National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

Rishabh Pant is fearless and plays the most unusual cricketing shots but still has the best defence in the world, his former India teammate Ravichandran Ashwin reckons. The gloveman had a below-par Test series against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in nine innings at 28.33, but showed glimpses of his past performances, with a quick-fire fifty in the final Test at the SCG.
Reflecting on Pant&rsquo;s outing on his third Australian tour, Ashwin, who announced his international retirement midway through the series, said the left-handed batter needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, he can score hundreds for fun in each outing.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/indian-quick-varun-aaron-announces-retirement-from-all-representative-cricket-8607588" rel="dofollow">Indian quick Varun Aaron hangs boots from all representative cricket</a>
Ashwin said the team needs to tell him what he must do in the middle, adding that although he failed to score runs and guide his team home against Australia this time, Pant is yet to realise his full potential.
&ldquo;We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn't scored a lot of runs, but he didn't play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,&rdquo; Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He has all the shots -- reverse sweep, slog sweep, everything -- but the problem is that all these shots are high-risk shots. With his defence, he will surely score runs every game if he faces 200 balls.&nbsp;
"The point is finding that middle game. If he combines all of it, he will score 100 runs every game. He has to find that middle game," Ashwin continued.
<h2>Ashwin recalls Pant&rsquo;s SCG heroics</h2>
Among Pant&rsquo;s few hundreds Down Under, one came at the SCG in 2019, when he slammed a stunning 159, guiding India home. That, however, was a thing of the past, but what remained with him this time was his grit to take on the mighty Aussies, which impressed Ashwin.&nbsp;
Although the recently-retired cricketer lauded his second-inning knock (61 off 33 balls), Ashwin said people shouldn&rsquo;t forget his first-inning heroics, where he suffered several blows to his body.
&ldquo;I have always grown up hearing that you have fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40, it will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair.
"In the second innings, he scored a swashbuckling fifty, earning him a lot of praise. Everyone forgot that first inning and praised him for the second knock," Ashwin noted.&nbsp;
<h3>Pant has to fight out in Tests</h3>
Having watched Pant grow as a cricketer since his Test debut, Ashwin said the India gloveman has the best defence in world cricket and shall be acknowledged.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He's got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect, he has the best defence with a soft hand.&nbsp;
"I have bowled to him a lot in the nets, he's not gotten out, he doesn't get an edge, he doesn't get LBW, he has the best defence. I have tried telling it to him. One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, he has to fight it out in Test cricket," Ashwin added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Reflecting on Pant’s outing in BGT 2024-25, Ashwin said he needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, Pant can score hundreds for fun.

Rishabh Pant is fearless and plays the most unusual cricketing shots but still has the best defence in the world, his former India teammate Ravichandran Ashwin reckons. The gloveman had a below-par Test series against Australia Down Under, scoring 255 runs in nine innings at 28.33, but showed glimpses of his past performances, with a quick-fire fifty in the final Test at the SCG. Reflecting on Pant’s outing on his third Australian tour, Ashwin, who announced his international retirement midway through the series, said the left-handed batter needs to make little amends to his game, and upon mastering that art, he can score hundreds for fun in each outing. Also read | Indian quick Varun Aaron hangs boots from all representative cricket Ashwin said the team needs to tell him what he must do in the middle, adding that although he failed to score runs and guide his team home against Australia this time, Pant is yet to realise his full potential. “We have to tell him properly what he has to do if he has to bat solid or bat with intent. He hasn't scored a lot of runs, but he didn't play like someone without runs. He has a lot of time on his hands. Rishabh Pant is yet to realise his fullest potential,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “He has all the shots -- reverse sweep, slog sweep, everything -- but the problem is that all these shots are high-risk shots. With his defence, he will surely score runs every game if he faces 200 balls. "The point is finding that middle game. If he combines all of it, he will score 100 runs every game. He has to find that middle game," Ashwin continued. Ashwin recalls Pant’s SCG heroics Among Pant’s few hundreds Down Under, one came at the SCG in 2019, when he slammed a stunning 159, guiding India home. That, however, was a thing of the past, but what remained with him this time was his grit to take on the mighty Aussies, which impressed Ashwin. Although the recently-retired cricketer lauded his second-inning knock (61 off 33 balls), Ashwin said people shouldn’t forget his first-inning heroics, where he suffered several blows to his body. “I have always grown up hearing that you have fight it out. In Sydney, he played two different knocks in one single game. He got hit everywhere and scored a 40, it will be the least spoken innings of Rishabh Pant. It is very unfair. "In the second innings, he scored a swashbuckling fifty, earning him a lot of praise. Everyone forgot that first inning and praised him for the second knock," Ashwin noted. Pant has to fight out in Tests Having watched Pant grow as a cricketer since his Test debut, Ashwin said the India gloveman has the best defence in world cricket and shall be acknowledged. “We must realise that Rishabh Pant rarely gets out playing a defence. He's got one of the best defences in world cricket. Defence has become a challenging aspect, he has the best defence with a soft hand. "I have bowled to him a lot in the nets, he's not gotten out, he doesn't get an edge, he doesn't get LBW, he has the best defence. I have tried telling it to him. One opinion about Rishabh was that he plays a lot of shots, he has to fight it out in Test cricket," Ashwin added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘He doesn’t get beaten, he has the best defence,’ Ashwin lauds Pant

Former Indian quick Varun Aaron has announced his retirement from all &lsquo;representative cricket&rsquo;, the pacer posted on his social media handle. The right-arm seamer had already retired from red-ball cricket at the end of the last domestic season (2023-24) and hung his boots from all forms of cricket following Jharkhand&rsquo;s exit from the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Aaron picked three wickets at 53.33 in the competition.
"For the past 20 years, I have lived, breathed, and thrived on the rush of bowling fast. Today, with immense gratitude, I officially announce my retirement from representative cricket," Aaron wrote on his Instagram page.&nbsp;
"As I bid farewell to a pursuit that has consumed me completely, I now look forward to savouring the smaller joys in life while staying deeply connected to the game that has given me everything. Fast Bowling has been my first love, and though I step off the field, it will always be a part of who I am."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-in-headlines-after-retirement-says-hindi-not-our-national-language-8606696" rel="dofollow">Ravichandran Ashwin in headlines after retirement, says 'Hindi not our national language...'</a>
Aaron was among the two seamers alongside Umesh Yadav, emerging onto the scene during the 2010-11 season. However, with steaming pace comes its drawbacks, and Aaron&rsquo;s career, marred by injuries, suffered the same fate. His international career that lasted for four years saw Aaron play nine ODIs and as many Tests, the last of which came ten years ago in November 2015.&nbsp;
Varun picked just one wicket against South Africa in his last Test in Bengaluru, a game which lost four days due to bad weather.
"Over the years, I've had to push both my physical and mental limits to recover from numerous career-threatening injuries, having to come back time and again, this was only possible thanks to the relentless dedication of the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy," Aaron continued.
<blockquote class="instagram-media publive-iframes-block publive-Instagram-block" contenteditable="false" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEoy6i8ooFh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5qlkwi7-1n3m45uq-xu156n4w">
<div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEoy6i8ooFh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewBox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div>
<div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div>
</div>
</a>
<p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DEoy6i8ooFh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Varun Aaron (@varunaaron77)</a>
</div>
</blockquote>
<h2>Aaron &ndash; an IPL champion!</h2>
Aaron represented several IPL teams from 2011 to 2022, playing for Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans &ndash; winning the trophy with Titans in what was his last season in the cash-rich league.
His performance, however, was below-par, picking just two wickets in two games, going for a 10.40 economy.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Aaron played 18 matches for India, picking 29 wickets across two formats. His last international game came against South Africa in Bengaluru in 2015. 

Former Indian quick Varun Aaron has announced his retirement from all ‘representative cricket’, the pacer posted on his social media handle. The right-arm seamer had already retired from red-ball cricket at the end of the last domestic season (2023-24) and hung his boots from all forms of cricket following Jharkhand’s exit from the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Aaron picked three wickets at 53.33 in the competition. "For the past 20 years, I have lived, breathed, and thrived on the rush of bowling fast. Today, with immense gratitude, I officially announce my retirement from representative cricket," Aaron wrote on his Instagram page. "As I bid farewell to a pursuit that has consumed me completely, I now look forward to savouring the smaller joys in life while staying deeply connected to the game that has given me everything. Fast Bowling has been my first love, and though I step off the field, it will always be a part of who I am." Also read | Ravichandran Ashwin in headlines after retirement, says 'Hindi not our national language...' Aaron was among the two seamers alongside Umesh Yadav, emerging onto the scene during the 2010-11 season. However, with steaming pace comes its drawbacks, and Aaron’s career, marred by injuries, suffered the same fate. His international career that lasted for four years saw Aaron play nine ODIs and as many Tests, the last of which came ten years ago in November 2015. Varun picked just one wicket against South Africa in his last Test in Bengaluru, a game which lost four days due to bad weather. "Over the years, I've had to push both my physical and mental limits to recover from numerous career-threatening injuries, having to come back time and again, this was only possible thanks to the relentless dedication of the physios, trainers, and coaches at the National Cricket Academy," Aaron continued. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varun Aaron (@varunaaron77) Aaron – an IPL champion! Aaron represented several IPL teams from 2011 to 2022, playing for Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans – winning the trophy with Titans in what was his last season in the cash-rich league. His performance, however, was below-par, picking just two wickets in two games, going for a 10.40 economy. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian quick Varun Aaron hangs boots from all representative cricket

The ICC is monitoring the Champions Trophy venues in Pakistan as the first showpiece event of the year looms. While the latest reports suggest that the slow renovation work is making ICC consider alternative options (shifting the tournament to Dubai entirely), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured job completion within the designated timeframe. Meanwhile, Team India would likely play one warm-up game in Dubai ahead of the tournament.
Cricket&rsquo;s apex body is said to be working out practice facilities across all four venues (Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai), besides preparing a schedule (warm-up matches) for the eight-team tournament slated for the February-March window.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/adam-gilchrist-makes-startling-remark-on-rohit-sharmas-test-odi-future-8605770" rel="dofollow">Gilchrist makes startling remark on Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s Test, ODI future</a>
With Pakistan set to host the first major ICC tournament since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup, the ICC extended the deadline (for the renovation work at all venues) from December 31 to January 25. The PCB, who had allocated 17 billion rupees for the reconstruction of all three stadiums, denied reports of any delay in the renovation.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The responsibility for the venue lies with the host associations. Even the pitches are being worked on by them, although the ICC pitch manager oversees the process if required," a source close to the information said in a chat with India Today. "It remains to be seen how things progress with the stadium construction. While there are always standby options, it is too early to comment on them.&rdquo;
Moreover, the PCB has moved four matches of a tri-series involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, scheduled in the second week of February, out of Multan (originally scheduled to host the matches) to Karachi and Lahore, indicating the venues&rsquo; readiness to stage the ICC tournament.&nbsp;
The technical stage of the Champions Trophy begins on February 12,&nbsp; a week before the tournament opener between the hosts Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi (on Feb 19).
<h2>Pakistan in Pakistan, India in Dubai</h2>
Owing to tense political relations between the two archrivals, the BCCI denied sending the team across the border due to security concerns. The Indian Cricket Board officially wrote to the ICC, confirming the final decision, with the apex body then pressurising Pakistan to adopt the hybrid model by adding a neutral venue to the itinerary.
Though the PCB rejected the model first, arguing that India must tour Pakistan to partake in the Champions Trophy, it eventually accepted it, with some conditions agreed upon by all boards concerned.
Going by this, Pakistan will play all its matches in their country, including the semis and the final, with Dubai hosting all India games, including the marquee group clash against Pakistan and the knockouts, should they qualify.
India will open their campaign in Group A against Bangladesh (Feb 20), with Pakistan&rsquo;s clash scheduled next (Feb 23). The Men in Blue will play their last league game against New Zealand on March 2, all in Dubai.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: The ICC is said to be working out practice facilities across all four venues besides preparing a schedule (warm-up matches) for the eight-team tournament.

The ICC is monitoring the Champions Trophy venues in Pakistan as the first showpiece event of the year looms. While the latest reports suggest that the slow renovation work is making ICC consider alternative options (shifting the tournament to Dubai entirely), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured job completion within the designated timeframe. Meanwhile, Team India would likely play one warm-up game in Dubai ahead of the tournament. Cricket’s apex body is said to be working out practice facilities across all four venues (Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai), besides preparing a schedule (warm-up matches) for the eight-team tournament slated for the February-March window. Also read | Gilchrist makes startling remark on Rohit Sharma’s Test, ODI future With Pakistan set to host the first major ICC tournament since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup, the ICC extended the deadline (for the renovation work at all venues) from December 31 to January 25. The PCB, who had allocated 17 billion rupees for the reconstruction of all three stadiums, denied reports of any delay in the renovation. “The responsibility for the venue lies with the host associations. Even the pitches are being worked on by them, although the ICC pitch manager oversees the process if required," a source close to the information said in a chat with India Today. "It remains to be seen how things progress with the stadium construction. While there are always standby options, it is too early to comment on them.” Moreover, the PCB has moved four matches of a tri-series involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, scheduled in the second week of February, out of Multan (originally scheduled to host the matches) to Karachi and Lahore, indicating the venues’ readiness to stage the ICC tournament. The technical stage of the Champions Trophy begins on February 12, a week before the tournament opener between the hosts Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi (on Feb 19). Pakistan in Pakistan, India in Dubai Owing to tense political relations between the two archrivals, the BCCI denied sending the team across the border due to security concerns. The Indian Cricket Board officially wrote to the ICC, confirming the final decision, with the apex body then pressurising Pakistan to adopt the hybrid model by adding a neutral venue to the itinerary. Though the PCB rejected the model first, arguing that India must tour Pakistan to partake in the Champions Trophy, it eventually accepted it, with some conditions agreed upon by all boards concerned. Going by this, Pakistan will play all its matches in their country, including the semis and the final, with Dubai hosting all India games, including the marquee group clash against Pakistan and the knockouts, should they qualify. India will open their campaign in Group A against Bangladesh (Feb 20), with Pakistan’s clash scheduled next (Feb 23). The Men in Blue will play their last league game against New Zealand on March 2, all in Dubai. (With inputs from agencies)

Delayed renovation work at Pakistan's Champions Trophy venues worries ICC

Former Australia gloveman Adam Gilchrist feels Rohit Sharma is nearing the end of his international career, with retirement announcement in two remaining formats &ndash; ODI and Tests just around the corner. The Indian captain sat out of the playing XI of the final BGT Test against Australia in Sydney owing to poor form, fuelling speculations of Test retirement.
Although he came out explaining the decision behind his exclusion from the series decider at the iconic SCG, Rohit put all retirement rumours under the mat, saying he&rsquo;s not going anywhere.&nbsp;
However, despite those comments, Gilchrist feels Rohit might have played his last Test (at the MCG) and would not travel to England for five Tests later in June.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-is-a-hypocrite-he-doesnt-do-what-he-says-manoj-tiwary-comes-hard-on-india-coach-8605345" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Gambhir is a hypocrite, he doesn&rsquo;t do what he says,&rsquo; Manoj Tiwary</a>
Rohit missed the series opener in Perth for the birth of his second child but re-linked with the Indian Team midway through the Perth Test, making himself available for selection from the next game onwards. His return to the Test side did no good to him nor to the team, as India conceded the lead and eventually lost the series 1-3, further failing to qualify for the WTC Final 2025.&nbsp;
"I don't see Rohit going to England. I just felt that he will assess it when he gets home. I mean, the first thing he will be met with when he gets home is a two-month-old baby that he has to change the nappies on. Now that might incentivise him to go to England. But I don't see him pressing on," Gilchrist said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.
Moreover, Rohit, who would lead India in the first showpiece event of the year &ndash; the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, might just hang up his boots after the event in Dubai, calling time on his glorious career.
"I think he'll probably have a crack at the Champions Trophy, and that might be...that might see him out," Gilchrist added.
<h2>India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad out on weekend</h2>
The BCCI will announce the Team India squad for the eight-team tournament over the weekend, with all eyes on Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. While Shami is in line for an India comeback for the first time in over a year, the team management and selectors are keeping a close tab on Bumrah&rsquo;s injury scan results.&nbsp;
The ace seamer suffered a back strain, playing no part in Australia&rsquo;s second innings in the Sydney Test, which the host won by six wickets.
Should Bumrah be declared fit, he would spearhead the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy, with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Shami remaining potential options in the pace attack.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: The Indian captain sat out of the playing XI of the final BGT Test against Australia in Sydney owing to poor form, fuelling speculations of Test retirement.

Former Australia gloveman Adam Gilchrist feels Rohit Sharma is nearing the end of his international career, with retirement announcement in two remaining formats – ODI and Tests just around the corner. The Indian captain sat out of the playing XI of the final BGT Test against Australia in Sydney owing to poor form, fuelling speculations of Test retirement. Although he came out explaining the decision behind his exclusion from the series decider at the iconic SCG, Rohit put all retirement rumours under the mat, saying he’s not going anywhere. However, despite those comments, Gilchrist feels Rohit might have played his last Test (at the MCG) and would not travel to England for five Tests later in June. Also read | ‘Gambhir is a hypocrite, he doesn’t do what he says,’ Manoj Tiwary Rohit missed the series opener in Perth for the birth of his second child but re-linked with the Indian Team midway through the Perth Test, making himself available for selection from the next game onwards. His return to the Test side did no good to him nor to the team, as India conceded the lead and eventually lost the series 1-3, further failing to qualify for the WTC Final 2025. "I don't see Rohit going to England. I just felt that he will assess it when he gets home. I mean, the first thing he will be met with when he gets home is a two-month-old baby that he has to change the nappies on. Now that might incentivise him to go to England. But I don't see him pressing on," Gilchrist said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast. Moreover, Rohit, who would lead India in the first showpiece event of the year – the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, might just hang up his boots after the event in Dubai, calling time on his glorious career. "I think he'll probably have a crack at the Champions Trophy, and that might be...that might see him out," Gilchrist added. India’s Champions Trophy squad out on weekend The BCCI will announce the Team India squad for the eight-team tournament over the weekend, with all eyes on Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. While Shami is in line for an India comeback for the first time in over a year, the team management and selectors are keeping a close tab on Bumrah’s injury scan results. The ace seamer suffered a back strain, playing no part in Australia’s second innings in the Sydney Test, which the host won by six wickets. Should Bumrah be declared fit, he would spearhead the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy, with Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Shami remaining potential options in the pace attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Gilchrist makes startling remark on Rohit Sharma’s Test, ODI future

Gautam Gambhir&rsquo;s ex-teammate at the Indian Team and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, Manoj Tiwary, has come down hard on the Indian coach, saying he is a hypocrite as he doesn&rsquo;t walk the talk. After India lost six of their last eight Tests, leading to their failure in qualifying for the WTC Final 2025, Tiwary bashed &lsquo;favouritism&rsquo; inside the dressing room, adding Gambhir made BCCI hire his yes men.
Gautam rejoined KKR as the team mentor ahead of IPL 2024, playing a handy role in helping them win their third league title last year. Though Chandrakant Pandit was the team coach that beat SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the one-sided final, Gambhir got all the limelight, leading to him entering the race for Team India&rsquo;s head coach role.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/travis-head-sam-konstas-fight-for-opening-slot-in-sri-lanka-tests-cricket-australia-chief-selector-george-bailey-8605068" rel="dofollow">Australia handpick two names as potential openers for Sri Lanka Tests</a>
Taking jibes at his former IPL captain, Tiwary called Gautam a hypocrite, adding his choices for the backroom staff, for which he remained adamant ahead of taking up the job, led to calamity in Indian cricket.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Gautam Gambhir is a hypocrite. He doesn&rsquo;t do what he says. Where is the captain (Rohit) from? Mumbai. Where is Abhishek Nayar from? Mumbai. They got a chance to put a Mumbai player in the forefront. There is no one to speak for Jalaj Saxena. He performs well but keeps quiet,&rdquo; Tiwary said in a chat with News18 Bangla.
&ldquo;Morne Morkel came from Lucknow Super Giants. Abhishek Nayar was at Kolkata Knight Riders with Gambhir, and the Indian head coach has a comfort zone with him. They have to be yes men to the coach. That&rsquo;s why they were brought,&rdquo; Manoj added.
<h2>&lsquo;He didn&rsquo;t do it alone&rsquo;</h2>
What goes around comes around.
All this time since playing the match-winning knock against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup Final, Gautam Gambhir kept bashing the Indian fans and the media for crediting MS Dhoni, who remained unbeaten on 91 and hit the winning runs, for India lifting the trophy, and that seems to return to haunt the current team coach.
Tiwary said Gautam&rsquo;s PR helped him get all the credit for KKR&rsquo;s win in IPL 2024, which was not the case, as everyone helped the team get through.
&ldquo;Gambhir didn&rsquo;t guide KKR to the title single-handedly, as we all performed as a unit. Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine and I - all contributed to the cause. But who took the credit? There is an environment and PR that allows him to take all the credit,&rdquo; Tiwary noted.
Meanwhile, Gambhir has come under pressure following India&rsquo;s loss Down Under. While his tenure thus far has been about more lows than hits, Gautam&rsquo;s next assignment is England&rsquo;s white-ball series against India and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the UAE.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Tiwary said Gautam’s PR helped him get all the credit for KKR’s win in IPL 2024, which was not the case, as everyone helped the team get through.

Gautam Gambhir’s ex-teammate at the Indian Team and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, Manoj Tiwary, has come down hard on the Indian coach, saying he is a hypocrite as he doesn’t walk the talk. After India lost six of their last eight Tests, leading to their failure in qualifying for the WTC Final 2025, Tiwary bashed ‘favouritism’ inside the dressing room, adding Gambhir made BCCI hire his yes men. Gautam rejoined KKR as the team mentor ahead of IPL 2024, playing a handy role in helping them win their third league title last year. Though Chandrakant Pandit was the team coach that beat SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the one-sided final, Gambhir got all the limelight, leading to him entering the race for Team India’s head coach role. Also read | Australia handpick two names as potential openers for Sri Lanka Tests Taking jibes at his former IPL captain, Tiwary called Gautam a hypocrite, adding his choices for the backroom staff, for which he remained adamant ahead of taking up the job, led to calamity in Indian cricket. “Gautam Gambhir is a hypocrite. He doesn’t do what he says. Where is the captain (Rohit) from? Mumbai. Where is Abhishek Nayar from? Mumbai. They got a chance to put a Mumbai player in the forefront. There is no one to speak for Jalaj Saxena. He performs well but keeps quiet,” Tiwary said in a chat with News18 Bangla. “Morne Morkel came from Lucknow Super Giants. Abhishek Nayar was at Kolkata Knight Riders with Gambhir, and the Indian head coach has a comfort zone with him. They have to be yes men to the coach. That’s why they were brought,” Manoj added. ‘He didn’t do it alone’ What goes around comes around. All this time since playing the match-winning knock against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup Final, Gautam Gambhir kept bashing the Indian fans and the media for crediting MS Dhoni, who remained unbeaten on 91 and hit the winning runs, for India lifting the trophy, and that seems to return to haunt the current team coach. Tiwary said Gautam’s PR helped him get all the credit for KKR’s win in IPL 2024, which was not the case, as everyone helped the team get through. “Gambhir didn’t guide KKR to the title single-handedly, as we all performed as a unit. Jacques Kallis, Sunil Narine and I - all contributed to the cause. But who took the credit? There is an environment and PR that allows him to take all the credit,” Tiwary noted. Meanwhile, Gambhir has come under pressure following India’s loss Down Under. While his tenure thus far has been about more lows than hits, Gautam’s next assignment is England’s white-ball series against India and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the UAE. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Gambhir is a hypocrite, he doesn’t do what he says’: Manoj Tiwary

Australia could have a new opening batter in Sri Lanka, George Bailey said on Thursday (Jan 9) as the visitors announced a 16-man squad for two Tests. Sam Konstas, who made his international debut against India during the Boxing Day Test, impressed everyone with his brave approach in two contested matches, with middle-order dynamite Travis Head looming as another potential option.
Konstas opened in Melbourne, replacing Nathan McSweeney, and took on Jasprit Bumrah. He slammed the ranked number one Test bowler to all parts, including hitting him for a six off a ramp shot, shocking the cricket world. Though he got involved in a verbal tussle with Virat Kohli and Bumrah across two Tests, Konstas&rsquo; whirlwind cameos at the top pressed his case for future selections.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-sweat-on-pat-cummins-injury-scan-result-as-odi-skipper-doubtful-for-champions-trophy-2025-8604796" rel="dofollow">Pat Cummins doubtful for Champions Trophy 2025, hints George Bailey</a>
Speaking of the rookie batter, Bailey said Sam is a quick learner and that they expect him to deliver on his first overseas tour.&nbsp;
"I guess, in truth, you never really know (how they'll handle particular conditions) until someone's faced with them," Bailey said. "What we have seen is he's a quick learner. (He) absorbs a lot of information."&nbsp;
"So, (we're) expecting him to get a lot out of it. I know from his spin play in Australia and the opportunities he's (had) in different parts of the world, we think he's got a game that's well suited and a technique that can stand up."
"But, that's one of the exciting things about this tour&mdash;we will learn a bit more about his game in different conditions to what he's just faced in Australia,&rdquo; the chief selector added.
<h2>&lsquo;Travis is an option&rsquo;</h2>
Travis Head has been Australia&rsquo;s most ruthless batter across formats for some time now. The left-handed batter finished as the highest run-scorer (448 runs in nine innings) in the recently concluded India Tests. He scored back-to-back hundreds in the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests, respectively, and was at the crease when debutant Beau Webster hit the winning runs in the final match to complete the series win.
However, with the Sri Lanka Tests looming, Bailey confirmed that Head also remains in line to play at the top at some point in two Tests, with the head coach (Andrew McDonald) and captain (Steve Smith) taking the final call.
"Trav's an option (to open)," Bailey said.&nbsp;"We've got a number of options, and there's been a few preliminary discussions around where that may land, and that may depend on the makeup of that first XI. I think Andrew (McDonald, head coach) and Steve (Smith, captain) will settle on that in due course once we hit Sri Lanka,&rdquo; he continued.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Australia named a 16-man squad for Sri Lanka Tests, naming Steve Smith as the stand-in captain. Australia has zeroed in on two options as potential openers. 

Australia could have a new opening batter in Sri Lanka, George Bailey said on Thursday (Jan 9) as the visitors announced a 16-man squad for two Tests. Sam Konstas, who made his international debut against India during the Boxing Day Test, impressed everyone with his brave approach in two contested matches, with middle-order dynamite Travis Head looming as another potential option. Konstas opened in Melbourne, replacing Nathan McSweeney, and took on Jasprit Bumrah. He slammed the ranked number one Test bowler to all parts, including hitting him for a six off a ramp shot, shocking the cricket world. Though he got involved in a verbal tussle with Virat Kohli and Bumrah across two Tests, Konstas’ whirlwind cameos at the top pressed his case for future selections. Also read | Pat Cummins doubtful for Champions Trophy 2025, hints George Bailey Speaking of the rookie batter, Bailey said Sam is a quick learner and that they expect him to deliver on his first overseas tour. "I guess, in truth, you never really know (how they'll handle particular conditions) until someone's faced with them," Bailey said. "What we have seen is he's a quick learner. (He) absorbs a lot of information." "So, (we're) expecting him to get a lot out of it. I know from his spin play in Australia and the opportunities he's (had) in different parts of the world, we think he's got a game that's well suited and a technique that can stand up." "But, that's one of the exciting things about this tour—we will learn a bit more about his game in different conditions to what he's just faced in Australia,” the chief selector added. ‘Travis is an option’ Travis Head has been Australia’s most ruthless batter across formats for some time now. The left-handed batter finished as the highest run-scorer (448 runs in nine innings) in the recently concluded India Tests. He scored back-to-back hundreds in the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests, respectively, and was at the crease when debutant Beau Webster hit the winning runs in the final match to complete the series win. However, with the Sri Lanka Tests looming, Bailey confirmed that Head also remains in line to play at the top at some point in two Tests, with the head coach (Andrew McDonald) and captain (Steve Smith) taking the final call. "Trav's an option (to open)," Bailey said. "We've got a number of options, and there's been a few preliminary discussions around where that may land, and that may depend on the makeup of that first XI. I think Andrew (McDonald, head coach) and Steve (Smith, captain) will settle on that in due course once we hit Sri Lanka,” he continued. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia handpick two names as potential openers for Sri Lanka Tests

Pat Cummins could miss the first showpiece event of the year&mdash;the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE&mdash;with Australia sweating over the scan results of his sore ankle. Per the latest reports, Cummins, who will miss the away Sri Lanka tour for the birth of his child, is also managing ankle pain. Those privy to the information, including the chief selector George Bailey, admitted they are awaiting scan results to see if Pat can make it to the squad for the eight-team tournament.
"We'll have to wait and see when that scan comes back and see how it's tracking," chief selector George Bailey said. "There's a little bit of work to do. We'll probably get a bit more information around where that's at.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-legend-slams-icc-over-virat-kohli-sam-konstas-row-in-mcg-test-8604128" rel="dofollow">England legend slams ICC over Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas row in MCG Test</a>
Pat&rsquo;s absence could hurt Australia, who last won this tournament in 2009, with India and Pakistan winning the two editions held since. Should Pat get ruled out, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, the vice-captain, would lead the team in the Champions Trophy scheduled for the February-March window.
Meanwhile, Cummins is not the only name whose participation remains under a dark cloud, with his fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood also doubtful for 2025&rsquo;s first ICC event. Hazlewood got ruled out with a calf injury midway through the third BGT Test against India at the Gabba, with Scott Boland replacing him in the XI for the remaining two matches.
Like Cummins, Hazlewood will also miss the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting January 29 in Galle.&nbsp;
"Josh is working really hard, and all the news of how he's responding to his recovery from the calf injury is coming along really well," Bailey said. "It's just probably a little bit tight, given the amount of time that he would have missed and also with how we may structure up and the loads those quicks may be put under."
<h2>Who makes it to the Test squad?</h2>
Australia announced the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series on Thursday (Jan 9), with Steve Smith named captain. The visitors have recalled Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann, with all-rounder Cooper Connolly receiving his maiden Test call-up.&nbsp;
Josh Inglis, who missed the last Test at the SCG, also returned to the side, while Australia named three seamers in Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott and Scott Boland.
<h3>Australia Test squad for Sri Lanka series:</h3>
Steven Smith, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Cummins is not the only name whose participation remains under a dark cloud, with his fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood also doubtful for 2025’s first ICC event.

Pat Cummins could miss the first showpiece event of the year—the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the UAE—with Australia sweating over the scan results of his sore ankle. Per the latest reports, Cummins, who will miss the away Sri Lanka tour for the birth of his child, is also managing ankle pain. Those privy to the information, including the chief selector George Bailey, admitted they are awaiting scan results to see if Pat can make it to the squad for the eight-team tournament. "We'll have to wait and see when that scan comes back and see how it's tracking," chief selector George Bailey said. "There's a little bit of work to do. We'll probably get a bit more information around where that's at.” Also read | England legend slams ICC over Virat Kohli-Sam Konstas row in MCG Test Pat’s absence could hurt Australia, who last won this tournament in 2009, with India and Pakistan winning the two editions held since. Should Pat get ruled out, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, the vice-captain, would lead the team in the Champions Trophy scheduled for the February-March window. Meanwhile, Cummins is not the only name whose participation remains under a dark cloud, with his fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood also doubtful for 2025’s first ICC event. Hazlewood got ruled out with a calf injury midway through the third BGT Test against India at the Gabba, with Scott Boland replacing him in the XI for the remaining two matches. Like Cummins, Hazlewood will also miss the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting January 29 in Galle. "Josh is working really hard, and all the news of how he's responding to his recovery from the calf injury is coming along really well," Bailey said. "It's just probably a little bit tight, given the amount of time that he would have missed and also with how we may structure up and the loads those quicks may be put under." Who makes it to the Test squad? Australia announced the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series on Thursday (Jan 9), with Steve Smith named captain. The visitors have recalled Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann, with all-rounder Cooper Connolly receiving his maiden Test call-up. Josh Inglis, who missed the last Test at the SCG, also returned to the side, while Australia named three seamers in Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott and Scott Boland. Australia Test squad for Sri Lanka series: Steven Smith, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc and Beau Webster (With inputs from agencies)

Pat Cummins doubtful for Champions Trophy 2025, hints George Bailey

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving South Africa and New Zealand from Multan to Karachi and Lahore&mdash;venues of the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">2025 Champions Trophy</a>. The series, which starts February 8, has been moved to showcase the readiness of the 2025 Champions Trophy venues.
<h2>Champions Trophy Venues Almost Ready</h2>
In a statement released on Wednesday (Jan 8), the PCB stated: "Given the advanced stage of preparations at the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Bank Stadium, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pcb">PCB</a> has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues. The series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-champions-trophy-squad-news-india-ct-2025-probable-squad-rohit-to-lead-8600173" rel="dofollow">India Champions Trophy 2025 squad - Who all can make the cut?</a>
Pakistan are set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy - their first ICC tournament since co-hosting 1996 ODI World Cup - from February 19 to March 9. The board has earmarked National Stadium (Karachi), Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for 10, possibly 11, of the 15-match tournament among the top eight teams.
The Pak board also "assured the fans, spectators and media that all upgradation work was progressing on schedule and will be completed before or around the set deadlines."
PCB also said in the release that it will inaugurate the Gaddafi Stadium - venue of semi-final and the final - in the last week of January, 2025. According to WION's Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is expected to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-news-venues-karachi-lahore-rawalpindi-updates-pcb-to-inaugurate-gaddafi-stadium-lahore-january-25-8601866">inaugurated on January 25</a> itself.
Apart from Pakistan, Dubai (UAE) will also be hosting three group-stage matches and a semi-final - all involving India. The move came after Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan.
India will play all its matches in Dubai, UAE including the semi-final and the final if they make it that far.

Cricket Sports PCB relocates SA, NZ ODI tri-series to Lahore, Karachi, which starts February 8, to showcase the readiness of the 2025 Champions Trophy venues.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted the upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving South Africa and New Zealand from Multan to Karachi and Lahore—venues of the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. The series, which starts February 8, has been moved to showcase the readiness of the 2025 Champions Trophy venues. Champions Trophy Venues Almost Ready In a statement released on Wednesday (Jan 8), the PCB stated: "Given the advanced stage of preparations at the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Bank Stadium, the PCB has decided to relocate the upcoming tri-nation ODI series to these two venues. The series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa alongside Pakistan, was originally scheduled to be held in Multan." Also Read: India Champions Trophy 2025 squad - Who all can make the cut? Pakistan are set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy - their first ICC tournament since co-hosting 1996 ODI World Cup - from February 19 to March 9. The board has earmarked National Stadium (Karachi), Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for 10, possibly 11, of the 15-match tournament among the top eight teams. The Pak board also "assured the fans, spectators and media that all upgradation work was progressing on schedule and will be completed before or around the set deadlines." PCB also said in the release that it will inaugurate the Gaddafi Stadium - venue of semi-final and the final - in the last week of January, 2025. According to WION's Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is expected to be inaugurated on January 25 itself. Apart from Pakistan, Dubai (UAE) will also be hosting three group-stage matches and a semi-final - all involving India. The move came after Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to allow the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. India will play all its matches in Dubai, UAE including the semi-final and the final if they make it that far.

PCB relocates SA, NZ ODI tri-series to Lahore, Karachi before Champions Trophy 2025

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has slammed the pitch of Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) - venue of the last Test in recently-concluded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bgt" rel="dofollow">Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a> (BGT). The match was over in less than two and a half days with Australia winning the match by six wickets.
"The SCG is my favourite ground in the world, it is my home ground, and I hate saying this out loud, but that's the worst pitch I've ever seen in Sydney," Clarke told ESPN's Around The Wicket. "I didn't think it was a good cricket wicket, balls not just going up off the surface but shooting low at the end of day two."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-news-venues-karachi-lahore-rawalpindi-updates-pcb-to-inaugurate-gaddafi-stadium-lahore-january-25-8601866">Champions Trophy 2025: PCB to inaugurate Lahore stadium on January 25</a>
The match saw 11 wickets falling on day 1 and 15 on day 2 while day 3 saw eight wickets lost by both the teams in total before the result.
<h2>ICC Rates SCG Pitch 'Satisfactory'</h2>
The pitch received 'satisfactory' rating from the ICC while rest of the four venues - Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne - all were rated 'very good' by the apex cricket body.
The SCG has been criticised in the past for offering benign pitches with nothing available for bowlers resulting in four draws in last five seasons.
Australia coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/andrew-mcdonald" rel="dofollow">Andrew McDonald</a>, however, praised the SCG curator for preparing a pitch with 'something in it.'
"The ground staff have done an incredible job in terms of creating a wicket with something in it," he had said after end of play on day two. &nbsp;
"Traditionally here it's quite benign and we've had a lot of draws, so a lot of people have been talking about the draws, so you're damned if you do it and damned if you don't. I think he's trying to produce an even contest between bat and ball. It's made for interesting cricket," he added.
The series ended with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/australia-cricket" rel="dofollow">Australia</a> regaining the BGT after a decade with 3-1 series victory.

Cricket Sports: The match on SCG pitch saw 11 wickets falling on day 1 and 15 on day 2 while day 3 saw eight wickets lost by both the teams in total before the result.

Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has slammed the pitch of Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) - venue of the last Test in recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). The match was over in less than two and a half days with Australia winning the match by six wickets. "The SCG is my favourite ground in the world, it is my home ground, and I hate saying this out loud, but that's the worst pitch I've ever seen in Sydney," Clarke told ESPN's Around The Wicket. "I didn't think it was a good cricket wicket, balls not just going up off the surface but shooting low at the end of day two." Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: PCB to inaugurate Lahore stadium on January 25 The match saw 11 wickets falling on day 1 and 15 on day 2 while day 3 saw eight wickets lost by both the teams in total before the result. ICC Rates SCG Pitch 'Satisfactory' The pitch received 'satisfactory' rating from the ICC while rest of the four venues - Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne - all were rated 'very good' by the apex cricket body. The SCG has been criticised in the past for offering benign pitches with nothing available for bowlers resulting in four draws in last five seasons. Australia coach Andrew McDonald, however, praised the SCG curator for preparing a pitch with 'something in it.' "The ground staff have done an incredible job in terms of creating a wicket with something in it," he had said after end of play on day two. "Traditionally here it's quite benign and we've had a lot of draws, so a lot of people have been talking about the draws, so you're damned if you do it and damned if you don't. I think he's trying to produce an even contest between bat and ball. It's made for interesting cricket," he added. The series ended with Australia regaining the BGT after a decade with 3-1 series victory.

Aussie Michael Clarke slams SCG pitch as ICC rates it 'satisfactory'

New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith took a stunning flying catch in second ODI against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/sri-lanka-cricket" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sri Lanka</a> on Wednesday (Jan 8) as the Kiwis took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Smith took the catch of Sri Lanka bowler Eshan Malinga off Will O'Rourke's bowling in 29th over of the chase.
The delivery was at good length outside off stump which Malinga slashed hard the ball travelled to third-man region. It looked sure to sail over the boundary before Smith put in a full stretch dive to pluck it out of thin air. Have a look at the video below:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Nathan Smith! A screamer on the Seddon Park boundary to dismiss Eshan Malinga 🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/sQKm8aS07F">pic.twitter.com/sQKm8aS07F</a>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1876918410765803932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>SL Make Mess of Chase After Theekshana Hattrick</h2>
Chasing 256 in 37-over a side game, SL top order failed miserably to get going as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/new-zealand-cricket" rel="dofollow">New Zealand</a> took four wickets for just 22 runs inside five overs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/nz-vs-sl-1st-odi-maheesh-theekshana-becomes-seventh-sri-lankan-to-bag-a-hat-trick-as-kiwis-manage-255-9-8601008" rel="dofollow">NZ vs SL, 1st ODI: Maheesh Theekshana bags hat-trick in Hamilton tie</a>
A 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket followed by a 48-run stand for the sixth wicket seem to give some hope to Sri Lanka but New Zealand were too good to let the game slip away.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 142 runs in 30.2 overs as New Zealand registered a huge 113-run victory. Kamindu Mendis top-scored for SL with 64 off 66 balls.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had won the toss in Hamilton and invited New Zealand to bat first. After losing Will Young for team score of 31, Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) added 112 runs for the second wicket.&nbsp;
New Zealand kept the scoring rate decent throughout the innings and were aiming at 270+ runs but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/maheesh-theekshana" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Maheesh Theekshana</a>'s hattrick in 35th over jolted their late charge.
Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner, however, was happy with the effort and said at post-match presentation: "We opened up really well, lost wickets in the middle but seamers did their thing on a wicket that offered a little bit. Usually it swings here under lights, but the bounce our bowlers got has proven to be challenging. Good game-time for the guys."
The third and final ODI, which is also the tour finale, will be held on Saturday (Jan 11) in Auckland.

Cricket Sports New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: NZ's Nathan Smith took a stunning flying catch to dismiss Sri Lanka's Eshan Malinga in Hamilton on Wednesday (Jan 8).

New Zealand all-rounder Nathan Smith took a stunning flying catch in second ODI against Sri Lanka on Wednesday (Jan 8) as the Kiwis took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Smith took the catch of Sri Lanka bowler Eshan Malinga off Will O'Rourke's bowling in 29th over of the chase. The delivery was at good length outside off stump which Malinga slashed hard the ball travelled to third-man region. It looked sure to sail over the boundary before Smith put in a full stretch dive to pluck it out of thin air. Have a look at the video below: Nathan Smith! A screamer on the Seddon Park boundary to dismiss Eshan Malinga 🔥 #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/sQKm8aS07F — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 8, 2025 SL Make Mess of Chase After Theekshana Hattrick Chasing 256 in 37-over a side game, SL top order failed miserably to get going as New Zealand took four wickets for just 22 runs inside five overs. Also Read: NZ vs SL, 1st ODI: Maheesh Theekshana bags hat-trick in Hamilton tie A 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket followed by a 48-run stand for the sixth wicket seem to give some hope to Sri Lanka but New Zealand were too good to let the game slip away. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 142 runs in 30.2 overs as New Zealand registered a huge 113-run victory. Kamindu Mendis top-scored for SL with 64 off 66 balls. Earlier, Sri Lanka had won the toss in Hamilton and invited New Zealand to bat first. After losing Will Young for team score of 31, Rachin Ravindra (79) and Mark Chapman (62) added 112 runs for the second wicket. New Zealand kept the scoring rate decent throughout the innings and were aiming at 270+ runs but Maheesh Theekshana's hattrick in 35th over jolted their late charge. Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner, however, was happy with the effort and said at post-match presentation: "We opened up really well, lost wickets in the middle but seamers did their thing on a wicket that offered a little bit. Usually it swings here under lights, but the bounce our bowlers got has proven to be challenging. Good game-time for the guys." The third and final ODI, which is also the tour finale, will be held on Saturday (Jan 11) in Auckland.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Nathan Smith takes FLYING catch in Hamilton - WATCH

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra claimed that Rohit Sharma's Test career isn't as glorious as Virat Kohli's. Recently, Hitman has been under the radar since his sub-par performance in the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia, where India lost 1-3 to the hosts. He ended with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 whereas his average was a woeful 24.76 in whites in 2024. Chopra has compared Rohit's Test run with Kohli and analysed the current Indian captain's Test numbers in depth.
<h2>'Virat has played 123 Tests and Rohit has played only 67'</h2>
On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "His (Rohit) Test career is not as glorious as Virat's because Virat has played 123 Tests and he has played only 67. He has been a bit of a late bloomer. He has scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 in 116 innings in those 67 games. Kohli's average, despite going down, is around 47."
Analysing Rohit's Test numbers since 2020, Chopra noted, "Let's start from 1st January 2020 till the end of 2024, which means the last five years. He has played 35 matches, Kohli played 39 matches and 69 innings, and he has played 63 innings. He has scored 2,160 runs at an average of 36, which includes six centuries. He didn't play in 2020. In 2021, he played 11 matches, 21 innings, and scored 906 runs at an average of 47.68 with two centuries. Not bad. If you go at an average of nearly 48, thumbs up, it will be considered a good year. So Rohit Sharma 100 per cent pass in 2021."
"He played only two matches in 2022. It's been a problem with him that he has been injured a lot. He has never played an entire series in Australia. In 2022, he scored 90 runs at an average of 30 in three innings. Since it's only two matches, it's too small a sample size to say that the year wasn't good," the former cricketer further opined.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/he-was-very-sam-konstas-reveals-surprise-chat-with-legend-virat-kohli-after-border-gavaskar-trophy-8600904" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT</a>
<h2>'Rohit's 2024 second half was so ordinary that people have written obituaries'</h2>
Chopra added, "He played eight matches in 2023 and scored 545 runs at an average of 41.92 in 13 innings in which he scored two centuries again. So 2023 was not a bad year. An average of nearly 42, you will have to say that it was okay.&nbsp;2024 hasn't been a good year. The first half was okay but the second half was extremely ordinary and it has become so ordinary that people have written obituaries. He scored 400 runs in the five-match series against England and that is why he has an average of 24 in 2024. He scored 619 in 14 matches. He struck two centuries here also."
Under Kohli's captaincy, Rohit's Test career saw a flourish when he was promoted as an opener. Since his promotion as an opening batter, the 37-year-old slammed nine centuries, taking his tally to 12. All of his dozen tons have come in winning causes, however, Hitman's form has taken a huge dip in recent months. His woes against seamers and limited footwork have been exposed time and again, and subsequently, he is facing the heat to retire from Tests.
&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports | Rohit Sharma's Test career not as glorious as Virat Kohli's: Ex-India opener Aakash Chopra makes SENSATIONAL claim, analyses Hitman's numbers

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra claimed that Rohit Sharma's Test career isn't as glorious as Virat Kohli's. Recently, Hitman has been under the radar since his sub-par performance in the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia, where India lost 1-3 to the hosts. He ended with scores of 3, 6, 10, 3 and 9 whereas his average was a woeful 24.76 in whites in 2024. Chopra has compared Rohit's Test run with Kohli and analysed the current Indian captain's Test numbers in depth. 'Virat has played 123 Tests and Rohit has played only 67' On his YouTube channel, Chopra said, "His (Rohit) Test career is not as glorious as Virat's because Virat has played 123 Tests and he has played only 67. He has been a bit of a late bloomer. He has scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 in 116 innings in those 67 games. Kohli's average, despite going down, is around 47." Analysing Rohit's Test numbers since 2020, Chopra noted, "Let's start from 1st January 2020 till the end of 2024, which means the last five years. He has played 35 matches, Kohli played 39 matches and 69 innings, and he has played 63 innings. He has scored 2,160 runs at an average of 36, which includes six centuries. He didn't play in 2020. In 2021, he played 11 matches, 21 innings, and scored 906 runs at an average of 47.68 with two centuries. Not bad. If you go at an average of nearly 48, thumbs up, it will be considered a good year. So Rohit Sharma 100 per cent pass in 2021." "He played only two matches in 2022. It's been a problem with him that he has been injured a lot. He has never played an entire series in Australia. In 2022, he scored 90 runs at an average of 30 in three innings. Since it's only two matches, it's too small a sample size to say that the year wasn't good," the former cricketer further opined. Also read: Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT 'Rohit's 2024 second half was so ordinary that people have written obituaries' Chopra added, "He played eight matches in 2023 and scored 545 runs at an average of 41.92 in 13 innings in which he scored two centuries again. So 2023 was not a bad year. An average of nearly 42, you will have to say that it was okay. 2024 hasn't been a good year. The first half was okay but the second half was extremely ordinary and it has become so ordinary that people have written obituaries. He scored 400 runs in the five-match series against England and that is why he has an average of 24 in 2024. He scored 619 in 14 matches. He struck two centuries here also." Under Kohli's captaincy, Rohit's Test career saw a flourish when he was promoted as an opener. Since his promotion as an opening batter, the 37-year-old slammed nine centuries, taking his tally to 12. All of his dozen tons have come in winning causes, however, Hitman's form has taken a huge dip in recent months. His woes against seamers and limited footwork have been exposed time and again, and subsequently, he is facing the heat to retire from Tests.

Rohit's Test career not as glorious as Kohli's, claims ex-Indian opener

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a> is just over a month away and the preparations are in full-swing including the upgradation of the three venues - National Stadium (Karachi), Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to inaugurate the Gaddafi Stadium - venue of semi-final and the final - in the last week of January, 2025.
According to WION's Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is expected to be inaugurated on January 25. In a media update released on Wednesday (Jan 8), the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pcb">PCB</a> also offered updates on development work across the three venues.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-champions-trophy-squad-news-india-ct-2025-probable-squad-rohit-to-lead-8600173">India Champions Trophy 2025 squad - Who all can make the cut?</a>
<h2>2025 Champions Trophy Venue Updates</h2>
Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) Renovation Update
"The spectator capacity at Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000, with new chairs installed throughout the venue. Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide. To further elevate the spectator experience, two giant digital replay screens - measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet - will be installed next week," read the PCB update.
National Stadium (Karachi) Renovation Update
"To improve broadcast coverage, 350 LED lights have been installed, ensuring optimal visibility for global audiences. Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectator comfort," said the Pak board release and also confirmed by WION's Anas Mallick.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Renovation Update
"Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing minor touch-ups, focusing on the installation of 10,000 new chairs, upgrades to hospitality boxes and the installation of two digital replay screens. These improvements are designed to ensure the stadium exceeds international standards for upcoming events," added the PCB update.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be played <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-icc-releases-full-schedule-of-tournament-check-all-details-inside-786503">from February 19 to March 9</a> in Pakistan, with India's matches scheduled to be played in Dubai, UAE.

Cricket Sports Champions Trophy News: The PCB is set to inaugurate Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore January 25 with development work on Karachi and Rawalpindi venues also near completion.

The Champions Trophy 2025 is just over a month away and the preparations are in full-swing including the upgradation of the three venues - National Stadium (Karachi), Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to inaugurate the Gaddafi Stadium - venue of semi-final and the final - in the last week of January, 2025. According to WION's Pakistan Bureau Chief Anas Mallick, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is expected to be inaugurated on January 25. In a media update released on Wednesday (Jan 8), the PCB also offered updates on development work across the three venues. Also Read: India Champions Trophy 2025 squad - Who all can make the cut? 2025 Champions Trophy Venue Updates Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) Renovation Update "The spectator capacity at Gaddafi Stadium has been increased to 35,000, with new chairs installed throughout the venue. Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide. To further elevate the spectator experience, two giant digital replay screens - measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet - will be installed next week," read the PCB update. National Stadium (Karachi) Renovation Update "To improve broadcast coverage, 350 LED lights have been installed, ensuring optimal visibility for global audiences. Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectator comfort," said the Pak board release and also confirmed by WION's Anas Mallick. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Renovation Update "Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing minor touch-ups, focusing on the installation of 10,000 new chairs, upgrades to hospitality boxes and the installation of two digital replay screens. These improvements are designed to ensure the stadium exceeds international standards for upcoming events," added the PCB update. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan, with India's matches scheduled to be played in Dubai, UAE.

Champions Trophy 2025: PCB to inaugurate Lahore stadium on January 25

New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 113 runs (DLS method) to win the second and penultimate rain-marred ODI at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on Wednesday (Jan 8). Riding on Rachin Ravindra's 79 and Mark Chapman's 62, the Kiwis posted 255-9 in a 37-overs a side contest before their seamers rose to the occasion to dismiss the Lankans for a paltry 142 in 30.2 overs. While Maheesh Theekshana's hat-trick restricted the Kiwis to a moderate total, the visitors' batting line-up fell flat.
Talking about the contest, rain forced a delayed start to the game and reduced it to a 37-over contest. Winning the toss, Charith Asalanka-led side opted to bowl first. While Will Young fell for 16, Rachin and Chapman's 112-run second-wicket stand took NZ forward. The hosts were on-course to get more than 255 but the spin duo of Theeskana (4 for 44) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 39) brought their side back with regular strikes in the backend of the innings.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/nz-vs-sl-1st-odi-maheesh-theekshana-becomes-seventh-sri-lankan-to-bag-a-hat-trick-as-kiwis-manage-255-9-8601008" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">NZ vs SL, 1st ODI: Maheesh Theekshana bags hat-trick in Hamilton tie</a>
Chasing 256, Sri Lanka were never in the chase. They were soon reduced to 22-4 and lost half their side for 79. Kamindu Mendis (64) was the lone warrior as William ORourke (3 for 32), Jacob Duffy (2 for 30) and Matt Henry (1 for 19) rocked the Lankan line-up.&nbsp;
<h2>'Seamers did their thing on a wicket that offered a little bit'</h2>
At the post-match presentation, newly-appointed white-ball captain Santner said, "We opened up really well, lost wickets in the middle but seamers did their thing on a wicket that offered a little bit. Knew we had to bowl well at the start, credit to Theekshana and he bowled wide and made us hit to the bigger side and they stuck to their line and lengths for a long time and made it challenging for us. Usually it swings here under lights, but the bounce our bowlers got has proven to be challenging. Good game-time for the guys."
The third and final ODI, which is also the tour finale, will be held on Saturday (Jan 11) in Auckland.

Cricket, Sports | New Zealand thrash Sri Lanka in rain-marred Hamilton ODI, take unassailable 2-0 lead MItchell Santner Charith Asalanka Maheesh Theekshana

New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 113 runs (DLS method) to win the second and penultimate rain-marred ODI at the Seddon Park, Hamilton on Wednesday (Jan 8). Riding on Rachin Ravindra's 79 and Mark Chapman's 62, the Kiwis posted 255-9 in a 37-overs a side contest before their seamers rose to the occasion to dismiss the Lankans for a paltry 142 in 30.2 overs. While Maheesh Theekshana's hat-trick restricted the Kiwis to a moderate total, the visitors' batting line-up fell flat. Talking about the contest, rain forced a delayed start to the game and reduced it to a 37-over contest. Winning the toss, Charith Asalanka-led side opted to bowl first. While Will Young fell for 16, Rachin and Chapman's 112-run second-wicket stand took NZ forward. The hosts were on-course to get more than 255 but the spin duo of Theeskana (4 for 44) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 39) brought their side back with regular strikes in the backend of the innings. Also read: NZ vs SL, 1st ODI: Maheesh Theekshana bags hat-trick in Hamilton tie Chasing 256, Sri Lanka were never in the chase. They were soon reduced to 22-4 and lost half their side for 79. Kamindu Mendis (64) was the lone warrior as William ORourke (3 for 32), Jacob Duffy (2 for 30) and Matt Henry (1 for 19) rocked the Lankan line-up. 'Seamers did their thing on a wicket that offered a little bit' At the post-match presentation, newly-appointed white-ball captain Santner said, "We opened up really well, lost wickets in the middle but seamers did their thing on a wicket that offered a little bit. Knew we had to bowl well at the start, credit to Theekshana and he bowled wide and made us hit to the bigger side and they stuck to their line and lengths for a long time and made it challenging for us. Usually it swings here under lights, but the bounce our bowlers got has proven to be challenging. Good game-time for the guys." The third and final ODI, which is also the tour finale, will be held on Saturday (Jan 11) in Auckland.

NZ thrash SL in rain-marred Hamilton ODI, take unassailable 2-0 lead

Maheesh Theekshana bagged a hat-trick during the second and penultimate ODI, of the three-match series, between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Hamilton on Wednesday (Jan 8). Theekshana returned with 4 for 44 and became the seventh Sri Lankan to claim an ODI hat-trick. The wily spinner achieved the historic feat in the final over as Mitchell Santner-led Kiwis managed 255-9 in a rain-marred 37-overs aside contest.&nbsp;
<h2>Theekshana joins Malinga, Vaas and co.</h2>
Theekshana removed the likes of Santer, Nathan Smith and Matt Henry to join the likes of Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga and co. to become only the seventh Sri Lankan with an ODI hat-trick.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/he-was-very-sam-konstas-reveals-surprise-chat-with-legend-virat-kohli-after-border-gavaskar-trophy-8600904" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT</a>
Talking about the NZ innings, they rode on Rachin Ravindra's 79, Mark Chapman's 62 and Daryl Mitchell's 38 to post 255/9. However, they looked destined for more at one stage. The hosts were going strong and were well-placed at 143-1 in 19.5 overs before the Lankan team staged a comeback riding on spin duo Hasaranga and Theekshana. While the latter claimed a four-fer, Hasaranga accounted for two scalps.
At the mid-innings, Rachin told the broadcasters, "That partnership was nice (on his 112-run second-wicket stand with Chapman). Sri Lanka came back nicely towards the middle and restricted us nicely but we&rsquo;ll take this total. Need to hold our length for long periods of time, we know our bowlers can do that."
At the time of publishing this report, Charith Asalanka-led Sri Lanka is tottering in the run-chase, being reduced to 31 for 4 in eight overs.
Before the ODIs, NZ beat the Islanders 2-1 in a three-match T20I series and also won the ODI series opener by nine wickets in Wellington on Jan 5. Thus, the visitors need a win at all costs to keep the series alive.

Cricket, Sports | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI: Maheesh Theekshana becomes seventh Sri Lankan to bag a hat-trick as Kiwis manage 255-9 in Hamilton

Maheesh Theekshana bagged a hat-trick during the second and penultimate ODI, of the three-match series, between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Hamilton on Wednesday (Jan 8). Theekshana returned with 4 for 44 and became the seventh Sri Lankan to claim an ODI hat-trick. The wily spinner achieved the historic feat in the final over as Mitchell Santner-led Kiwis managed 255-9 in a rain-marred 37-overs aside contest. Theekshana joins Malinga, Vaas and co. Theekshana removed the likes of Santer, Nathan Smith and Matt Henry to join the likes of Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga and co. to become only the seventh Sri Lankan with an ODI hat-trick. Also read: Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT Talking about the NZ innings, they rode on Rachin Ravindra's 79, Mark Chapman's 62 and Daryl Mitchell's 38 to post 255/9. However, they looked destined for more at one stage. The hosts were going strong and were well-placed at 143-1 in 19.5 overs before the Lankan team staged a comeback riding on spin duo Hasaranga and Theekshana. While the latter claimed a four-fer, Hasaranga accounted for two scalps. At the mid-innings, Rachin told the broadcasters, "That partnership was nice (on his 112-run second-wicket stand with Chapman). Sri Lanka came back nicely towards the middle and restricted us nicely but we’ll take this total. Need to hold our length for long periods of time, we know our bowlers can do that." At the time of publishing this report, Charith Asalanka-led Sri Lanka is tottering in the run-chase, being reduced to 31 for 4 in eight overs. Before the ODIs, NZ beat the Islanders 2-1 in a three-match T20I series and also won the ODI series opener by nine wickets in Wellington on Jan 5. Thus, the visitors need a win at all costs to keep the series alive.

NZ vs SL, 2nd ODI: Maheesh Theekshana bags hat-trick in Hamilton tie

Australian opener Sam Konstas revealed his surprise chat with Virat Kohli post the duo's fiery exchange in the fourth and penultimate Test, of the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne. Konstas made his debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and smashed a brilliant 60 in his maiden outing. During his knock, he was involved in a heated exchange with Kohli, who shouldered him between overs. Post the BGT, Konstas spoke about his chat with Kohli after the MCG Test.
<h2>'I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game'</h2>
"I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas told News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/konstas-and-bumrah-fight-scg-sam-konstas-acknowledges-fault-in-fight-with-jasprit-bumrah-at-scg-8599369" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG</a>
<div id="checktheseout2" class="checktheseout2">
<div class="story__recommended__chunk">
<div class="recommended__story">"He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He&rsquo;s truly a legend of the game."</div>
<div class="recommended__story"></div>
<div class="recommended__story">Konstas even had a heated argument with Jasprit Bumrah during the fifth and final Test of the series, at the SCG, Sydney. While the right-hander, who is deemed to be David Warner's replacement at the top, returned with scores of 60, 8, 23 and 22, the 19-year-old impressed many with his self-confidence and ability to take on bowlers and even not back down from verbal duels with big players.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="recommended__story"></div>
<div class="recommended__story">Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India 3-1 in the just-concluded BGT edition to regain the elusive trophy for the first time since 2017. Before this, Australia won the BGT in the 2014-15 edition at home. With the series win, they have also confirmed a spot in the WTC 2025 final, where they will meet South Africa at Lord's on June 11.</div>
</div>
</div>

Cricket, Sports | 'He was very...', Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 edition 

Australian opener Sam Konstas revealed his surprise chat with Virat Kohli post the duo's fiery exchange in the fourth and penultimate Test, of the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), at the MCG, Melbourne. Konstas made his debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and smashed a brilliant 60 in his maiden outing. During his knock, he was involved in a heated exchange with Kohli, who shouldered him between overs. Post the BGT, Konstas spoke about his chat with Kohli after the MCG Test. 'I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game' "I had a little chat after the game telling him that I idolise him, and it's obviously a huge honour playing against him," Konstas told News Corp. "He just had that presence about him...[and] he was very down to earth. A lovely person, just wishing me all the best. I've idolised him from a young age and he's a legend of the game." Also read: Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG "He was very kind and wished me all the best. He even said he hoped I did well if I got selected for the Sri Lanka series. My whole family loves Virat, and he has been my idol from a young age. He’s truly a legend of the game." Konstas even had a heated argument with Jasprit Bumrah during the fifth and final Test of the series, at the SCG, Sydney. While the right-hander, who is deemed to be David Warner's replacement at the top, returned with scores of 60, 8, 23 and 22, the 19-year-old impressed many with his self-confidence and ability to take on bowlers and even not back down from verbal duels with big players. Pat Cummins-led Australia beat India 3-1 in the just-concluded BGT edition to regain the elusive trophy for the first time since 2017. Before this, Australia won the BGT in the 2014-15 edition at home. With the series win, they have also confirmed a spot in the WTC 2025 final, where they will meet South Africa at Lord's on June 11.

Sam Konstas reveals surprise chat with 'legend' Virat Kohli after BGT

The Champions Trophy 2025 is nearly a month and a half away and India have a lot to ponder before announcing their squad. The teams are expected to announce the provisional squad by January 12 as per the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules. The tournament is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-icc-releases-full-schedule-of-tournament-check-all-details-inside-786503">scheduled from February 19 to March 9</a> in Pakistan with India set to play its matches in Dubai, UAE.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-cricket-news-india-mohammed-shami-sparks-comeback-talks-in-new-video-8599847" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy: Mohammed Shami 'All Set to Take on the World'</a>
<h2>India Champions Trophy Squad</h2>
There are several questions that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has to answer for selecting the India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a> squad. The board would likely be announcing the same squad for the upcoming three-ODI England series as well which starts on February 6 and ends on February 12.
The final changes may also come after the conclusion of the England series which also consists of five T20Is and begins on January 22. As for the Champions Trophy squad, these are the players who can make the cut:
India Champions Trophy Squad batters: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill could be India's opening pair with Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup option. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul are the most probable players to play in the middle order.&nbsp;
India Champions Trophy Squad All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Nitish Reddy and Shivam Dube could be the medium-pace bowling all-rounders, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar can be the spin-bowling all-rounders.
India Champions Trophy Squad Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul could end up as India's specialist keeper, with Rishabh Pant a probable backup option.
India Champions Trophy Squad Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy could be vying for one or two specialist spinner positions in the squad.
India Champions Trophy Squad Pacers: Mohammed Shami, if fit, could be one of the pacers along with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.
There are reports doing the rounds that Bumrah could be named as skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jasprit-bumrah-to-be-rohit-sharmas-deputy-in-champions-trophy-2025-report-8595262">Rohit Sharma's deputy</a> for the tournament.

Cricket Sports India Champions Trophy 2025 squad: The BCCI would likely be announcing the same squad for the upcoming three-ODI England series as well

The Champions Trophy 2025 is nearly a month and a half away and India have a lot to ponder before announcing their squad. The teams are expected to announce the provisional squad by January 12 as per the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules. The tournament is scheduled from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan with India set to play its matches in Dubai, UAE. Also Read: Champions Trophy: Mohammed Shami 'All Set to Take on the World' India Champions Trophy Squad There are several questions that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has to answer for selecting the India Champions Trophy 2025 squad. The board would likely be announcing the same squad for the upcoming three-ODI England series as well which starts on February 6 and ends on February 12. The final changes may also come after the conclusion of the England series which also consists of five T20Is and begins on January 22. As for the Champions Trophy squad, these are the players who can make the cut: India Champions Trophy Squad batters: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill could be India's opening pair with Yashasvi Jaiswal as the backup option. Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul are the most probable players to play in the middle order. India Champions Trophy Squad All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Nitish Reddy and Shivam Dube could be the medium-pace bowling all-rounders, while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar can be the spin-bowling all-rounders. India Champions Trophy Squad Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul could end up as India's specialist keeper, with Rishabh Pant a probable backup option. India Champions Trophy Squad Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy could be vying for one or two specialist spinner positions in the squad. India Champions Trophy Squad Pacers: Mohammed Shami, if fit, could be one of the pacers along with Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj. There are reports doing the rounds that Bumrah could be named as skipper Rohit Sharma's deputy for the tournament.

India Champions Trophy 2025 squad - Who all can make the cut?

After missing out on the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), India pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-shami" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mohammed Shami</a> is aiming a comeback in the team ahead of upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025">Champions Trophy 2025</a>. The ICC tournament is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan with India's matches scheduled to be held in Dubai, UAE.
Shami has been away from international cricket since ODI World Cup 2023 Final where he picked up an ankle injure during India's loss to title-winners Australia.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jasprit-bumrah-to-be-rohit-sharmas-deputy-in-champions-trophy-2025-report-8595262" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jasprit Bumrah to be Rohit&rsquo;s deputy in Champions Trophy 2025 &ndash; Report</a>
<h2>Shami Sparks Comeback Talks</h2>
India missed Mohammed Shami dearly in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bgt">BGT 2024-25 in Australia</a> - which they lost 1-3 - their first in a decade. The pacer, however, posted a video on social media platform X on Tuesday (Jan 7) with the caption 'Precision, Pace, and Passion, All Set to Take on the World!' Have a look at the video below:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Precision, Pace, and Passion, All Set to Take on the World! 🌍💪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shami</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/gIEfJidChX">pic.twitter.com/gIEfJidChX</a>
&mdash; 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11/status/1876591684315918838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In Shami's absence only Jasprit Bumrah had an impact as a bowler for India in the BGT. After Bumrah, who was named Player of the Series with 32 wickets, Mohammed Siraj with 20 wickets was the next best and Prasidh Krishna, who played only one Test out of five, was third best with six wickets.
As for Shami, there were talks that he will join the squad ahead of the fourth Test on the Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) but wasn't cleared by the Indian cricket board.
Most recently, Shami played two matches in the domestic 50-over cup Vijay Hazare Trophy for his state Bengal and took one wicket in each of the matches.
Before that, Shami had played nine games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 cup - taking 11 wickets in total with a best of 3/21.
Shami's comeback, whenever happens, will be a boost for India as he was the highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023. He had come in place of Hardik Pandya after the all-rounder got injured and played pivotal role in India reaching the final with 24 wickets in seven games.

Cricket Sports Champions Trophy 2025: India pacer Mohammed Shami sparks comeback talks in new video as the team aims to put BGT loss behind them.

After missing out on the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), India pacer Mohammed Shami is aiming a comeback in the team ahead of upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The ICC tournament is scheduled to be played from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan with India's matches scheduled to be held in Dubai, UAE. Shami has been away from international cricket since ODI World Cup 2023 Final where he picked up an ankle injure during India's loss to title-winners Australia. Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah to be Rohit’s deputy in Champions Trophy 2025 – Report Shami Sparks Comeback Talks India missed Mohammed Shami dearly in BGT 2024-25 in Australia - which they lost 1-3 - their first in a decade. The pacer, however, posted a video on social media platform X on Tuesday (Jan 7) with the caption 'Precision, Pace, and Passion, All Set to Take on the World!' Have a look at the video below: Precision, Pace, and Passion, All Set to Take on the World! 🌍💪 #Shami #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/gIEfJidChX — 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) January 7, 2025 In Shami's absence only Jasprit Bumrah had an impact as a bowler for India in the BGT. After Bumrah, who was named Player of the Series with 32 wickets, Mohammed Siraj with 20 wickets was the next best and Prasidh Krishna, who played only one Test out of five, was third best with six wickets. As for Shami, there were talks that he will join the squad ahead of the fourth Test on the Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) but wasn't cleared by the Indian cricket board. Most recently, Shami played two matches in the domestic 50-over cup Vijay Hazare Trophy for his state Bengal and took one wicket in each of the matches. Before that, Shami had played nine games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 cup - taking 11 wickets in total with a best of 3/21. Shami's comeback, whenever happens, will be a boost for India as he was the highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023. He had come in place of Hardik Pandya after the all-rounder got injured and played pivotal role in India reaching the final with 24 wickets in seven games.

Champions Trophy: Mohammed Shami 'All Set to Take on the World'

India will now have to wait till January-February 2027 to have a shot at regaining the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bgt">Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT)</a> after losing the recently-concluded series 1-3 to Australia - first time in a decade. The next BGT series is scheduled to be played in India and will be the last series of the next World Test Championship (WTC) Cycle 2025-27.&nbsp;
After losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), India also lost their chance to make it to their third consecutive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wtc-final" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">WTC Final</a>. The major reason for that, however, was India's 0-3 whitewash in the home series against New Zealand.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/yuvraj-backs-rohit-and-kohli-after-australia-defeated-india-3-1-in-the-border-gavaskar-trophy-8599596">'Supporting them is difficult,' Yuvraj backs under fire Virat &amp; Rohit</a>
<h2>When is the next BGT series?</h2>
India play a total of 18 Tests across six series (three home and three away) in the next WTC Cycle 2025-27 in which their series against Australia at home will be the last one. As per the schedule, the next BGT series of five Tests will be played in January-February 2027 in India.
<h3>India's WTC 2025-27 Schedule</h3>
India start the next WTC Cycle 2025-27 with a blockbuster five-Test series against England - their first of three away series of the cycle. The series is scheduled to be played from June later this year. England, however, are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/england-tour-of-india-2025-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-about-schedule-streaming-squads-8599098">coming to India</a> later this month for a limited-overs tour.
After touring England, India hosts the West Indies and South Africa for two Tests each at home. The series against the West Indies is expected to be played in October 2025, while South Africa will tour India in November-December 2025.&nbsp;
After hosting the Proteas, India do not play red-ball cricket for about eight months before they travel to island neighbours Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in August 2026.
The Indian cricket team will then travel to New Zealand for two Tests in their last away series of the WTC Cycle 2025-27. On the tour of New Zealand, India would aim to avenge the humiliating whitewash from earlier this year, which cost them a place in the WTC Final 2025.
After touring New Zealand in November-December, India then host Australia for the next BGT series.

Cricket Sports Next BGT series of five Tests between India and Australia will be played in January-February 2027 in India - the last series for India in the next WTC Cycle 2025-27.

India will now have to wait till January-February 2027 to have a shot at regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) after losing the recently-concluded series 1-3 to Australia - first time in a decade. The next BGT series is scheduled to be played in India and will be the last series of the next World Test Championship (WTC) Cycle 2025-27. After losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), India also lost their chance to make it to their third consecutive WTC Final. The major reason for that, however, was India's 0-3 whitewash in the home series against New Zealand. Also Read: 'Supporting them is difficult,' Yuvraj backs under fire Virat & Rohit When is the next BGT series? India play a total of 18 Tests across six series (three home and three away) in the next WTC Cycle 2025-27 in which their series against Australia at home will be the last one. As per the schedule, the next BGT series of five Tests will be played in January-February 2027 in India. India's WTC 2025-27 Schedule India start the next WTC Cycle 2025-27 with a blockbuster five-Test series against England - their first of three away series of the cycle. The series is scheduled to be played from June later this year. England, however, are coming to India later this month for a limited-overs tour. After touring England, India hosts the West Indies and South Africa for two Tests each at home. The series against the West Indies is expected to be played in October 2025, while South Africa will tour India in November-December 2025. After hosting the Proteas, India do not play red-ball cricket for about eight months before they travel to island neighbours Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in August 2026. The Indian cricket team will then travel to New Zealand for two Tests in their last away series of the WTC Cycle 2025-27. On the tour of New Zealand, India would aim to avenge the humiliating whitewash from earlier this year, which cost them a place in the WTC Final 2025. After touring New Zealand in November-December, India then host Australia for the next BGT series.

WTC 2025-27: Full schedule of India including next BGT series

Former India batter Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind senior batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid ongoing criticism. The duo is under a lot of heat for the batting performance after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/australia-beat-india-in-sydney-test-to-win-bgt-after-ten-years-qualify-for-wtc-final-2025-8592251">Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) loss</a> against Australia and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-win-mumbai-test-to-claim-series-3-0-becomes-first-team-to-whitewash-india-in-india-772907">0-3 whitewash</a> in home Test series against New Zealand prior to that.
&ldquo;These people have played much more cricket than I have. I can only give my opinion and that is that when players don't perform it is very easy to criticise them. Supporting them is difficult. Media's job is to say bad things about them, my job is to support my friends and my brothers. For me, they are my family. Simple,&rdquo; said Yuvraj, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/konstas-and-bumrah-fight-scg-sam-konstas-acknowledges-fault-in-fight-with-jasprit-bumrah-at-scg-8599369">Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG</a>
<h2>Kohli and Rohit face heat for poor form</h2>
Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Tests in BGT at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. Skipper Rohit also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-retirement-news-sanjay-manjrekar-says-playing-for-india-not-rohit-decision-8593625">failed miserably</a> in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20.&nbsp;
Yuvraj, however, did not defend India's loss against New Zealand and dubbed it as unacceptable.
&ldquo;In my opinion the loss to New Zealand hurts more than this because that was at home. That was not acceptable. This is still acceptable because we have lost in Australia after winning there twice. Australia have been a dominant side for the last so many years,&rdquo; he said.
Talking about their future and of India cricket team, the 2013 ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament exuded confidence in their ability to bounce back.
&ldquo;They are among the greatest cricketers of their time. Yes they lost but they would be much more hurt by that than us. I am sure India will bounce back. I feel that Gautam Gambhir as coach, Ajit Agarkar as selector; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah - they are the best minds in cricket right now. They have to decide what's the way for the future for Indian cricket. I am sure this will be discussed with the BCCI,&rdquo; Yuvraj added.

Cricket Sports Yuvraj Singh has backed under fire Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after Australia defeated India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former India batter Yuvraj Singh has thrown his weight behind senior batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid ongoing criticism. The duo is under a lot of heat for the batting performance after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) loss against Australia and 0-3 whitewash in home Test series against New Zealand prior to that. “These people have played much more cricket than I have. I can only give my opinion and that is that when players don't perform it is very easy to criticise them. Supporting them is difficult. Media's job is to say bad things about them, my job is to support my friends and my brothers. For me, they are my family. Simple,” said Yuvraj, as quoted by news agency PTI. Also Read: Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG Kohli and Rohit face heat for poor form Virat Kohli scored 190 runs in nine innings across five Tests in BGT at an average of 23.75. Over half of Kohli's runs came in one innings when he scored 100 not out in second innings in Perth. Skipper Rohit also failed miserably in the series, scoring just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests at an average of 6.20. Yuvraj, however, did not defend India's loss against New Zealand and dubbed it as unacceptable. “In my opinion the loss to New Zealand hurts more than this because that was at home. That was not acceptable. This is still acceptable because we have lost in Australia after winning there twice. Australia have been a dominant side for the last so many years,” he said. Talking about their future and of India cricket team, the 2013 ODI World Cup Player of the Tournament exuded confidence in their ability to bounce back. “They are among the greatest cricketers of their time. Yes they lost but they would be much more hurt by that than us. I am sure India will bounce back. I feel that Gautam Gambhir as coach, Ajit Agarkar as selector; Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah - they are the best minds in cricket right now. They have to decide what's the way for the future for Indian cricket. I am sure this will be discussed with the BCCI,” Yuvraj added.

'Supporting them is difficult,' Yuvraj backs under fire Virat & Rohit

Australia batter Sam Konstas has acknowledged his fault in riling up India pacer Jasprit Bumrah during day 1 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Sydney. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bgt-2024-25-jasprit-bumrah-stares-down-sam-konstas-as-duo-involved-in-heated-moment-on-day-1-of-scg-test-watch-8587643" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Konstas vs Bumrah altercation at SCG</a> later led to Australia coach accusing India of intimidating the young batter.
"Oh, I didn't get too fazed. Unfortunately, Uzi got out. He was trying to buy some time a little bit. It was probably my fault, but it happens," said Konstas while talking to Australia-based media outlet M Cricket. "Credit to Bumrah. He got the wicket, but obviously, great performance from the team," he added.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-india-batter-backs-jasprit-bumrah-for-test-captaincy-role-8598942">Former India batter backs Jasprit Bumrah for Test captaincy role</a>
<h2>Bumrah vs Konstas at SCG</h2>
Konstas' partner Usman Khawaja was delaying the game in order to avoid one more over before the end of day 1 on the Test in Sydney. Bumrah was visibly not happy and Konstas had a chat with him in the meantime.
The Indian bowler, however, had the last laugh and dismissed Khawaja on the last ball and celebrated it with a stare to Konstas.
After the incident, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said India players 'intimidated Konstas' - an accusation which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-sam-konstas-intimidation-accusation-jasprit-bumrah-vs-konstas-scg-test-bgt-india-vs-australia-8593277">India head coach Gautam Gambhir refuted</a> completely.
Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson, in his column for The Nightly however, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bumrah-vs-konstas-mitchell-johnson-slams-konsats-for-bumrah-chat-in-sydney-test-8596916">slammed Konstas</a> for taking up the fight with Bumrah and said, "I appreciate what Konstas was trying to do by supporting his teammate, but it was simply the wrong time for that kind of engagement."
Bumrah vs Konstas started as soon as the teen batter swatted the Indian pacer for 16 runs at the MCG - the most he has given in his Test career in an over. Bumrah, however, got better of Konstas and even mimed him after bowling him out in the second innings at the MCG.
The five-Test series ended with Australia winning 3-1 and getting hold of Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.

Cricket Sports Konstas and Bumrah got after each other as soon as the teen batter swatted the Indian pacer for 16 runs at the MCG. Later on, Bumrah bowled Konstas and mimed him.

Australia batter Sam Konstas has acknowledged his fault in riling up India pacer Jasprit Bumrah during day 1 of the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Sydney. Konstas vs Bumrah altercation at SCG later led to Australia coach accusing India of intimidating the young batter. "Oh, I didn't get too fazed. Unfortunately, Uzi got out. He was trying to buy some time a little bit. It was probably my fault, but it happens," said Konstas while talking to Australia-based media outlet M Cricket. "Credit to Bumrah. He got the wicket, but obviously, great performance from the team," he added. Also Read: Former India batter backs Jasprit Bumrah for Test captaincy role Bumrah vs Konstas at SCG Konstas' partner Usman Khawaja was delaying the game in order to avoid one more over before the end of day 1 on the Test in Sydney. Bumrah was visibly not happy and Konstas had a chat with him in the meantime. The Indian bowler, however, had the last laugh and dismissed Khawaja on the last ball and celebrated it with a stare to Konstas. After the incident, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said India players 'intimidated Konstas' - an accusation which India head coach Gautam Gambhir refuted completely. Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson, in his column for The Nightly however, slammed Konstas for taking up the fight with Bumrah and said, "I appreciate what Konstas was trying to do by supporting his teammate, but it was simply the wrong time for that kind of engagement." Bumrah vs Konstas started as soon as the teen batter swatted the Indian pacer for 16 runs at the MCG - the most he has given in his Test career in an over. Bumrah, however, got better of Konstas and even mimed him after bowling him out in the second innings at the MCG. The five-Test series ended with Australia winning 3-1 and getting hold of Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.

Aussie Sam Konstas acknowledges 'my fault' in riling up Bumrah at SCG

After the Australia tour, the Indian team will be back in action for a white-ball home series versus England. The Jos Buttler-led side will be in the subcontinent for a five-match T20I series, which will be followed by three ODIs. The focus will be more on the ODI leg, as both the heavyweights will have one eye on the 2025 Champions Trophy. The mega event will be held in Pakistan and the UAE, starting next month.
England's white-ball tour of India commences on Jan 22 with the five-match T20I series opener. Suryakumar Yadav-led side will start as favourites as the current T20 champions have been on a winning spree in the format, having tamed South Africa 3-1 in a four-match series in Nov 2024. The T20I leg will be followed by three ODIs, starting on Feb 6 in Nagpur.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shubman-gill-is-highly-overrated-india-should-pick-ruturaj-gaikwad-or-sai-sudharsan-claims-1983-world-cup-winner-8597894" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gill is highly overrated, India should pick Gaikwad or Sudharsan, claims 1983 World Cup winner</a>
<h2>HERE IS THE FULL SCHEDULE OF ENGLAND TOUR OF INDIA</h2>
1st T20I - 22 Jan, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
2nd T20I - 25 Jan, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
3rd T20I - 28 Jan, Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
4th T20I - 31st Jan, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
5th T20I - 2nd Feb, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
1st ODI - 6th Feb, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
2nd ODI - 9th Feb, Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
3rd ODI - 12th Feb, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/big-bash-league-2024-25-live-streaming-when-where-to-watch-sydney-thunder-vs-hobart-hurricanes-on-laptop-tv-8598917" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BBL 2024-25, Live Streaming: When &amp; where to watch Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes on laptop, TV</a>
LIVE TELECAST AND STREAMING DETAILS
The five T20Is and three ODIs' live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Network in India, whereas the live-streaming will be on the FanCode app and website in India.
SQUADS
England ODI Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
England T20I Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
India's T20I and ODI Squads: To be announced&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports | England tour of India 2025: Here is all you need to know about schedule, streaming, squads Jos Buttler Rohit Sharma Virat Kohli Hardik Pandya Suryakumar Yadav 

After the Australia tour, the Indian team will be back in action for a white-ball home series versus England. The Jos Buttler-led side will be in the subcontinent for a five-match T20I series, which will be followed by three ODIs. The focus will be more on the ODI leg, as both the heavyweights will have one eye on the 2025 Champions Trophy. The mega event will be held in Pakistan and the UAE, starting next month. England's white-ball tour of India commences on Jan 22 with the five-match T20I series opener. Suryakumar Yadav-led side will start as favourites as the current T20 champions have been on a winning spree in the format, having tamed South Africa 3-1 in a four-match series in Nov 2024. The T20I leg will be followed by three ODIs, starting on Feb 6 in Nagpur. Also read: Gill is highly overrated, India should pick Gaikwad or Sudharsan, claims 1983 World Cup winner HERE IS THE FULL SCHEDULE OF ENGLAND TOUR OF INDIA 1st T20I - 22 Jan, Eden Gardens, Kolkata 2nd T20I - 25 Jan, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai 3rd T20I - 28 Jan, Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot 4th T20I - 31st Jan, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune 5th T20I - 2nd Feb, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai 1st ODI - 6th Feb, Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur 2nd ODI - 9th Feb, Barabati Stadium, Cuttack 3rd ODI - 12th Feb, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Also read: BBL 2024-25, Live Streaming: When & where to watch Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes on laptop, TV LIVE TELECAST AND STREAMING DETAILS The five T20Is and three ODIs' live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Network in India, whereas the live-streaming will be on the FanCode app and website in India. SQUADS England ODI Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood England T20I Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood India's T20I and ODI Squads: To be announced

England tour of India 2025: Here is all you need to know about schedule, streaming, squads

Match 27 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 edition will see the second-ranked Sydney Thunder face the Hobart Hurricanes in Sydney on Wednesday (Jan 8). The David Warner-led Thunder franchise has been on a roll with four wins from six games, and the Hurricanes have also started off on a positive note, with an equal number of victories from a game less than the Sydney franchise.&nbsp;
Talking about the Thunder franchise, they have beaten the likes of the Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, and Perth Scorchers but lost to the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat. They are coming into this game on the back of a five-wicket loss to the Brisbane franchise. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes lost to the Renegades but have been on a four-match winning streak since then.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/if-the-numbers-ricky-ponting-on-whether-border-gavaskar-trophy-has-surpassed-ashes-popularity-8598045" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'If the numbers....': Ponting on whether Border-Gavaskar Trophy has surpassed Ashes popularity</a>
<h2>HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LIVE STREAMING DETAILS OF THE CLASH:</h2>
Which stadium will host the Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match?
The Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes&nbsp;match will be held at the Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney.
What time will the Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match start?
The Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match will commence at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST).
Where to watch the Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match on TV?
The Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be telecast on Star Sports network in India.
Where to watch the Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes LIVE Streaming online on OTT?
The Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-will-be-terrible-for-all-those-countries-clive-lloyd-slams-reported-new-test-format-8598927" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'It will be terrible for all those countries': Clive Lloyd slams reported new Test format</a>
<h2>Squads:</h2>
Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Oliver Davies, Sherfane Rutherford, Daniel Sams, Sam Billings (w), Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Lockie Ferguson, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Gilkes, Liam Hatcher, Jason Sangha
Hobart Hurricanes: Matthew Wade, Mitchell Owen, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott (wk), Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (c), Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Waqar Salamkheil, Caleb Jewell, Peter Hatzoglou, Charlie Wakim

Cricket, Sports | Big Bash League 2024-25, Live Streaming: When & where to watch Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes clash, Match 27 of the Big Bash League, on laptop


Match 27 of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 edition will see the second-ranked Sydney Thunder face the Hobart Hurricanes in Sydney on Wednesday (Jan 8). The David Warner-led Thunder franchise has been on a roll with four wins from six games, and the Hurricanes have also started off on a positive note, with an equal number of victories from a game less than the Sydney franchise. Talking about the Thunder franchise, they have beaten the likes of the Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades, and Perth Scorchers but lost to the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat. They are coming into this game on the back of a five-wicket loss to the Brisbane franchise. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes lost to the Renegades but have been on a four-match winning streak since then. Also read: 'If the numbers....': Ponting on whether Border-Gavaskar Trophy has surpassed Ashes popularity HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LIVE STREAMING DETAILS OF THE CLASH: Which stadium will host the Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match? The Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be held at the Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney. What time will the Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match start? The Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match will commence at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST). Where to watch the Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match on TV? The Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be telecast on Star Sports network in India. Where to watch the Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes LIVE Streaming online on OTT? The Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes match will be live-streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India. Also read: 'It will be terrible for all those countries': Clive Lloyd slams reported new Test format Squads: Sydney Thunder: David Warner (c), Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Oliver Davies, Sherfane Rutherford, Daniel Sams, Sam Billings (w), Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Lockie Ferguson, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Gilkes, Liam Hatcher, Jason Sangha Hobart Hurricanes: Matthew Wade, Mitchell Owen, Shai Hope, Ben McDermott (wk), Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (c), Riley Meredith, Billy Stanlake, Waqar Salamkheil, Caleb Jewell, Peter Hatzoglou, Charlie Wakim

BBL 2024-25, Live Streaming: When & where to watch Sydney Thunder vs Hobart Hurricanes on laptop, TV

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his surprise at the Indian team management for their handling of Mohammed Shami's injury, stressing that the pacer should have been with the squad for the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) versus Australia. In Shami's absence, India lost the series 1-3, and the bowling workload fell completely on Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah ended with most wickets (32), he lacked support from the other end on most occasions.
Shami has not played an international game since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Since then, he has been out of action due to ankle and knee concerns. While he returned to domestic cricket just ahead of the Australia tour, knee issues again did not permit him to not join the squad for the latter part of the series. Shastri, however, stated that he was 'very surprised with the communication going on' and would've added Shami to the squad had he been the coach.
<h2>'I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media'</h2>
Shastri told ICC, "To be honest, I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media as to what exactly happened to Mohammed Shami. I would have kept him part of the team and made sure that his rehabilitation was done with the team."
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/if-the-numbers-ricky-ponting-on-whether-border-gavaskar-trophy-has-surpassed-ashes-popularity-8598045" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'If the numbers....': Ponting on whether Border-Gavaskar Trophy has surpassed Ashes popularity</a>
"But I would have brought him with the team, kept him, monitored him with the best of the physios and best of the advice even from international physios who are in Australia and seeing how he went. But I would have kept him in the mix."
Before the Australia tour, Rohit&nbsp;emphasised the importance of ensuring Shami was 100 per cent fit to avoid the risk of further injuries. While the cautious approach was understandable, it did cost India in the BGT as Bumrah was the lone warrior with the ball (claiming 32 scalps). Although Mohammed Siraj improved during the last few Tests, the experience of Shami was surely missed by the visitors Down Under.
<div class="ads__container inline-story-add inline-story-ad-scroll inline_ad2" id="2"></div>

Cricket, Sports, Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: 'Very surprised', Ravi Shastri slams Indian team management's handling of Mohammed Shami's injury after pacer misses entire series.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his surprise at the Indian team management for their handling of Mohammed Shami's injury, stressing that the pacer should have been with the squad for the just-concluded 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) versus Australia. In Shami's absence, India lost the series 1-3, and the bowling workload fell completely on Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah ended with most wickets (32), he lacked support from the other end on most occasions. Shami has not played an international game since the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Since then, he has been out of action due to ankle and knee concerns. While he returned to domestic cricket just ahead of the Australia tour, knee issues again did not permit him to not join the squad for the latter part of the series. Shastri, however, stated that he was 'very surprised with the communication going on' and would've added Shami to the squad had he been the coach. 'I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media' Shastri told ICC, "To be honest, I was very surprised with the communication going on in the media as to what exactly happened to Mohammed Shami. I would have kept him part of the team and made sure that his rehabilitation was done with the team." Also read: 'If the numbers....': Ponting on whether Border-Gavaskar Trophy has surpassed Ashes popularity "But I would have brought him with the team, kept him, monitored him with the best of the physios and best of the advice even from international physios who are in Australia and seeing how he went. But I would have kept him in the mix." Before the Australia tour, Rohit emphasised the importance of ensuring Shami was 100 per cent fit to avoid the risk of further injuries. While the cautious approach was understandable, it did cost India in the BGT as Bumrah was the lone warrior with the ball (claiming 32 scalps). Although Mohammed Siraj improved during the last few Tests, the experience of Shami was surely missed by the visitors Down Under.

BGT: 'Very surprised', Ravi Shastri slams Indian team management's handling of Mohammed Shami's injury

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting opened up on the popularity of the two highly-followed series, i.e. the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and Ashes. The just-concluded India-Australia series saw record attendance for all five Tests. The numbers were so good that it shattered records to become the most attended non-Ashes series in the history of Australian cricket. As many as 8,37,879 people attended the 2024-25 BGT edition, which saw Pat Cummins-led Aussies beat India 3-1 and regain the trophy for the first time since the win in the 2014-15 edition. Punter opined on the popularity of BGT and compared it with Ashes.
<h2>'If the Ashes numbers aren't the same, then there'll be no doubt that.....'</h2>
Ponting told the ICC Review, "I had a look at the numbers yesterday, it was something like 837,000 people came to watch the Test matches, which is unheard of here in Australia.&nbsp;So now that this series has happened, Australia have England coming out next summer so we'll get a better idea then. If the numbers aren't the same, then there'll be no doubt that the (Border-Gavaskar) rivalry (is bigger), certainly from the fans&rsquo; point of view."
<div id="checktheseout5" class="checktheseout5"></div>
Punter further opined, "There's two separate parts to this: There's what the fans want to see and the rivalry that they want to make of it, but it's also how the players view the rivalry between the three teams now."
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/shubman-gill-is-highly-overrated-india-should-pick-ruturaj-gaikwad-or-sai-sudharsan-claims-1983-world-cup-winner-8597894" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gill is highly overrated, India should pick Gaikwad or Sudharsan, claims 1983 World Cup winner</a>
Highlighting that most of the games in the India-Australia series didn't even last all five days, Ponting added, "Perth only went four days, Adelaide only went three days, Sydney only went three days. Those numbers would have been astronomical if those Test matches all went five days. So exactly this time next year, we'll have a great idea of the biggest rivalry in world cricket."
England are scheduled to tour Australia during the Australian summer, later this year, for Ashes 2025. The five-match series will surely give a clear picture of whether the BGT has surpassed the popularity of the Ashes.

Cricket, Sports | 'If the numbers....': Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting on whether Border-Gavaskar Trophy has surpassed Ashes popularity

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting opened up on the popularity of the two highly-followed series, i.e. the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and Ashes. The just-concluded India-Australia series saw record attendance for all five Tests. The numbers were so good that it shattered records to become the most attended non-Ashes series in the history of Australian cricket. As many as 8,37,879 people attended the 2024-25 BGT edition, which saw Pat Cummins-led Aussies beat India 3-1 and regain the trophy for the first time since the win in the 2014-15 edition. Punter opined on the popularity of BGT and compared it with Ashes. 'If the Ashes numbers aren't the same, then there'll be no doubt that.....' Ponting told the ICC Review, "I had a look at the numbers yesterday, it was something like 837,000 people came to watch the Test matches, which is unheard of here in Australia. So now that this series has happened, Australia have England coming out next summer so we'll get a better idea then. If the numbers aren't the same, then there'll be no doubt that the (Border-Gavaskar) rivalry (is bigger), certainly from the fans’ point of view." Punter further opined, "There's two separate parts to this: There's what the fans want to see and the rivalry that they want to make of it, but it's also how the players view the rivalry between the three teams now." Also read: Gill is highly overrated, India should pick Gaikwad or Sudharsan, claims 1983 World Cup winner Highlighting that most of the games in the India-Australia series didn't even last all five days, Ponting added, "Perth only went four days, Adelaide only went three days, Sydney only went three days. Those numbers would have been astronomical if those Test matches all went five days. So exactly this time next year, we'll have a great idea of the biggest rivalry in world cricket." England are scheduled to tour Australia during the Australian summer, later this year, for Ashes 2025. The five-match series will surely give a clear picture of whether the BGT has surpassed the popularity of the Ashes.

'If the numbers....': Ponting on whether Border-Gavaskar Trophy has surpassed Ashes popularity

Kris Srikkanth, former Indian captain and chief selector, slammed Shubman Gill after his flop run in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy edition between India and Australia, in Australia. Srikkanth called Gill an 'overrated cricketer' and suggested two names who can replace him. Srikkanth feels Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, and Tamil Nadu-born Sai Sudharshan can replace Gill going ahead.&nbsp;
"I've always maintained that Shubman Gill is an overrated cricketer, but nobody listened to me. He is a highly overrated cricketer," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
The former Indian captain, and 1983 World Cup winner, further remarked, "When Gill is getting such a long rope, some people might wonder why even players like Suryakumar Yadav couldn't have been given a longer run in Tests.&nbsp;Suryakumar didn't have the best start in Tests, but he has the technique and ability. Yet, the selectors and management have boxed him into being a white-ball specialist. So now, fresh talent needs to be looked at."
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/sa-vs-pak-2nd-test-result-south-africa-beat-pakistan-in-second-test-by-10-wickets-in-cape-town-to-complete-series-whitewash-8597145" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">South Africa beat Pakistan in second Test to complete series whitewash</a>
<h2>'Selectors are stuck in a loop with Gill'</h2>
Srikkanth added, "Ruturaj Gaikwad, for instance, has been performing brilliantly in first-class cricket, but he hasn't been picked. Similarly, Sai Sudharsan has been outstanding on 'A' tours. These are the players who should be promoted. Instead, the selectors are stuck in a loop with Gill."
"Gill is surviving because he gets ten chances and scores on the tenth after nine failures. That keeps him in contention for another ten chances. Anyone can score runs on Indian wickets, but the real challenge is performing in overseas conditions, particularly in SENA countries. That's where players like KL Rahul have proven themselves."
Gill has 1,893 runs in 32 Tests at an average of 35.05, with five centuries. While he averages 42.03 at home, his numbers dip in away Tests. The right-hander has an average of 29.50 in 13 Tests, with a best of 91 in SENA Tests (having not played a game in New Zealand). The 25-year-old failed miserably in the just-concluded Australia tour, ending with scores of 31, 28, 1, 20 and 13.

Cricket, Sports | Shubman Gill is highly overrated, India should pick Ruturaj Gaikwad or Sai Sudharsan, claims 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth 

Kris Srikkanth, former Indian captain and chief selector, slammed Shubman Gill after his flop run in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy edition between India and Australia, in Australia. Srikkanth called Gill an 'overrated cricketer' and suggested two names who can replace him. Srikkanth feels Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, and Tamil Nadu-born Sai Sudharshan can replace Gill going ahead. "I've always maintained that Shubman Gill is an overrated cricketer, but nobody listened to me. He is a highly overrated cricketer," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. The former Indian captain, and 1983 World Cup winner, further remarked, "When Gill is getting such a long rope, some people might wonder why even players like Suryakumar Yadav couldn't have been given a longer run in Tests. Suryakumar didn't have the best start in Tests, but he has the technique and ability. Yet, the selectors and management have boxed him into being a white-ball specialist. So now, fresh talent needs to be looked at." Also read: South Africa beat Pakistan in second Test to complete series whitewash 'Selectors are stuck in a loop with Gill' Srikkanth added, "Ruturaj Gaikwad, for instance, has been performing brilliantly in first-class cricket, but he hasn't been picked. Similarly, Sai Sudharsan has been outstanding on 'A' tours. These are the players who should be promoted. Instead, the selectors are stuck in a loop with Gill." "Gill is surviving because he gets ten chances and scores on the tenth after nine failures. That keeps him in contention for another ten chances. Anyone can score runs on Indian wickets, but the real challenge is performing in overseas conditions, particularly in SENA countries. That's where players like KL Rahul have proven themselves." Gill has 1,893 runs in 32 Tests at an average of 35.05, with five centuries. While he averages 42.03 at home, his numbers dip in away Tests. The right-hander has an average of 29.50 in 13 Tests, with a best of 91 in SENA Tests (having not played a game in New Zealand). The 25-year-old failed miserably in the just-concluded Australia tour, ending with scores of 31, 28, 1, 20 and 13.

Gill is highly overrated, India should pick Gaikwad or Sudharsan, claims 1983 World Cup winner

South Africa eased to a 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test on Monday in Cape Town to secure a 2-0 series win despite second-innings resistance from the tourists.
Forced to follow on 421 runs behind on the first innings, Pakistan battled to 478 all out but South Africa, who qualified for the World Test Championship final last week, easily knocked off a target of 58 late on the fourth day.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/babar-azam-loses-cool-after-wiaan-mulders-wild-return-throw-hits-him-during-cape-town-test-watch-8594704">Babar Azam loses cool over wild throw during Newlands Test</a>
David Bedingham hit 44 not out off 30 balls as South Africa sealed victory in just 7.1 overs.
Bedingham was opening in place of Ryan Rickelton, who suffered a hamstring strain in the field after scoring 259 in South Africa's first innings of 615.
Captain Shan Masood led Pakistan's fightback, scoring 145.
Masood fell to the second new ball, trapped leg before wicket by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka.
Masood's dismissal came three balls after Kagiso Rabada had Saud Shakeel caught at second slip for 23, ending a 51-run fourth-wicket stand.
Pakistan, a batter short after Saim Ayub suffered a broken ankle while fielding on the first morning, were still 92 runs in arrears after the double blow.
But Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Agha (48) put on 88 for the sixth wicket and Aamer Jamal hit a quick 34 before the innings was ended.
South Africa's bowlers received virtually no assistance from a placid pitch.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who had been expected to be a major factor on a fourth day pitch, achieved minimal spin and toiled for 45 overs to take three for 137.
South Africa will go into the Test championship final against Australia at Lord's in June on the back of seven straight wins &ndash;- the second most successful sequence in their history.
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Forced to follow, Pakistan battled to 478 all out but South Africa, who qualified for the WTC final last week, easily knocked off a target of 58. Sports Cricket

South Africa eased to a 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test on Monday in Cape Town to secure a 2-0 series win despite second-innings resistance from the tourists. Forced to follow on 421 runs behind on the first innings, Pakistan battled to 478 all out but South Africa, who qualified for the World Test Championship final last week, easily knocked off a target of 58 late on the fourth day. Also Watch: Babar Azam loses cool over wild throw during Newlands Test David Bedingham hit 44 not out off 30 balls as South Africa sealed victory in just 7.1 overs. Bedingham was opening in place of Ryan Rickelton, who suffered a hamstring strain in the field after scoring 259 in South Africa's first innings of 615. Captain Shan Masood led Pakistan's fightback, scoring 145. Masood fell to the second new ball, trapped leg before wicket by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka. Masood's dismissal came three balls after Kagiso Rabada had Saud Shakeel caught at second slip for 23, ending a 51-run fourth-wicket stand. Pakistan, a batter short after Saim Ayub suffered a broken ankle while fielding on the first morning, were still 92 runs in arrears after the double blow. But Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Agha (48) put on 88 for the sixth wicket and Aamer Jamal hit a quick 34 before the innings was ended. South Africa's bowlers received virtually no assistance from a placid pitch. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who had been expected to be a major factor on a fourth day pitch, achieved minimal spin and toiled for 45 overs to take three for 137. South Africa will go into the Test championship final against Australia at Lord's in June on the back of seven straight wins –- the second most successful sequence in their history. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Africa beat Pakistan in second Test to complete series whitewash

cricket

Cricket, News on Cricket, stories on Cricket, articles on Cricket, Cricket stories at Wion, Cricket news, Cricket latest news