Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has canceled the planned trophy tour of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) areas of Skardu, Murree, and Muzaffarabad. This decision follows objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the tour itinerary shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).The PCB had announced a nationwide trophy tour from November 16 to 24, but the ICC has excluded the PoK areas. This decision comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding India's participation in the Champions Trophy after the ICC informed the PCB that India will not be traveling to Pakistan for the matches.The ICC has also requested a written explanation from the BCCI over its decision not to send the Indian team to Pakistan. The BCCI had verbally informed the ICC of its decision, citing security concerns. The PCB has requested a copy of India's response, and if India fails to provide "proper reasons" for not traveling to Pakistan, they may be asked to participate in the tournament or face replacement.Pakistan is the defending champion of the Champions Trophy, and the PCB has revealed that the trophy tour will kick off from Islamabad on November 16. However, the uncertainty over India's participation and the tournament's schedule remains.Hosting the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in a different country, is also being considered. However, the PCB chairman has denied any talks about such a format.Sources have reported that South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as possible venues for hosting the Champions Trophy in 2025 if Pakistan pulls out at the last moment. If the tournament is shifted, Pakistan could withdraw if the ICC moves it to a neutral venue.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces a dilemma over the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed security concerns and declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan. In response, the PCB has threatened to withdraw from the tournament, potentially jeopardizing its hosting rights.The ICC is reportedly considering South Africa as an alternative host if Pakistan does not agree to a hybrid model, where India's matches would be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the final in Dubai. However, the PCB remains adamant about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan.The BCCI has stated that it is willing to accept a hybrid model only if the final is held in Dubai. The ICC has offered the PCB full hosting fees and a majority of the matches if it agrees to the hybrid model.Despite the risks involved, the PCB is reluctant to implement a hybrid model. It is expected to consult with the government before making a decision.The ICC has also informed the PCB that the entire tournament could be shifted to South Africa if it decides to pull out. The PCB is currently assessing the situation and has not yet made a decision on its next step.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied recent media reports suggesting potential date changes for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. The board has emphasized that the tournament remains a top priority and preparations are well underway.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's recent statements during a media interaction were misconstrued, the board clarified. While Naqvi acknowledged that some domestic matches might be relocated to accommodate ongoing stadium renovations, he explicitly stated that the Champions Trophy schedule remains unaffected.This clarification comes after the PCB's decision to move the second Test match against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction work at Karachi's National Bank Stadium, one of the designated venues for the 2025 tournament."It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi's comments from yesterday's media interaction, misleadingly quoting him on the potential change of dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns, thus creating unnecessary sensationalism," the PCB statement reads.The PCB stressed that the stadium redevelopment and redesign projects are progressing as planned and will be completed well ahead of the Champions Trophy. The board reiterated its commitment to delivering a world-class event across three iconic Pakistani venues, providing an exceptional experience for cricket enthusiasts.Addressing concerns about potential schedule conflicts, the PCB confirmed that a draft schedule for the tournament, spanning from February 19 to March 9, 2025, has already been submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC).While the relocation of the Bangladesh Test match sparked speculation about similar changes for future fixtures, including the England Test series scheduled for October, the PCB has not confirmed any further alterations.The board remains focused on ensuring the smooth execution of the Champions Trophy, stressing its dedication to hosting a successful tournament and showcasing Pakistan's passion for cricket on a global stage.

The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remain at loggerheads over the tournament's hosting. Pakistan is adamant about hosting the entire event at home, while India is unwilling to send its team across the border.The BCCI has proposed that India's matches be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Sri Lanka. Pakistan has countered with a proposal to host all of India's matches in Lahore. However, no resolution has been reached, and the ICC has reportedly prepared a contingency plan in case India refuses to travel to Pakistan.According to a report in Cricbuzz, the ICC's Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget for the tournament, including an estimate of the increased costs if matches need to be played outside Pakistan. The ICC has also shared a draft schedule with stakeholders, including broadcasters and participating teams.In the draft schedule, all of India's matches are set to be held in Lahore, including the high-profile India-Pakistan match scheduled for March 1. However, this schedule is subject to change if India does not agree to travel to Pakistan.The ICC has allocated $35 million for the tournament itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for production costs. The tournament is scheduled to feature 15 matches over 20 days.The deadlock between the PCB and BCCI has cast a shadow over the tournament, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached. If India does not agree to travel to Pakistan, the ICC will have to implement its contingency plan and find alternative venues for India's matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has implemented significant changes to its player contracts, reducing their duration from three years to one while maintaining financial stability. This decision was made during a meeting in Lahore attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, new red-ball coach Jason Gillespie, white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, selectors Mohammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, and other senior officials.The PCB's decision to shorten contract durations aims to enhance accountability and performance monitoring. Players' fitness, behavior, and form will be assessed every 12 months, ensuring that they meet the required standards. This move is intended to foster a culture of excellence and drive continuous improvement within the team.Despite the reduction in contract duration, the PCB has opted against reducing player payments. The board recognizes the importance of financial stability for its players and believes that maintaining their current salaries will allow them to focus on their performance without financial distractions.In addition to contract revisions, the PCB has implemented several other measures to enhance player development and team performance. All centrally and domestically contracted players will now undergo mandatory fitness tests every three months, regulated by the two head coaches. This initiative aims to ensure that players maintain optimal fitness levels and are ready for international competition.The PCB has also established stringent guidelines for players seeking NOCs to participate in foreign leagues. The primary objective of these guidelines is to prioritize the player's fitness and availability for the national team. Only players who meet high fitness and performance criteria will be granted NOCs, ensuring that Pakistan's representation in international leagues remains at a high standard.Furthermore, the PCB has emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for player development. All players are now required to participate in domestic competitions, and selectors will monitor their performances before selecting them for national teams. This move is intended to strengthen the domestic cricket structure and provide a pathway for talented players to rise through the ranks.The PCB has also adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards disciplinary cases and player groups. Any instances of misconduct or group formation will be met with strict penalties. This measure aims to uphold team unity and morale, fostering a positive and cohesive environment within the squad.To bolster grassroots cricket, the PCB is upgrading high-performance centers nationwide. New centers in Islamabad and Peshawar are set to be established, with Gillespie and Kirsten tasked with overseeing these initiatives. These centers will provide state-of-the-art facilities and expert coaching to young players, nurturing their talent and developing future stars for the national team.

Former Pakistan captain and coach Mohammad Hafeez has made explosive allegations against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of prioritizing their own interests and engaging in negotiations with players such as Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim to ensure their inclusion in the 15-member team for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Hafeez, who was not included in the squad, claimed that the PCB had "brought them here out of greed" and made "deals" with players who had "ruined Pakistan's cricket." He questioned the selection of Amir and Wasim, who had both retired from international cricket but reversed their decisions in recent months."They (PCB) brought them here out of greed, made deals with such players (Amir and Wasim) who have ruined Pakistan's cricket. I was in the domestic circuit, but no one wanted to play domestic cricket. It is because they were telling me that 'any of us gets selected, we will take it.' How can it be that players who don't even play Pakistan's domestic cricket got selected," Hafeez said.Hafeez also criticized Amir and Wasim for their lack of commitment to Pakistan cricket, claiming that they had only returned to the team because there were no other leagues happening at the moment."When asked to play for Pakistan six months ago, they said they wanted to play in leagues. Since no leagues are happening these days, they are playing in the World Cup. They are playing in the World Cup as if it is just another league," he added.Hafeez's allegations have sparked a storm of controversy in Pakistan, with many fans and experts questioning the PCB's decision-making. The PCB has not yet responded to Hafeez's claims, but it is likely that they will face pressure to address the issue in the coming days.