Cricket

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has extended a warm invitation to the Indian cricket team to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2025. Rizwan's remarks come amidst ongoing uncertainties surrounding the tournament, with reports suggesting that India may refuse to tour Pakistan due to security concerns."KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav are welcome. Everyone who comes will be welcomed. And this isn't our decision; it's the PCB's decision. I hope that when they come, they will be welcomed," Rizwan stated ahead of Pakistan's T20I series against Australia.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing a formal query for the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking clarification on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) stance. The ICC has yet to make a decision, but alternate options, including neutral venues in South Africa and the UAE, are reportedly being considered if India declines to play in Pakistan.The lack of bilateral series between India and Pakistan since 2012 has intensified the stakes around ICC events, which have been the only stage where the two teams meet. Last year's Asia Cup, which was supposed to be hosted solely by Pakistan, was split into a hybrid model, with India's matches held in Sri Lanka.This arrangement allowed India to avoid travelling to Pakistan, while Pakistan maintained partial hosting rights. The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, would mark the return of the tournament to the ICC calendar after seven years and remains a potentially historic occasion for cricket in Pakistan.The PCB is determined to host the tournament successfully and has expressed confidence in its ability to provide a safe and secure environment for all participating teams. However, the BCCI's decision will ultimately determine whether the Champions Trophy can be held in Pakistan as planned.

India's decision to boycott the Champions Trophy in Pakistan has sparked outrage among former Pakistani cricketers. The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed India's withdrawal on Sunday, prompting a flurry of criticism.Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that it was a "day dream" to expect India's participation. He emphasized that Pakistan is safe and ready to host the event, but India's concerns about security are unfounded."It was a day dream that India will come to Pakistan to play Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan is safe & ready to host the event. Pakistan hosting all cricket nations at home but somehow not *secure* for India. Waiting for strong & surprised response from government & PCB," Hafeez tweeted.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy. While India's absence has been confirmed, there has been no mention of a hybrid model, as was implemented during the Asia Cup last year.Sources within the PCB indicate that an email will be sent to the ICC seeking clarity on India's decision. The PCB is also consulting with the government for guidance.Speculation suggests that Dubai could host India's matches in the tournament, which is scheduled for February 2025. However, no official decision has been made.The PCB is assessing the situation and will make a decision on the next steps in due course.

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, exudes confidence in his team's ability to triumph in the upcoming T20 international series against Australia. His aspirations extend beyond victory, aiming for a clean sweep of the home team.Pakistan's recent ODI series triumph in Australia, their first since 2002, came as a surprise to many. The Australian team's decision to rest five senior players for the decider in Perth drew criticism from former players and disappointment from Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.Pakistan's white-ball coach, Jason Gillispie, expressed disappointment over Cricket Australia's perceived lack of promotion for the Pakistan-Australia series.Rizwan believes that a united Pakistan team can achieve a whitewash in the T20 series. He emphasized the importance of appropriate conduct on tour, reminding players of their role as ambassadors for Pakistan."We must strive to win major titles like the World Cups and Champions Trophy to showcase the true potential of Pakistan cricket," Rizwan stated.He urged the team to break long-standing records of underperformance in various countries. Rizwan's leadership style involves consulting with players and officials to ensure clarity in decision-making.

Pakistan's Noman Ali has been crowned the ICC Men's Player of the Month for October, a testament to his exceptional performance in the recently concluded Test series against England. Ali's stellar bowling displays played a pivotal role in Pakistan's historic series victory, making him the first Pakistani male player to receive the honor since Babar Azam in August 2022.Ali's impact was undeniable in the two Test matches he featured in during October. In the first Test, he claimed impressive figures of 11/147, helping Pakistan bounce back from an early defeat. His exceptional bowling performance laid the foundation for Pakistan's eventual series triumph.The second Test witnessed Ali's career-best Test figures of 8/46, a game-changing performance that propelled Pakistan to their first Test victory on home ground since 2021. His exceptional bowling display restricted England to a mere 112 runs, setting the stage for Pakistan's dominant nine-wicket victory.Ali's contributions extended beyond his bowling prowess. In the final Test match, he played a crucial innings of 45 runs, helping Pakistan establish a crucial 77-run lead in the first innings. His resilient knock proved invaluable in Pakistan's eventual victory.Ali's outstanding performance has earned him widespread recognition and praise. He expressed his gratitude to his teammates for their contributions to Pakistan's series victory, acknowledging their collective effort in achieving this historic win on home soil."I am delighted to be named the ICC Men's Player of the Month and deeply grateful to all my teammates who helped me put my best performances forward to help Pakistan win a historic home Test series against England," Ali said. "It is always exciting to be a part of such memorable wins for your country."Ali's performance has not only earned him individual accolades but has also contributed significantly to Pakistan's resurgence in Test cricket. His exceptional bowling skills and unwavering determination have made him a vital cog in the team's success, and his contributions will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in Pakistan's future endeavors.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing to request an explanation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding India's refusal to participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.According to sources, the PCB is drafting a questionnaire to seek clarification from the ICC on the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has denied accepting a hybrid model that would allow India to play their matches at a neutral venue.The PCB's move comes amid reports that Pakistan is considering withdrawing from the tournament if it is moved out of the country. The ICC has the option of hosting the tournament in a different country, with South Africa and the UAE being potential candidates.The PCB's decision to seek an explanation from the ICC is seen as an attempt to resolve the issue and ensure Pakistan's participation in the tournament. The PCB believes that understanding India's reasons for refusing to tour Pakistan is crucial for determining the next steps.Bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been suspended since 2012, although both nations continue to face off in ICC events. The most recent encounter between the two teams was at the T20 World Cup in 2022.Last year's Asia Cup, which Pakistan was originally scheduled to host exclusively, adopted a hybrid format due to India's stance against playing in Pakistan. India's matches were relocated to Sri Lanka, while Pakistan retained partial hosting rights.The Indian team last toured Pakistan in 2008. The PCB's request for an explanation from the ICC is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the Champions Trophy and the strained cricketing relations between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan's historic ODI series triumph in Australia, their first in 22 years, was a testament to their resilience and determination. The team's 2-1 victory in the three-match series was sealed with an emphatic eight-wicket win in the decider at Perth.Pakistan's coach, Jason Gillespie, expressed his delight with the team's performance but also raised concerns about the lack of promotion for the ODI series in Australia. "I saw no promotion of our one-day series by Cricket Australia," Gillespie said. "It's pretty obvious that they're prioritizing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against India."Gillespie acknowledged that Australia's decision to rest key players for the series, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne, gave Pakistan an advantage. "We knew that there was probably going to be some change," he said. "We anticipated that, and that's the nature of modern cricket."Despite the lack of promotion and the absence of Australia's top players, Pakistan played with unwavering determination. They bowled out Australia for a paltry 140 in the decider, with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf sharing seven wickets between them. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq then led Pakistan's chase with half-centuries, guiding the team to victory with eight wickets in hand.Gillespie praised his team's performance, saying, "It was pleasing not just to beat Australia but beat them pretty convincingly. The reality is we should have won the first game as well."Pakistan's ODI series win in Australia is a significant achievement for the team and a testament to their growing strength in the format. It also highlights the need for greater promotion and recognition of ODI cricket in Australia.

Pakistan's historic ODI series victory over Australia has sparked jubilation among cricket enthusiasts, with former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar lauding the team's young guns. After 22 years, Pakistan emerged victorious on Australian soil, winning the final ODI encounter by 8 wickets and clinching the three-match series 2-1.Akhtar hailed the impressive performances of fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, recalling his own experiences during Pakistan's last ODI series win in Australia in 2002. "Outstanding win. After 22 years, we won against Australia. In 2002, I remember I was there. We had won a series in Gabba, and it took us 22 years for the players to win the series. And they did an amazing job. They played really well. There was an attitude change. Rizwan changed the attitude. Naseem, Haris, Shaheen. All of them played really well and at the same time they did a comprehensively good job," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan echoed Akhtar's sentiments, praising the bowlers for their exceptional performance. "Special moment for me, the nation will be very happy today, we didn't perform as per expectations in the last couple of years. I'm the captain only for the toss and presentations - everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group," Rizwan said in the post-match presentation.Chasing a modest target of 141, Pakistan's openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid foundation with an 84-run partnership. Rizwan and Babar Azam then guided the team to victory with an unbroken 58-run stand.Earlier, Australia's batting lineup faltered, with Sean Abbott emerging as the top scorer with 30 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed three wickets each, while Haris Rauf chipped in with two scalps.Rizwan dedicated the victory to the Pakistani fans, acknowledging their unwavering support despite recent setbacks. "All the credit to the bowlers, Australia in Australia isn't easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding. Also credit to the two openers, they made the chases easy. They (fans) don't care a lot about the results, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them," the wicketkeeper-batter added.Pakistan's historic ODI series win over Australia marks a significant milestone in the team's cricketing journey. The young players have demonstrated their potential and determination, and the future looks bright for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan's participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is in jeopardy following India's refusal to travel to the country for the tournament. According to sources within the Pakistan government, the country may withdraw from the event if its hosting rights are revoked.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its intention to seek clarification from the ICC regarding the hosting arrangements. The PCB has only been informed of India's decision not to participate but has not received any official communication about a potential hybrid model.Under a hybrid model, India's matches would be played in a neutral venue while other matches would be held in Pakistan. This approach was adopted during the Asia Cup last year.The PCB is awaiting policy guidelines from the government regarding its stance on India. The government's decision will be cited in the PCB's request for clarification from the ICC.The PCB source emphasized that the ICC could face legal implications if the Pakistan government decides to take a tough stance on cricket relations with India.The situation remains fluid, and the PCB is in consultation with the government to determine its next steps.

Pakistan's stunning victory over Australia in the ODI series has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side, despite recent struggles, outplayed the hosts in a historic triumph.Australia's surrender of the series marks the first time in 22 years that they have lost an ODI series to Pakistan at home. The defeat was compounded by an unprecedented record: not a single Australian batter managed to score a half-century throughout the bilateral series.The absence of Australia's top players, who were rested ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, played a significant role in Pakistan's success. While the Australian team was being hammered in Perth, captain Pat Cummins was enjoying a Coldplay concert in Sydney.Cummins' decision to attend the concert while his team was struggling drew criticism from the Australian media. The Sydney Morning Herald questioned why Cummins was "at Coldplay while Australia were smashed," while The Australian labeled his absence a "cold start to summer."Former Australian captain Michael Clarke expressed concerns over the team management's decision to rest key players in the third ODI. He questioned why the team prioritized rest over a chance to secure the series win."I'm just a bit confused. With 11 days between now and the first Test, why can't the Aussie boys who are part of this Test series play in the one-dayer?" Clarke said.Pakistan's victory is a testament to their resilience and determination. They seized the opportunity presented by Australia's weakened team and played with unwavering focus and intensity. The series win is a major boost for Pakistan's confidence ahead of the upcoming Test series against Australia.