed to hosting a "world-class" event in Pakistan. The final decision on India's participation rests with the Indian government. ECB officials believe that the ICC, led by former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, will play a crucial role in finding a solution.Gould emphasized the financial implications of India's absence, stating that broadcast rights would be compromised. He also acknowledged the security concerns that arise when India and Pakistan face each other. However, he expressed optimism that the two countries' relations are currently amicable.Thompson predicted that India's participation would "go to the wire." He believes that India and Pakistan will find a way to ensure India's involvement. The PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with India's matches scheduled to be played in Lahore.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. The competing teams include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament is set to run from February 19 to March 9, 2024.

Pakistan A captain Mohammad Haris has revealed a surprising directive within his team for the Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup: a ban on discussing India in the dressing room. This unprecedented measure aims to alleviate the intense pressure that often accompanies matches against their arch-rivals.Haris, who has represented Pakistan in both ODIs and T20Is, explained the rationale behind the ban. "We don't have to think (only) about India, we have to think about other teams as well," he said. "It creates so much pressure that mentally you are thinking about India, India. We have to face other teams as well."The 23-year-old captain believes that focusing solely on India can be detrimental to the team's performance. "So this team is currently banned (from talking about India). We have not talked about India so far in the dressing room. Not just India, we have to respect other teams as well."Pakistan A will face India A in their tournament opener on October 19. The other teams in their group are UAE and Oman. India will be led by middle-order batsman Tilak Varma, who has already played for the senior team in both ODIs and T20Is. Opener Abhishek Sharma will serve as Varma's deputy.Haris's revelation has sparked a range of reactions on social media. Some have praised the decision as a wise move that will help the team focus on their other opponents. Others have questioned the necessity of such a ban, arguing that it could create an unnecessary sense of mystery and tension.Regardless of the differing opinions, the ban on discussing India in the Pakistan A dressing room is a clear indication of the intense rivalry between the two nations. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will prove successful in helping Pakistan A achieve their goals in the tournament.