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.

Tours to Australia have consistently been a crucible for Indian cricketers, forging new heroes who rise to the challenge of world-class opposition, unforgiving pitches, and relentless scrutiny. Here are some of the most notable players who have emerged from the fire of Australian tours:Sachin Tendulkar & Javagal Srinath (1991-92):Despite India's 4-0 thrashing, this tour marked the arrival of two legends. Sachin Tendulkar, an 18-year-old prodigy, announced his presence with an unbeaten 148 in Sydney and a brave 114 in Perth. Javagal Srinath, with his pace and bounce, showed the promise that would make him India's pace spearhead.VVS Laxman (1999-2000):Amidst a disappointing series, VVS Laxman crafted one of his finest knocks. His scintillating 167 at the SCG showcased his elegance and dominance against a formidable Australian attack. It was a counter-attacking masterpiece that earned him respect from fans and foes alike.Irfan Pathan (2003-04):At just 19, Irfan Pathan made his debut in Adelaide, dismissing legends like Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist with his reverse swing and precision. Despite modest returns, he hinted at his immense potential.Virender Sehwag (2003-04):Known for his audacious strokeplay, Sehwag lit up the MCG with a swashbuckling 195. Though he missed a double ton, his knock left an indelible mark, cementing his reputation as a fearless opener.Ishant Sharma (2007-08):At 19, Ishant Sharma produced a memorable spell at the WACA, tormenting Ricky Ponting with pace, bounce, and accuracy. His fiery spell not only helped India win the Test but also changed his career trajectory.Cheteshwar Pujara (2018-19 and 2020-21):Pujara was the cornerstone of India's historic first series win in Australia. His marathon knocks, including three centuries, blunted Australia's attack and helped India achieve a landmark 2-1 victory. In the 2020-21 tour, he again played a key role with three half-centuries.Virat Kohli (2011-12 and 2013-14):In 2011-12, a young Virat Kohli stood tall amidst India's 4-0 whitewash, scoring his maiden Test hundred in Adelaide. By the 2013-14 series, he had evolved into a leader and batting maestro, leading India with intent and scoring 692 runs at 86.50.Rishabh Pant (2018-19 and 2020-21):Pant impressed on his first tour to Australia with 350 runs, including a brilliant 159* at the SCG. In 2020-21, he became a phenomenon. His heroic 97 in Sydney saved a Test, while his unbeaten 89 in Brisbane helped India pull off an incredible heist.Mohammed Siraj & Shubman Gill (2020-21):Siraj, shouldering the pace attack amid injuries, took 13 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in Brisbane. Shubman Gill, making his Test debut, scored 259 runs at 51.80. Their contributions were crucial in India's 2-1 triumph.These players have not only showcased their talent but also inspired future generations of Indian cricketers to conquer the challenges of Australian tours.

Bangladesh's practice match against the West Indies Select XI in Coolidge ended in a draw due to rain, but the visitors had a productive outing. Despite a four-and-a-half-hour delay on the second day, Bangladesh's bowlers reduced the hosts to 87 for 9, with rookie left-arm spinner Hasan Murad claiming a hat-trick.Murad's hat-trick, which included the wickets of Daniel Beckford, Navin Bidaisee, and Chaim Holder, came in the 28th over, prompting Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons to end the match. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud also took two wickets each, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one apiece.Earlier, Bangladesh had batted for 73.2 overs on the first day, declaring on 253 for 7. Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam retired on 48 and 41, respectively, while Litton Das, who missed the second Test against South Africa due to fever, retired on 31. Mominul Haque, Bangladesh's most experienced cricketer on tour, also made 31.However, Bangladesh's concerns remain with opening batters Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan, who both got out cheaply. For the West Indies Select XI, Jair McAllister and Holder took two wickets each, while Kimani Melius top-scored with 23.Despite the rain interruption, Bangladesh's bowlers had a moderate workout, and the team will be looking to build on this performance in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, which starts in Antigua on Friday.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's bowling spearhead and vice-captain, has emerged as a formidable force ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. His exceptional skills and ability to excel in diverse conditions have made him a key player for India.Bumrah's unique bowling style, characterized by a short run-up and an awkward stiff-arm delivery stride, has left Australian batters in awe. His ability to generate significant pace from a short run-up, combined with his control over line, length, and swing, makes him a formidable opponent.Australian batters have expressed their admiration for Bumrah's bowling prowess. Travis Head described him as "impossible" to face, while Usman Khawaja compared him to Mitchell Johnson due to his awkward action and the deceptive pace he generates. Steve Smith acknowledged the difficulty of facing Bumrah's deliveries, particularly in the initial stages of an innings.Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson explained how Bumrah's unique release point and coordination allow him to generate so much pace. He also highlighted Bumrah's ability to swing the ball both ways at speed, making him even more unpredictable.Marnus Labuschagne, the top-scorer in the last BGT played in Australia, praised Bumrah's ability to control his pace and swing, as well as his use of the bouncer. He emphasized that Bumrah's exceptional skills have made him one of the best bowlers in India.Bumrah's leadership will be crucial for India in the first Test of the BGT, as designated skipper Rohit Sharma will be unavailable due to personal reasons. His experience and ability to inspire his teammates will be vital in India's quest to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter, returns to Perth, the city where his Test career took flight in 2012. Now, at the twilight of his career, Kohli seeks to reignite his brilliance in the land that forged his legacy.In 2012, a young and fiery Kohli faced intense scrutiny after a poor performance in Perth. However, he responded with a defiant 75 in the second innings, proving his mettle. Now, a decade later, Kohli is back at the WACA, where India is preparing for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The Australian media has been effusive in their praise for Kohli, despite his recent struggles. They recognize his past achievements and believe he can still produce a masterpiece. Kohli's arrival in Australia has been met with glowing headlines and full-page write-ups.Despite his recent dip in form, Kohli remains a formidable batter. He has scored two centuries in the last five years, and his average has dropped to 47.83. However, his determination and passion remain unwavering.Kohli's journey in Australia has been marked by both triumph and adversity. In 2014, he led India to a spirited draw in Adelaide, scoring a century in each innings. His duels with Mitchell Johnson were legendary, showcasing his fiery spirit.In 2018, Kohli played a pivotal role in India's 2-1 series victory, scoring a gritty 123 in the second Test at Optus Stadium. He has also faced setbacks, such as the infamous 36 all-out in Adelaide in 2020.As Kohli enters the twilight of his career, he faces the challenge of reclaiming his aura in the land where he first earned it. With peers surpassing him in the quest for batting immortality, Kohli is determined to summon one last effort and prove that he remains a force to be reckoned with.

Umpire Tony DeNobrega Suffers Horrific Facial Injuries in Perth Cricket MatchA seasoned umpire in Australia, Tony DeNobrega, has endured a harrowing on-field experience that left him hospitalized with severe facial injuries. The incident occurred during a third-grade match at Charles Veryard Reserve in North Perth over the weekend.As DeNobrega officiated the game, a batter's powerful drive struck him flush in the face. The impact caused significant swelling around his lips, right cheek, and eye. Graphic images of the aftermath, shared on social media, revealed the extent of the injury.DeNobrega was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he remains under observation. The West Australian Suburban Turf Cricket Umpires Association (WASTCUA) provided an update on his condition, stating that he has not sustained any fractures but may require surgery."A straight drive out of the screws hit Tony flush in the side of the face," WASTCUA posted on Facebook. "Spending the night in hospital, Tony was fortunate enough not to have had any broken bones, however, the doctors are keeping him in under observation as surgery is not out of the question."The umpires association expressed their well wishes to DeNobrega, describing the incident as "terrible" and hoping for his speedy recovery.The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with umpiring in cricket, a sport where the ball can travel at high speeds. Umpires play a crucial role in ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the game, but they also face the potential for serious injuries.DeNobrega's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and protective gear for umpires. Cricket authorities and associations must prioritize the well-being of umpires and implement measures to minimize the risks they face on the field.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia will be a crucial test for India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, according to former India pacer Harbhajan Singh. India suffered a historic 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in a Test series at home, and they need to bounce back in style against the mighty Aussies. The World Test Championship finale spot is also at stake.Gambhir's anger and patience will be tested, but he needs to stay calm if he wants Team India to perform better, said Harbhajan. "It is difficult to run big teams, everyone takes time. If the results were fine, everyone would have said 'see, Gautam is making the team win'. The series against Australia is important, a lot of things will be tested. Gautam Gambhir who will be sitting outside, his anger and patience will be tested," Harbhajan said on Jatin Sapru's YouTube channel."He cannot control anything from the outside, big players get frustrated sitting on the sidelines. This Test, Gambhir needs to pass. The tour is very important for Gambhir. In this country, everyone has an opinion. Gautam Gambhir must be feeling low, he is on the radar. If the series doesn't go well, Gambhir will be at the receiving end. I want him to stay calm and for the team to perform well," he added.According to a report by the Indian Express, India skipper Rohit Sharma will not play in the first Test match against Australia, and Jasprit Bumrah will serve as captain in his absence. The report claimed that Rohit has already informed the BCCI that he will be spending more time with wife Ritika Sajdeh following the birth of their second child."We were hoping that he (Rohit) would travel but he has informed the BCCI that he can't go now as he needs some more time. He will be flying to Australia for the pink-ball Test match, the second match, in Adelaide. There is a nine-day gap between the first and second Test matches, so Rohit will be able to be there on time," a BCCI official told Indian Express.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian batter, has endured a dismal year in 2023, failing to cross the 100-run mark in six innings against New Zealand. As he embarks on a tour of Australia, a country where he has enjoyed success in the past, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed confidence in Kohli's ability to regain his form and lead the team to victory.Ganguly believes that this could be Kohli's last tour of Australia, given his age and the team's future plans. He emphasized the importance of this series for Kohli, who will be eager to make a statement and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with."He is a champion batter," Ganguly said. "He has had success in Australia in the past. He will want to make this series count, and he will also know this could be the last time he is touring Australia to play Test cricket. So, in every sense, this is a massive series for Kohli."Kohli's struggles in New Zealand have been attributed to the challenging pitches, which did not favor batting. Ganguly believes that the conditions in Australia will be more conducive to Kohli's style of play."In Australia, he will enjoy the conditions," Ganguly said. "There will be good pitches. I am backing Virat to deliver in Australia in this series."Kohli's record in Australia is impressive, with 1352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, including six centuries. He will be hoping to add to that tally and help India secure a series victory Down Under.

Virat Kohli's exceptional batting prowess in Australia is a testament to his remarkable skills as a batsman. In his 13 Test matches on Australian soil, he has amassed an impressive 1352 runs at an average of 54.08, including six centuries and four half-centuries.Among his many memorable innings in Australia, one stands out as his most cherished, despite coming in a losing cause. During the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli produced a masterful 123-run performance in Perth, a venue renowned for its lightning-fast and bouncy pitch. His knock, which included 13 boundaries and one six, remains his finest achievement in Australia."My best knock in Australia will definitely be my 100 at Perth. 2018-19 series that we played. I thought that was the toughest pitch that I played on in Test cricket. It was great to get a hundred on that tour," Kohli said in a video uploaded by the BCCI titled "Ask the Next One".Despite Kohli's brilliant century, India suffered a 146-run defeat in that match. However, the series saw India, captained by Kohli, secure victory in the first Test by 31 runs, followed by the Perth loss. They bounced back to win in Melbourne by 137 runs and drew in Sydney, clinching the four-match series 2-1.This victory marked India's first-ever Test series win on Australian territory, a testament to Kohli's leadership and the team's resilience. Kohli's exceptional record in Australia is a reflection of his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and perform at the highest level. His 123-run knock in Perth stands as a shining example of his batting prowess and his unwavering determination to succeed.