Cricket

The Champions Trophy 2025 host venue remains a mystery, with three options on the table: Pakistan, a hybrid model, or a complete relocation. The uncertainty stems from the BCCI's refusal to send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, the designated host nation.Pakistan has maintained a firm stance against a hybrid model, which would involve matches being played in both Pakistan and a neutral venue. Former Pakistan pace legend Shoaib Akhtar believes that back-channel talks are ongoing and that a solution is possible."We should not lose hope. We have to look forward to a solution," Akhtar said. "It's really up to the governments. It's nothing to do with the BCCI."Akhtar emphasized the importance of the Champions Trophy for Pakistan, as it could pave the way for hosting larger tournaments in the future. "Pakistan has got a tag that it cannot host big tournaments like World Cup. If this (Champions Trophy) happens it will be a stepping stone for bigger events," he said.Sources close to the development have indicated that the ICC is expected to finalize and announce the schedule by the end of the week. The ICC is reportedly in discussions with the PCB to address India's concerns.The decision on the host venue will have a significant impact on the tournament and on Pakistan's reputation as a host nation. The Champions Trophy is a prestigious event, and its successful hosting would be a major boost for Pakistan cricket.

The Indian blind cricket team's participation in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Pakistan has been denied by the Indian government due to security concerns. The team was scheduled to cross the Wagah border on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, for the event, which is set to take place from November 23 to December 3.The Indian blind cricket team had received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sports ministry for participation but was unable to obtain clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). According to Shailendra Yadav, General Secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), the team was unofficially informed that they would not be permitted to travel to Pakistan."We have been told unofficially that the blind team will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan. We were scheduled to travel to Wagah border tomorrow. But as of now no clearance has come from the ministry officials. So, we are a bit disappointed," Yadav said.Yadav expressed frustration over the late notice of the decision, stating that the team could have been informed earlier. "They are saying when the mainstream cricket team is not safe how can you be safe there. Of course, we will accept the decision, but why hold the decision till the last minute, why not inform us a month or 25 days back. There is a process," Yadav added.The Indian government's decision has drawn criticism from the blind cricket community. Former Indian blind cricket captain Ajay Reddy expressed his disappointment, saying that the team had been preparing for the World Cup for a long time. "We are very disappointed. We have been preparing for this World Cup for a long time. We had a good chance of winning the title. But now our dreams have been shattered," Reddy said.The Indian blind cricket team is one of the strongest in the world, having won the T20 World Cup twice in 2012 and 2017. The team was also the runner-up in the 2015 World Cup.The T20 World Cup for the Blind is an international cricket tournament for blind and visually impaired cricketers. The tournament is organized by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and is held every four years. The first T20 World Cup for the Blind was held in 2012 in India.

The Champions Trophy hosting saga continues to unfold, with Pakistan and India locked in a stalemate. Pakistan has rejected a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue, while India remains adamant about not playing in Pakistan.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that the country will not accept a hybrid model, emphasizing that all participating nations have assured their participation. However, former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali suggests that other teams may have given surety for the tournament but not necessarily for a hybrid model.Naqvi has expressed confidence in the ICC's credibility and expects the schedule to be announced soon. He has also highlighted that no cancellation notice has been received and that every other qualified team is ready to participate.Basit Ali, in his YouTube analysis, acknowledges India's power due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and believes that no team will oppose them. He also points out that while other countries have agreed to participate, they have not explicitly rejected a hybrid model.Ali further suggests that the ICC is employing delay tactics, hoping for a resolution through telephone calls between India and Pakistan. However, he emphasizes that the broadcasters are pressuring the ICC for clarity, as they have suffered significant losses in recent tournaments.The PCB has proposed that India play all their matches in Lahore, allowing them to return home via the Attari border near Amritsar. However, India has not considered this option.The Champions Trophy is scheduled for February 19 to March 9, 2023. Pakistan has reportedly requested an explanation from the ICC regarding India's refusal to play in Pakistan, which has not visited the country since 2008.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively engaging in back-channel discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to promote the hybrid model for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. Sources reveal that ICC officials are emphasizing the advantages of the hybrid format and the importance of Indian participation in the tournament.The hybrid model involves hosting matches in multiple countries, with India's matches scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to security concerns. The PCB has expressed its disappointment over India's refusal to play in Pakistan, citing the precedent set by Pakistan's participation in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup in India earlier this year.PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has stated that the board is awaiting a response from the ICC regarding India's stance. He has also urged the separation of sports and politics, emphasizing that all qualified teams, except India, are willing to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.The ICC has conveyed to the PCB that India's decision is based on security concerns. The PCB has consulted with the Pakistan government and is preparing to present its position. The board believes that India should address its concerns directly with Pakistan to find a mutually acceptable solution.The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in India in 2012-13. Since then, the two teams have primarily faced each other in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup. The hybrid model for the Champions Trophy aims to balance security concerns with the desire to include all participating teams.

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, the tournament's schedule and fixtures remain shrouded in uncertainty, casting a shadow over the event's preparations. With less than 100 days to go, the ICC is facing pressure to finalize the details amid ongoing discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and concerns raised by India.India, one of the eight participating nations, has expressed reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to government restrictions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has conveyed its position to the ICC, leaving the PCB seeking an explanation for India's stance.The PCB, determined to host the event in Pakistan in its entirety, is reportedly considering escalating the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) if a resolution is not reached. The board has resisted any compromise formula similar to those seen during the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, where India's matches were held in alternative venues.Amidst the uncertainty, the ICC has initiated the Trophy Tour for Champions Trophy 2025 to build excitement for the tournament. The tour began in Islamabad, Pakistan, where the iconic silverware was displayed at several landmarks. Cricket legend Shoaib Akhtar accompanied the trophy on its stops in the city.The ICC is working to resolve India's travel concerns, but a resolution remains uncertain. The political and logistical complexities surrounding the tournament could once again come into play, as they did during the 2023 Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.The PCB remains firm in its position to host the event in Pakistan, while the ICC is seeking a solution that addresses India's concerns. With time running out, the ICC is expected to finalize and announce the schedule by the end of this week.

Australia's dominance in the shortest format continued as they completed a comprehensive 3-0 T20 series victory over Pakistan with a convincing seven-wicket win in Hobart. Marcus Stoinis' blistering unbeaten 61 off just 27 balls proved to be the catalyst for Australia's triumph.Pakistan, who had triumphed in the preceding ODI series 2-1, were outplayed in the T20 format. Their batting faltered, mustering a mere 117 in 19 overs, with Babar Azam's 41 being the highest individual score. Aaron Hardie emerged as the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 3-21.In response, Australia chased down the target with ease, reaching the victory mark in the 12th over. Skipper Josh Inglis expressed his delight at the series sweep, highlighting Stoinis' devastating performance. "When he's going like that, it's really hard to stop," Inglis said.Stoinis' innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring five sixes and five fours. He forged a crucial 55-run partnership with Inglis (27) to put Australia in control. The victory capped off a dominant series for the hosts, who had won the first two matches in Brisbane and Sydney by comfortable margins.Pakistan's batting woes were evident from the outset. They lost wickets regularly and failed to build any substantial partnerships. Shaheen Shah Afridi's solitary six was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing display."There's lots of positives, the way some of the players batted and bowled, these youngsters will come good," said Salman Agha, Pakistan's skipper for the night.Australia's chase was a formality. Fraser-McGurk and Short got off to a flying start, but Short's dismissal for two opened the door for Stoinis to take center stage. He shared a match-winning partnership with Inglis, effectively ending the contest.Stoinis' half-century came off just 23 balls, underlining his status as one of the most destructive batsmen in the world. His innings featured a flurry of sixes and fours, leaving the Pakistani bowlers helpless.Australia's victory was a testament to their superior firepower and execution in the shortest format. Pakistan, despite their ODI success, were unable to match the hosts' intensity and skill in the T20 series.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is eagerly awaiting a response from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India's reluctance to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next February. The PCB has formally requested clarification from the ICC on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision, which was communicated to the ICC. The PCB has also sought a written response from the BCCI and the date when it informed the ICC of its stance.Despite the lack of a response, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remains optimistic about the tournament, which will be Pakistan's first ICC event since 1996. "We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had," Naqvi said. "We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy."Naqvi reiterated the PCB's stance of not using a hybrid model for the tournament and expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the BCCI to resolve the impasse. "At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come," he said. "Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit."When asked about the possibility of a boycott if hosting rights are revoked, Naqvi emphasized the importance of Pakistan's pride. He also addressed the altered route of the trophy tour, which was initially scheduled to include Muzaffarabad but was modified after objections from the BCCI. "My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility, that are they an organisation for all the world's bodies," Naqvi said. "And that route has been rescheduled, we haven't been told about any cancellation."Naqvi expressed hope that the ICC would soon announce the tournament schedule to facilitate the PCB's preparations. He emphasized the importance of keeping sports and politics separate and urged the BCCI to engage in dialogue to address any concerns.

Pakistan Pacer Jahandad Khan's Wardrobe Malfunction Steals the Show in T20IIn a hilarious turn of events during the third T20I between Australia and Pakistan, Pakistan pacer Jahandad Khan became the center of attention for an unexpected wardrobe malfunction. The incident occurred as Khan chased down a boundary, leaving everyone in stitches.As Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk attempted a shot into the covers off Shaheen Afridi, the ball squirted through third man off a thick outside edge. Khan sprinted to prevent the firmly struck shot from crossing the ropes, but his dacks betrayed him, slipping down at the most inopportune moment.The incident, captured on camera, has since gone viral, turning the boundary chase into an unforgettable highlight. It serves as a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of professional sports, the lighter moments often steal the show.Khan's wardrobe malfunction has become a talking point among cricket fans, with many praising his ability to laugh at himself and take the incident in stride. The incident has also sparked a discussion about the importance of proper attire in sports, particularly for athletes who engage in strenuous activities.While the wardrobe malfunction may have been an embarrassing moment for Khan, it has also endeared him to fans who appreciate his sense of humor and ability to find the lighter side of even the most awkward situations. The incident has also provided a much-needed moment of levity in a sport that can often be intense and competitive.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a worldwide Trophy Tour for the Men's Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. However, the initial plans to conduct the tour in contested regions of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoJK) sparked objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, promptly opposed the PCB's unilateral decision and called for ICC intervention. Subsequently, the ICC suspended the tour and issued a revised schedule excluding PoJK locations.Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev emphasized that such matters fall under governmental jurisdiction. "It's the government's responsibility. If the government says it's okay, then it's fine. People like us should not give opinions, our opinions don't matter," he said.The international Trophy Tour will commence in Islamabad, where the trophy will be displayed at Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and Pakistan Monument. Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will accompany the tour.The tour will then visit prominent Pakistani cities including Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila before proceeding internationally. The ICC stated that the tour will offer unique engagement opportunities for global supporters through vibrant activities aligned with the event's refreshed visual identity.ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya welcomed the event's launch, stating, "We are delighted to launch the Trophy Tour with DP World ahead of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy, where another action-packed programme of activity is available to fans across the world."He elaborated on the fan experience, noting, "The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport's passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy."