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.

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.

PCB Cancels National Women's Championship Due to Fire IncidentThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to abruptly end the National Women's Championship in Karachi on Monday after a fire broke out in the team hotel, narrowly missing five players.According to a PCB statement, the incident occurred when only five players were present in the hotel. The PCB swiftly evacuated them to the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre, ensuring their safety.The PCB explored alternative accommodations for the teams, but due to the ongoing Ideas Defence Exhibition in Karachi, no suitable hotels were available. The board prioritized the health and safety of the players, leading to the decision to cancel the tournament."The unavailability of alternative accommodations to meet the approximately 100 rooms of the required standards contributed to this outcome," the PCB statement explained.To determine the tournament winner, the PCB announced that the Invincibles and the Stars, the top two teams after four matches each, will face off in the final. The date and venue for the final will be announced later.The PCB expressed relief that no players were injured in the incident and thanked the hotel staff for their prompt response. The board also apologized for any inconvenience caused to the teams and fans.

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 Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has unequivocally declared that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan as scheduled. He asserted that if India has any concerns, it should engage in dialogue with the PCB to resolve them."Pakistan's pride and respect are paramount. The Champions Trophy will take place in our country only. We will not accept a hybrid model. If India has any issues, they can approach us, and we will address them," Naqvi stated during a press conference outside Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.Naqvi reiterated the PCB's unwavering stance against a hybrid model, where matches would be played in both Pakistan and India. He urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to announce the schedule promptly."We stand firm on our position that we will not consider a hybrid model. We are awaiting the ICC's announcement of the schedule as soon as possible," he added.Naqvi emphasized the importance of the ICC upholding its credibility as a governing body representing all cricket boards worldwide. He noted that the schedule had been revised but that no cancellation notice had been received."The ICC needs to consider its credibility as it represents all cricket bodies globally. The schedule has been rescheduled, but we haven't received any cancellation notice," he said.Naqvi also expressed his belief in keeping sports and politics separate, emphasizing that the two should not influence or interfere with each other."I still believe that sports and politics should not interfere with each other, and I maintain a positive outlook," he said.The PCB chairman's firm stance comes amid speculation that India may boycott the Champions Trophy if it is held in Pakistan due to security concerns. However, Naqvi has assured that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament and provide a safe environment for all participants.

Aaqib Javed Set to Take Over as Pakistan's White-Ball Head CoachFormer Pakistan pacer and current national selector Aaqib Javed is poised to be appointed as the permanent head coach for Pakistan's white-ball formats. The appointment is expected to be finalized before the team's upcoming tour of Zimbabwe for a series of ODIs and T20Is.According to reliable sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Javed, who was initially hesitant to take on the coaching role, has been persuaded by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to assume the responsibility. The Pakistan squad will depart for Harare directly from Australia after their final T20I on Monday, and the new head coach will join them in Zimbabwe.Javed, who currently serves as the senior national selector, possesses extensive coaching experience. He has led the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and recently served as the bowling coach of Sri Lanka. He has also held the positions of bowling coach for Pakistan and head coach of the under-19 side in the past.The PCB initially sought to appoint Australian Jason Gillespie, the Test side's coach, as the white-ball head coach as well. However, Gillespie declined the offer to prioritize time with his family. He was subsequently asked to serve as the interim coach for the white-ball series in Australia after South Africa's Gary Kirsten resigned before the tour.After the Zimbabwe tour, Pakistan will travel to South Africa for a white-ball series and two Tests before returning home in January.

Jason Gillespie's tenure as Pakistan's head coach is set to end abruptly, with Aaqib Javed poised to take over across all formats. This latest coaching shakeup underscores the ongoing instability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).Gillespie, who currently serves as Test coach and interim white-ball coach, is expected to be relieved of all duties. Aaqib, recently appointed convenor of the men's cricket selection committee, is the frontrunner to replace him.The decision, which could be announced as early as Monday, stems from Gillespie's refusal to take on additional white-ball responsibilities without a contract amendment. The PCB, however, maintains that Gillespie's lack of time spent in Pakistan is the primary reason for his departure.Gillespie contends that he has fulfilled his contractual obligations and has even worked without pay on the Shaheens tour of Darwin. The PCB's insistence on his physical presence in Pakistan raises questions about the board's priorities, given the team's upcoming schedule.After Gillespie's departure, the PCB initially considered elevating Azhar Mahmood or reappointing Saqlain Mushtaq. However, Aaqib emerged as the preferred candidate, with the PCB offering him the role until the end of the Champions Trophy.Gillespie's tenure has been marked by both highs and lows. Pakistan suffered a humiliating 2-0 home defeat to Bangladesh but rebounded with a 2-1 triumph over England. Gillespie also oversaw Pakistan's first series victory in Australia in 22 years.Aaqib's appointment marks a rapid rise for the former coach and director of cricket operations at Lahore Qalandars. He is credited with implementing spin-friendly wickets against England, which proved decisive in Pakistan's series win.Pakistan faces a packed cricket schedule in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, including white-ball matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa, as well as Test matches against West Indies. Aaqib will be tasked with guiding the team through this challenging period.

The fate of the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remain at loggerheads over the tournament's venue.The BCCI has refused to travel to Pakistan for the event, citing security concerns. The PCB has rejected a "hybrid model" that would see some matches, including India's, played at a neutral ground.Amidst the impasse, speculation has emerged that the tournament could be shifted to India if Pakistan withdraws. A report by Sports Tak claims that discussions within the BCCI have explored this possibility.The report suggests that the ICC could face significant financial penalties if Pakistan pulls out, as the India-Pakistan clash is a major draw for broadcasters. However, the BCCI has not yet made any formal proposal to host the tournament.Cricbuzz has reported that an unnamed "key official" has criticized the ICC for not being more proactive in resolving the issue. The publication notes that India's refusal to travel to Pakistan has been known for some time, and that no objections were raised when the Champions Trophy schedule was announced.The ICC has not yet commented on the latest developments. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a dilemma over the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send the Indian men's cricket team to Pakistan, citing security concerns. This has angered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has the legal hosting rights for the event.The PCB is unwilling to accept a hybrid model, where some matches would be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as it has done so on multiple occasions in the past. The situation puts pressure on the ICC to find a solution.The ICC has three options:1. Convince the PCB to agree to the BCCI's hybrid model proposal, which would see five of the 15 games of the tournament being played in the UAE.2. Move the Champions Trophy out of Pakistan entirely, but this could lead to the PCB withdrawing its team's participation.3. Postpone the Champions Trophy indefinitely, which would have significant financial implications for both the ICC and the PCB.The PCB has hosted several top teams in Pakistan in recent years, including New Zealand, England, and Australia. It has also sought an explanation from the ICC over the BCCI's reluctance to send the Indian team to Pakistan.The PCB has been informed by the Pakistan government that the hybrid model is "off the table." The ICC is now facing a difficult decision that could have major consequences for the future of cricket in Pakistan.