Cricket

Bangladesh's bowlers tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan in Dhaka, dismissing key batsmen and putting the visitors under pressure. Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan shared five wickets between them, while Nahid Rana chipped in with a crucial scalp.Pakistan resumed their second innings at 188/2, trailing by 114 runs. However, they lost Abdullah Shafique (23) and Agha Salman (0) in quick succession, both falling to Mehidy. Shakib then removed Mohammad Rizwan (29) and Shaheen Afridi (10) to leave Pakistan reeling at 199/6.Rizwan, who had been Pakistan's top scorer in the first innings, was particularly unlucky. He was initially given not out after being hit on the pad by Shakib, but the decision was overturned on review.Mehidy continued to impress, bowling with accuracy and control. He dismissed Rizwan with a well-flighted delivery that turned sharply and took the outside edge. Shakib, on the other hand, used his experience to outfox Shafique and Afridi.Nahid Rana provided valuable support, removing Salman with a delivery that kept low and trapped him in front. Pakistan's hopes now rest on captain Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf, who are unbeaten on 13 and 10 respectively.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly. They have a significant lead of 114 runs and a potent bowling attack that has already taken 10 wickets.

Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das put up a valiant fight against Pakistan's bowling attack on Day 3 of the first Test in Rawalpindi. The duo added an unbeaten 98 runs for the sixth wicket, guiding Bangladesh to a respectable 316-5 at the close of play.Rahim, who reached his 28th Test half-century with a boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi, remained unbeaten on 55. Das, who also completed his half-century with a six off Naseem Shah, was not out on 52.The pair came together after Bangladesh lost opener Shadman Islam for 93, just seven runs short of a century. Islam's patient innings of 183 balls helped Bangladesh recover from a shaky start and lay the foundation for a solid total.Pakistan's bowlers struggled to make an impact on the unresponsive Rawalpindi pitch, with only Naseem Shah managing to break through the Bangladesh defense. Shah dismissed Litton Das for 52, ending a promising partnership that had threatened to take the game away from Pakistan.Despite the wicket, Bangladesh remained in control of the match, trailing Pakistan's total of 448-6 declared by 132 runs with five wickets in hand. The visitors will be confident of securing a draw or even pulling off a first-ever win over Pakistan in the 14th Test match between the rivals.

Chris Woakes, England's experienced all-rounder, believes he can lead the team's bowling attack on their upcoming tours to Pakistan and New Zealand this winter. Despite his modest overseas Test record, Woakes is confident in his abilities and is eager to contribute to England's success.Woakes has a bowling average of 51.88 in 20 away Tests, compared to 21.88 in 32 at home. However, he insists that he will not shy away from touring this winter and beyond. He last featured in an overseas Test in Grenada in March 2022.This summer, Woakes has taken 14 wickets at 19.07, including 3 for 32 in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford. At 35, he has led England's attack since James Anderson and Stuart Broad retired earlier this summer."As you get older, you pick up new skills and have more experience to fall back on," Woakes said. "I haven't played an away Test for a while, but that might be a good thing. It gives you a fresh look on things."Woakes was not involved in England's only Test tour of the 2023-24 winter, instead playing for Sharjah Warriors at the ILT20. However, he has since insisted that he remains available for selection."I certainly wouldn't shy away from it," Woakes said. "I'll play for England where I'm picked to play. I'm certainly not ruling myself out."England will play six overseas Tests this winter, three each against Pakistan in October and New Zealand in December. Coach Brendon McCullum has said that it would be "hard to rub him out right now" from selection overseas, as he is perhaps England's only seamer capable of contributing regularly with the bat from No. 8.Woakes will bat one spot higher than that in this series, promoted to No. 7 in Ben Stokes' absence. "I've worked hard on my batting in my whole career," he said. "It's an extra string in the bow which allows you to potentially be selected ahead of someone else."Having spent most of his Test career as a change bowler behind Anderson and Broad, Woakes has thrived with the new ball this summer. "It's just a role which I'm taking on this summer as the opening bowler and the oldest to try and give options and communicate with the other bowlers as much as I can."Woakes struck twice in his fourth over on Wednesday, having Nishan Madushka caught at first slip and setting Angelo Mathews up to pin him lbw playing no shot. "It was a big wicket for myself, and it's always nice when you've moved a few away and then you get one to come back like that," Woakes said.In the afternoon session, Woakes had Kamindu Mendis caught behind to leave Sri Lanka 92 for 6. "We're really happy," he said. "To bowl a team out on day one of a Test match and to be none down at the close is a superb day."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing for the possibility that India may decline to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year. During its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, the ICC approved a budget of approximately $65 million to cover expenses related to hosting matches outside Pakistan if necessary.The ICC has not officially addressed India's potential absence, but a contingency plan has been put in place. The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget that includes an estimate of the increased costs associated with moving matches outside Pakistan.The ICC has not yet identified alternative venues, but Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are the designated venues in Pakistan. The PCB has reportedly undertaken significant renovation work at these venues.The budget allocation includes $35 million for the competition itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for television production costs. The ICC has circulated a tentative schedule to broadcasters and participating teams, with India's matches scheduled to take place in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter on March 1.The tournament will feature two groups, with India and Pakistan joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. India's other matches are scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23.The ICC has allocated a week-long support period from February 12th to 18th for teams to participate in practice matches and media events. March 10th has been designated as a reserve day for the final match.The ICC will send a team to Pakistan next month to inspect the venues. The final decision on whether to move matches outside Pakistan will depend on the Indian team's decision and the Government of India's stance.

India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain, prompting former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to downplay its significance. Mushtaq believes that the tournament should proceed regardless of India's presence.The ICC has allocated a substantial budget for the event, which is scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, India's stance on traveling to Pakistan is still unclear.Mushtaq argues that the focus should not be on India's decision but on ensuring the tournament's success. He believes that the ICC will address any concerns regarding India's participation."It's simple. If India wants to come, they can. If they don't want to come, it doesn't matter. There's no point in making a fuss about it," Mushtaq said. "This won't make either party good or bad. This is ICC's event, and they will look into this matter, as they should."The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted the ICC with the responsibility of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan. The PCB has also advised its officials to refrain from commenting on India's decision.Despite the uncertainty, the PCB is proceeding with preparations for the tournament, assuming that India will participate. The ICC's approval of the budget has fueled speculation that backup funds have been allocated in case India declines to send its team.The PCB's stance reflects its desire to host a successful Champions Trophy and showcase Pakistan's capabilities as a host nation. However, the ultimate decision on India's participation rests with the BCCI, which has yet to make an official statement.

Ravi Shastri, India's former head coach, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup, describing him as a "magician with the ball." Shastri highlighted two pivotal moments in India's triumph: their victory over Pakistan in the group stage and their unexpected win against South Africa in the final.In the India-Pakistan clash, Bumrah's dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan turned the tide in India's favor, as Pakistan was comfortably placed at 80/3. In the final against South Africa, Bumrah's game-changing spell in the 16th over, conceding only four runs and dismissing Marco Jansen, put the Proteas on the defensive.Shastri praised Bumrah's ability to control the flow of the game, comparing him to legendary bowlers like Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis. He noted that Bumrah's wicket of Rizwan in the final was crucial, as it shifted the momentum in India's favor.Shastri also lauded Suryakumar Yadav's spectacular boundary catch that dismissed David Miller, bringing South Africa down to 161/7 with five deliveries remaining. He emphasized that Miller's dismissal was a game-changer, as he is known for his big-hitting abilities.Furthermore, Shastri expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant's resilience in returning to top-level cricket after a near-fatal car accident. He praised Pant's exceptional keeping skills, noting that he hardly missed a catch despite the pressure of the tournament.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has expressed indifference towards the visitors' decision. He believes that the tournament should proceed regardless of India's presence.Mushtaq, who previously served as Pakistan's head coach, emphasized that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is responsible for addressing the matter. He dismissed the notion of making a fuss over India's potential absence, stating that it would not affect the tournament's legitimacy.Regarding Pakistan's recent disappointing performance in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Mushtaq called for a reassessment of the team's leadership. He criticized the lack of long-term vision in previous captaincy appointments, arguing that it has hindered the team's progress.Mushtaq believes that the team management should consider appointing a new captain who can lead effectively for an extended period. He emphasized the importance of evaluating potential candidates based on their leadership qualities and vision, rather than making short-term decisions.He also cautioned against the constant chopping and changing of captains, as it disrupts team stability and hinders the development of a world-class side. Mushtaq stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy and a long-term plan for grooming future leaders.Mushtaq lamented the absence of a structured system for identifying and developing captains in Pakistan. He believes that the lack of ambition to create such a system has prevented the team from reaching its full potential.He concluded by emphasizing the importance of evaluating potential leaders based on their performances, leadership qualities, and vision. By following this process, Pakistan can identify and groom the next generation of captains who can lead the team to global recognition.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has adopted a policy of silence regarding India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy next year. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has instructed his office and colleagues to refrain from issuing any statements on the matter.This approach aims to avoid unnecessary controversy and allow the ICC to handle the situation independently. The PCB has already submitted the draft schedule and all necessary documents, including security plans for each team, to the ICC.Naqvi's strategy is to continue preparations for the tournament assuming India will attend. The PCB's main focus is currently on renovating the three match venues—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—ahead of an ICC venue inspection team's visit in September.Sources within the PCB indicate that Naqvi is coordinating with the government to finalize a strategy in case India refuses to send its team. However, he is keeping any reactions to India's decision behind closed doors.Naqvi, who is also the federal minister of interior, has emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary controversies on mainstream or social media platforms about the India-Pakistan cricket issue.The PCB's silence on the matter is a departure from its previous stance. In the past, the board has been vocal in its criticism of India's refusal to play bilateral series in Pakistan. However, Naqvi's approach suggests a more pragmatic and diplomatic approach.The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from September 14 to October 15, 2023. India's participation is crucial for the tournament's success, both financially and in terms of fan interest.The PCB's decision to remain silent on the matter is a sign of its commitment to hosting a successful tournament and its willingness to work with the ICC to resolve any outstanding issues.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a substantial budget of approximately USD 70 million to host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in early 2023. This decision was made after a thorough review by the ICC's financial and commercial committee, led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.The budget, jointly submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC finance department, includes an additional USD 4.5 million allocated for unforeseen expenses. This has raised speculation that the backup funds may be intended to cover the potential relocation of matches if India decides not to send its team to Pakistan.However, sources close to the ICC have indicated that the additional amount is insufficient to cover the costs of moving matches from Pakistan. The tentative format for the tournament places India and Pakistan in the same group, potentially leading to a second match in the super four stage and a third in the final if both teams qualify.Despite concerns over venue changes and additional expenses during the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) managed to make a profit. This was largely attributed to the high-profile matches between India and Pakistan.Jay Shah, who also chairs the ACC, presided over the decision to award the T20 format Asia Cup to India in 2025 and the 50-over format Asia Cup to Bangladesh in 2027.