Cricket

The Champions Trophy 2025, a prestigious cricket tournament, has become a subject of intense debate due to the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is designated as the host nation, but India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event has thrown the tournament's fate into uncertainty.India's decision stems from concerns about the safety of its players in Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited a history of terrorist acts and cross-border terrorism as reasons for its reluctance to tour Pakistan. The BCCI has reportedly submitted a dossier to the International Cricket Council (ICC) outlining its concerns.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on the other hand, has taken a hard stance, rejecting the possibility of a "hybrid model" that would see some matches played in a neutral venue. The PCB has also requested a written explanation from the ICC regarding India's refusal to travel to Pakistan.The ICC now faces a difficult task in resolving the matter. It has three options:1. Convince the PCB to accept India's proposal for a hybrid model, with matches played in both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).2. Move the entire tournament out of Pakistan, which could lead to the PCB withdrawing its team from the competition.3. Postpone the Champions Trophy indefinitely, which would have significant financial implications for both the ICC and the PCB.The ICC's decision will have a major impact on the future of the Champions Trophy and the relationship between India and Pakistan in international cricket.

Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder for Bangladesh, has expressed his reluctance to travel to Dhaka for the upcoming first Test against South Africa due to ongoing protests against him in the city. Shakib's inclusion in the Bangladesh squad for the Test, which was set to be his final appearance in the format, has sparked controversy.Shakib's concerns stem from the recent arrests of several Awami League leaders, including himself, who was named in an FIR for an alleged murder during unrest in his hometown of Magura. The all-rounder had previously expressed fears for his safety if he returned to Bangladesh.Despite assurances from selectors that he would be granted safe passage, students began protesting Shakib's imminent arrival on Wednesday evening. A group known as "Mirpur Chhatro Janata" informed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) of their intention to protest Shakib's appearance at the stadium.As a result, Shakib was reportedly advised to remain in Dubai, where he was transiting from New York. Although his flight to Dhaka is scheduled for Thursday evening, it is highly unlikely that he will make the trip.Shakib's absence from the first Test would be a significant blow to Bangladesh's hopes of a positive start to the series. The all-rounder is one of the team's most experienced and influential players, and his presence would have been crucial in the absence of several other senior players.The BCB is facing a difficult situation, as they must balance the safety of their players with the demands of the protesters. It remains to be seen whether Shakib will eventually travel to Dhaka or if he will be forced to miss the Test altogether.

The participation of the Indian cricket team in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain amidst ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has expressed his belief that India should not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing safety concerns.Kaneria emphasized that the safety of players should be paramount and that the current situation in Pakistan does not provide a conducive environment for the Indian team. He suggested that Dubai would be a more suitable venue for the event."Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan," Kaneria said. "The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority."Kaneria acknowledged that the Pakistan team traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he noted that the situation in India is more stable than in Pakistan. He believes that the BCCI is making the right decision by not providing any guarantees for the Champions Trophy."I think BCCI is doing a great job," Kaneria said. "I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model."Kaneria also pointed out that the financial benefits of hosting the Indian team are a major factor in the ongoing discussions. However, he stressed that safety and respect should take precedence over financial considerations."The main issue is that money will come," Kaneria said. "But you see the other grey area which you are fixing right now. If you think positively, your mind that the situation is not good, security concerns are there."The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the venue for the Champions Trophy in due course. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.

The upcoming 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh from October 3-20, faces uncertainty amidst political turmoil and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The tournament's fate hangs in the balance as the International Cricket Council (ICC) closely monitors the situation.The ICC has expressed its priority for the safety and well-being of all participants, stating that it is coordinating with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), security agencies, and independent consultants. The matter of unrest in Bangladesh was raised during the ICC Annual Conference in Colombo last month, but it was not formally discussed.The tournament, which will feature 10 teams playing 23 matches over 18 days, is set to take place at two venues: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet. Warm-up matches will be held from September 27 to October 1 at BKSP in Dhaka.India, the defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, West Indies, Scotland, and hosts Bangladesh will compete in the tournament. Bangladesh will host the event for the second time after 2014.The opening match will feature South Africa facing England, followed by Bangladesh taking on Scotland in the evening match in Dhaka. Australia will begin their title defense against Sri Lanka on October 4 in Sylhet, while India will open its campaign against New Zealand on the same day.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for October 17 in Sylhet and October 18 in Dhaka. The Women's T20 World Cup champions will be crowned in Dhaka on October 20.The ICC's decision on the tournament's fate will depend on the ongoing political situation in Bangladesh. If the unrest continues, the event may be moved to an alternative venue.

ICC Defends Nassau County Pitches Amid Safety Concerns, No Plans to Relocate T20 World Cup MatchesDespite mounting criticism over the condition of the drop-in pitches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has no immediate plans to move the remaining T20 World Cup matches to alternative venues.The untested pitches have drawn significant flak for heavily favoring bowlers, leading to low scores and safety concerns. Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 77 by South Africa, while India dismissed Ireland for just 96. The unpredictable bounce and two-paced nature of the pitches have raised eyebrows.According to a BBC report, the Indian team has privately expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions, citing safety worries for their batters. India is scheduled to face Pakistan in a highly anticipated Group A match at the same venue on Sunday.The ICC is reportedly analyzing data from previous matches to determine potential actions but has stated that there are no current plans to shift the New York games to Florida or Texas, which feature natural turf pitches. An unused pitch has been earmarked for the India-Pakistan match, with flexibility to change based on conditions.The Nassau County venue, specifically constructed for the T20 World Cup, features ten Tahoma grass pitches imported from Australia. These were installed a few weeks before the tournament. Australian curator Damien Hough, an expert in drop-in pitches from Adelaide Oval, was brought in by the ICC to prepare the pitches.However, the outfield, made of Kentucky bluegrass grown in New Jersey and placed atop sand, has contributed to the pitch issues. The India-Ireland match highlighted the challenges, with balls either bouncing at ankle height or rising sharply. Several players, including Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, sustained injuries. Sharma retired hurt after scoring 52 due to an elbow injury.Additionally, the venue's slow outfield and uneven boundary lengths, differing by 10 meters on either side, have further complicated play. During the India-Ireland match, fans were seen cheering for Ireland to extend the game, hoping to see more of the Indian team bat.Concerns also extend to the six drop-in pitches at the practice facility in nearby Cantiague Park. South African batters preferred throwdowns over facing bowlers in the nets due to safety concerns.The ICC's decision to stick with the Nassau County pitches has been met with mixed reactions. Some experts believe that the pitches will improve as the tournament progresses, while others argue that the safety of players should be paramount. The ICC will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary.