Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed became the first wicket-taker of the Champions Trophy 2025 as he clean bowled New Zealand batter Devon Conway with a sensational googly. The opening match of the Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand is being played at the National Stadium in Karachi.
The wicket came on the third ball of the eight over when Abrar pushed a good length ball to Conway. The Kiwi batter tried to play it with the turn, but the ball spun the other way and hit the top of off-stump. Have a look at the wicket below:
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Conway managed just 10 runs off 17 balls before being dismissed but had added 39 runs for the first wicket with Will Young.
<h2>Champions Trophy Gets Underway</h2>
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Muhammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening match of the ICC tournament. New Zealand were doing good till Abrar struck. Pacer Naseem Shah took advantage of the opening and sent back Kane Williamson, caught behind off a peach.
New Zealand started rebuilding after losing two wickets in space of five balls. Young and Daryl Mitchell had added 33 runs for the third wicket and looked to add more before Haris Rauf sent back Mitchell.
Young and Tom Latham then took New Zealand past 100 in the 23rd over, with Young reaching his 50 as well. Both the players completed their respective hundreds too.
While Young scored 10, Latham managed 118 not out. Towards the end, Glen Phillips also played a fast hand of 61 off 39 balls as New Zealand added more than 100 runs in the last 10 overs.
The Kiwis finished eventually finished with 320/5 in their 50 overs. For Pakistan, Naseem and Haris Rauf took two wickets each.

Champions Trophy, NZ vs PAK: Abrar Ahmed became the first wicket-taker of the Champions Trophy 2025 as he clean-bowled New Zealand batter Devon Conway. Cricket Sports

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed became the first wicket-taker of the Champions Trophy 2025 as he clean bowled New Zealand batter Devon Conway with a sensational googly. The opening match of the Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand is being played at the National Stadium in Karachi. The wicket came on the third ball of the eight over when Abrar pushed a good length ball to Conway. The Kiwi batter tried to play it with the turn, but the ball spun the other way and hit the top of off-stump. Have a look at the wicket below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) Conway managed just 10 runs off 17 balls before being dismissed but had added 39 runs for the first wicket with Will Young. Champions Trophy Gets Underway Earlier, Pakistan skipper Muhammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening match of the ICC tournament. New Zealand were doing good till Abrar struck. Pacer Naseem Shah took advantage of the opening and sent back Kane Williamson, caught behind off a peach. New Zealand started rebuilding after losing two wickets in space of five balls. Young and Daryl Mitchell had added 33 runs for the third wicket and looked to add more before Haris Rauf sent back Mitchell. Young and Tom Latham then took New Zealand past 100 in the 23rd over, with Young reaching his 50 as well. Both the players completed their respective hundreds too. While Young scored 10, Latham managed 118 not out. Towards the end, Glen Phillips also played a fast hand of 61 off 39 balls as New Zealand added more than 100 runs in the last 10 overs. The Kiwis finished eventually finished with 320/5 in their 50 overs. For Pakistan, Naseem and Haris Rauf took two wickets each.

Champions Trophy, NZ vs PAK: Abrar Ahmed takes first wicket of tournament, clean bowls Kiwi Conway | WATCH

India&rsquo;s star opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shubhman-gill">Shubman Gill</a> has risen to the top of the ICC Men&rsquo;s ODI batting rankings, overtaking Pakistan&rsquo;s Babar Azam just ahead of the ICC Men&rsquo;s Champions Trophy 2025. In the latest weekly rankings update, released on Wednesday (Feb 19), Gill&rsquo;s remarkable 112 from 102 balls against England in the third ODI in Ahmedabad helped him gain 23 rating points, taking his tally to 796&mdash;ahead of Babar Azam.&nbsp;
This marks Gill&rsquo;s return to the top spot, which he first claimed in November 2023 during the ICC Men&rsquo;s Cricket World Cup. His consistent form has given India a strong edge going into the eight-team tournament, with four Indian batters now featuring in the top 10. Captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> is in third position, Virat Kohli remains steady in sixth, and Shreyas Iyer, after a solid knock of 78 in the same match against England, has moved up one slot to ninth.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-ex-pakistan-spinner-calls-for-teaching-bcci-a-lesson-over-tantrums-8735569">Champions Trophy: Ex-Pakistan spinner calls for 'teaching BCCI a lesson' over tantrums</a>
Meanwhile, Pakistan&rsquo;s skipper Mohammad Rizwan has climbed six places to 15th after impressive performances in the Tri-Nation series at home, where he scored 122 not out against South Africa and 46 in the final against New Zealand.
His teammate Salman Agha, named player of the series, made a massive leap of 24 places to 48th after scoring 134 against South Africa and 45 in the final. Several other players made notable gains in the latest update, with South Africa&rsquo;s Heinrich Klaasen rising to fourth, New Zealand&rsquo;s Daryl Mitchell up to fifth, and solid progress from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/aiden-markram">Aiden Markram</a>, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Tom Latham.
<h2>'Theekshana is top-ranked bowler'</h2>
Meanwhile, in the bowling rankings, Sri Lanka&rsquo;s mystery spinner Mahesh Theekshana has secured the top spot, displacing Afghanistan&rsquo;s Rashid Khan. South Africa&rsquo;s Keshav Maharaj has returned to the rankings in sixth position, while New Zealand spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mitchell-santner">Mitchell Santner</a> (up to seventh) and England&rsquo;s Adil Rashid (up to 22nd) have also made significant progress. Besides this, Pakistan&rsquo;s pace sensation, Naseem Shah, has progressed from 48th to 45th in the bowling rankings.

Cricket, Sports: Gill’s 112 off 102 balls against England in the third ODI in Ahmedabad put him 23 rating points ahead of Babar with an aggregate of 796 points

India’s star opener Shubman Gill has risen to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings, overtaking Pakistan’s Babar Azam just ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. In the latest weekly rankings update, released on Wednesday (Feb 19), Gill’s remarkable 112 from 102 balls against England in the third ODI in Ahmedabad helped him gain 23 rating points, taking his tally to 796—ahead of Babar Azam. This marks Gill’s return to the top spot, which he first claimed in November 2023 during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. His consistent form has given India a strong edge going into the eight-team tournament, with four Indian batters now featuring in the top 10. Captain Rohit Sharma is in third position, Virat Kohli remains steady in sixth, and Shreyas Iyer, after a solid knock of 78 in the same match against England, has moved up one slot to ninth. Also Read: Champions Trophy: Ex-Pakistan spinner calls for 'teaching BCCI a lesson' over tantrums Meanwhile, Pakistan’s skipper Mohammad Rizwan has climbed six places to 15th after impressive performances in the Tri-Nation series at home, where he scored 122 not out against South Africa and 46 in the final against New Zealand. His teammate Salman Agha, named player of the series, made a massive leap of 24 places to 48th after scoring 134 against South Africa and 45 in the final. Several other players made notable gains in the latest update, with South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen rising to fourth, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell up to fifth, and solid progress from Aiden Markram, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Tom Latham. 'Theekshana is top-ranked bowler' Meanwhile, in the bowling rankings, Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Mahesh Theekshana has secured the top spot, displacing Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan. South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj has returned to the rankings in sixth position, while New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner (up to seventh) and England’s Adil Rashid (up to 22nd) have also made significant progress. Besides this, Pakistan’s pace sensation, Naseem Shah, has progressed from 48th to 45th in the bowling rankings.

Champions Trophy 2025: Gill overtakes Babar as top ODI batter in latest ICC rankings

Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has called for teaching Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a lesson over the tantrums. The comments were made ahead of Pakistan's opening match in Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Karachi on Feb 19.
&ldquo;Their tantrums are not getting over. We are still praising them. The youngsters in Pakistan want to see Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. I don&rsquo;t know in which world they are living in and what they want to achieve. When are they going to be intelligent and wise?," said Mushtaq while speaking on a local media channel 24 News.
Champions Trophy: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-from-home-advantage-to-too-many-pacers-swot-analysis-of-pakistan-8732783">From home advantage to too many pacers - SWOT analysis of Pakistan</a>
&ldquo;When they will open their hearts? By wearing a tie and taking in English, you think you have become civilized. Pakistan should take a stand and teach them a lesson,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>Pakistan gets ready for Champions Trophy</h2>
This is the first time Pakistan are hosting an ICC tournament since 1996 when they were the co-host of the 1996 ODI World Cup along with Sri Lanka and India. The hosts, after facing New Zealand in the first game, will take on India in the blockbuster match on Feb 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan's form is a big plus for the home team, along with destructive left-hand batter Fakhar Zaman, who also has a special liking for India.&nbsp;
An out-of-form Babar Azam, however, is Pakistan's biggest worry as they go in the tournament.
The inexperienced middle order is something that could prove costly for the hosts.
Pakistan's ability to surprise any team on any given day is something every team should be wary of.
Among others things which could be a threat to Pakistan are strong middle order sides, i.e., India, New Zealand, and Australia, which could very well take advantage of their middle-over lack of options in bowling, specially spin.

Champions Trophy: The hosts, after facing New Zealand in the first game, will take on India in the blockbuster match on Feb 23 in Dubai before facing Bangladesh in last group stage match. Cricket Sports

Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has called for teaching Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a lesson over the tantrums. The comments were made ahead of Pakistan's opening match in Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Karachi on Feb 19. “Their tantrums are not getting over. We are still praising them. The youngsters in Pakistan want to see Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. I don’t know in which world they are living in and what they want to achieve. When are they going to be intelligent and wise?," said Mushtaq while speaking on a local media channel 24 News. Champions Trophy: From home advantage to too many pacers - SWOT analysis of Pakistan “When they will open their hearts? By wearing a tie and taking in English, you think you have become civilized. Pakistan should take a stand and teach them a lesson,” he added. Pakistan gets ready for Champions Trophy This is the first time Pakistan are hosting an ICC tournament since 1996 when they were the co-host of the 1996 ODI World Cup along with Sri Lanka and India. The hosts, after facing New Zealand in the first game, will take on India in the blockbuster match on Feb 23 in Dubai. Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan's form is a big plus for the home team, along with destructive left-hand batter Fakhar Zaman, who also has a special liking for India. An out-of-form Babar Azam, however, is Pakistan's biggest worry as they go in the tournament. The inexperienced middle order is something that could prove costly for the hosts. Pakistan's ability to surprise any team on any given day is something every team should be wary of. Among others things which could be a threat to Pakistan are strong middle order sides, i.e., India, New Zealand, and Australia, which could very well take advantage of their middle-over lack of options in bowling, specially spin.

Champions Trophy: Ex-Pakistan spinner calls for 'teaching BCCI a lesson' over tantrums

All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt starred in both departments as Mumbai Indians produced a clinical performance to return to winning ways with a five-wicket victory over a self-destructive Gujarat Giants in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wpl">Women's Premier League</a> match here on Tuesday (Feb 18).
Sciver-Brunt smashed a 39-ball 57, her second consecutive half-century, after taking two wickets for 26, as MI first bowled out GG for a modest 120 and then chased down the target, scoring 122 for 5 with 3.5 overs to spare.
Invited to bat, Gujarat paid the price for their over-aggression, with MI's bowlers, led by off-spinner Hayley Matthews, delivering a tight performance. Shabnim Ismail (1/17), Amelia Kerr (2/22), and Amanjot Kaur (1/17) also played key roles in restricting Gujarat's batting.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/swot-analysis-champions-trophy-2025-underdogs-with-a-fight-can-bangladesh-overcome-the-odds-8733923">SWOT analysis | Champions Trophy 2025: Underdogs with a fight- Can Bangladesh overcome the odds?</a> 
In response, Sciver-Brunt dazzled with a flurry of boundaries, playing cut, pull, sweep, and scoop shots with ease. She hit 11 fours during her innings and was dismissed in the 16th over with just seven runs required to win.
Chasing 121, MI lost Matthews (17), Yastika Bhatia (8) and skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/harmanpreet-kaur">Harmanpreet Kaur</a> (4) early as MI slipped to 55-3 in the 8th over.
However, Sciver-Brunt continued to dominate, bringing up her fifty with a four off Ashleigh Gardner in the 14th over. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/amelia-kerr" rel="dofollow">Amelia Kerr </a>(19) also contributed with a six and a four before being dismissed by Gautam.
Earlier, Gujarat's batting imploded as they tried to muscle the ball rather than build partnerships. Only two batters in the top six reached double digits, with Harleen Deol top-scoring with a 31-ball 32. Kashvee Gautam (20) and Tanuja Kanwar (13) also got starts but failed to capitalize.
Gujarat were in early trouble, crashing to 16 for 3 in the 4th over, with Beth Mooney (1), Laura Wolvaardt (4), and Dayalan Hemalatha (9) back in the pavilion. Hemalatha has been in poor form for some time.
Gujarat's in-form skipper, Ashleigh Gardner (10), tried to inject some momentum, pulling Sciver-Brunt for a six, but was dismissed on the very next delivery. Deandra Dottin went for a slog and was stumped by Yastika Bhatia off Kerr, leaving Gujarat at 43 for 5 in 8.2 overs.
Deol and Gautam added 24 runs off 19 balls, with the latter hitting a big six off Ismail. However, Matthews induced a faint edge to dismiss Gautam.
Deol hit two boundaries off Kerr in the 13th over but was dismissed by Amanjot Kaur in the 17th over. Sayali Satghare (13) hit a couple of boundaries late in the innings to offer some respectability to the total.

Cricket, Sports: Sciver-Brunt smashed a 39-ball 57, her second consecutive half-century, after taking two wickets for 26, as MI first bowled out GG for a modest 120

All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt starred in both departments as Mumbai Indians produced a clinical performance to return to winning ways with a five-wicket victory over a self-destructive Gujarat Giants in their Women's Premier League match here on Tuesday (Feb 18). Sciver-Brunt smashed a 39-ball 57, her second consecutive half-century, after taking two wickets for 26, as MI first bowled out GG for a modest 120 and then chased down the target, scoring 122 for 5 with 3.5 overs to spare. Invited to bat, Gujarat paid the price for their over-aggression, with MI's bowlers, led by off-spinner Hayley Matthews, delivering a tight performance. Shabnim Ismail (1/17), Amelia Kerr (2/22), and Amanjot Kaur (1/17) also played key roles in restricting Gujarat's batting. Also Read: SWOT analysis | Champions Trophy 2025: Underdogs with a fight- Can Bangladesh overcome the odds? In response, Sciver-Brunt dazzled with a flurry of boundaries, playing cut, pull, sweep, and scoop shots with ease. She hit 11 fours during her innings and was dismissed in the 16th over with just seven runs required to win. Chasing 121, MI lost Matthews (17), Yastika Bhatia (8) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (4) early as MI slipped to 55-3 in the 8th over. However, Sciver-Brunt continued to dominate, bringing up her fifty with a four off Ashleigh Gardner in the 14th over. Amelia Kerr (19) also contributed with a six and a four before being dismissed by Gautam. Earlier, Gujarat's batting imploded as they tried to muscle the ball rather than build partnerships. Only two batters in the top six reached double digits, with Harleen Deol top-scoring with a 31-ball 32. Kashvee Gautam (20) and Tanuja Kanwar (13) also got starts but failed to capitalize. Gujarat were in early trouble, crashing to 16 for 3 in the 4th over, with Beth Mooney (1), Laura Wolvaardt (4), and Dayalan Hemalatha (9) back in the pavilion. Hemalatha has been in poor form for some time. Gujarat's in-form skipper, Ashleigh Gardner (10), tried to inject some momentum, pulling Sciver-Brunt for a six, but was dismissed on the very next delivery. Deandra Dottin went for a slog and was stumped by Yastika Bhatia off Kerr, leaving Gujarat at 43 for 5 in 8.2 overs. Deol and Gautam added 24 runs off 19 balls, with the latter hitting a big six off Ismail. However, Matthews induced a faint edge to dismiss Gautam. Deol hit two boundaries off Kerr in the 13th over but was dismissed by Amanjot Kaur in the 17th over. Sayali Satghare (13) hit a couple of boundaries late in the innings to offer some respectability to the total.

WPL 2025: Clinical MI-W trounce GG-W by five wickets

ICC Champions Trophy 2025:&nbsp;The ICC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a>&nbsp;is all set to start from February 19 in Pakistan. This is the first time since 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan are hosting an ICC tournament.They had co-hosted the 1996 ODI WC along with India and Sri Lanka.
India, meanwhile, will play all its three league matches in Dubai, UAE. This is as per the agreed upon hybrid model with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">ICC</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pcb" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">PCB</a>.
India start their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at 2:30 pm India time before taking on arch-rival Pakistan on February 23 (2:30 pm India time). India play their final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2 (2:30 pm India time).
The first semi-final will also be played in Dubai irrespective of India making it or not. The second semi-final, however, will be played in Lahore, Pakistan.
The final, on March 9, will be played in Lahore if India fails to qualify and in Dubai if the opposite happens. The hybrid model came in place due to political tensions between India and Pakistan because of which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BCCI</a>&nbsp;declined to send the team to Pakistan.
A total of eight teams, i.e. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, England, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are divided in two groups for the tournament.
<h2>Check 2025 Champions Trophy 2025 Live News and Latest Updates Today | Feb 18 below:</h2>

That's all for today from us. We'll be back tomorrow with more updates and info on the Champions Trophy 2025 which begins February 19, until then stay with us for complete coverage of the ICC tournament.
This live blog has ended.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates Today | Feb 18

SWOT analysis | Champions Trophy 2025: Underdogs with a fight- Can Bangladesh overcome the odds?
As Bangladesh gears up for the ICC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;2025, the cricketing world watches with keen interest. With a squad that emphasises fighting spirit over star power, Bangladesh faces a formidable challenge in a group stacked with cricketing giants.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/swot-analysis-champions-trophy-2025-underdogs-with-a-fight-can-bangladesh-overcome-the-odds-8733923">Read full story here</a>

SWOT analysis | Champions Trophy 2025: Spinners, stars, and surprises-Can Afghanistan spin their way to success?
Afghanistan's journey to the ICC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;2025 marks a historic milestone for the team as they make their maiden appearance in this prestigious 50-over tournament.
Placed in a challenging group with Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan has an exciting opportunity to showcase their growth as a cricketing powerhouse. With their formidable spin attack, dynamic opening pair, and familiarity with the conditions in Pakistan, they could surprise many. Here&rsquo;s a SWOT analysis of their prospects.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/swot-analysis-champions-trophy-2025-spinners-stars-and-surprises-can-afghanistan-spin-their-way-to-success-8733795">Read full story here</a>

Champions Trophy 2025: Not Harshit but former Australia captain says THIS bowler will be crucial for India
Former Australian cricket captain and ICC Hall of Famer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ricky Ponting</a>&nbsp;has endorsed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arshdeep-singh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arshdeep Singh</a>&nbsp;as the ideal replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah in India&rsquo;s pace attack for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-not-harshit-but-former-australia-captain-says-this-bowler-will-be-crucial-for-india-8733682" rel="dofollow">Read full story here</a>

Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam eyes Pakistan glory on home soil
Babar Azam, Pakistan&rsquo;s star batter, is preparing to lead his team in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy on home soil. Nearly eight years after playing a key role in Pakistan&rsquo;s triumphant 2017 campaign, Babar is eager to guide his nation to another historic victory&mdash;this time in front of their passionate supporters.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-babar-azam-eyes-pakistan-glory-on-home-soil-8733626" rel="dofollow">Read full story here</a>

Champions Trophy 2025: 'Babar is the right man to open', says Pakistan skipper Rizwan
As Pakistan gears up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;opener on Wednesday (Feb 19), captain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rizwan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mohammad Rizwan</a>&nbsp;has stressed the importance of heightened awareness and professionalism in the team&rsquo;s approach to high-stakes tournaments. After back-to-back defeats in the Tri-series, Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in their third clash this month, with Rizwan expressing confidence in his squad's potential despite recent challenges.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-babar-is-the-right-man-to-open-says-pakistan-skipper-rizwan-8733515" rel="dofollow">Read full story here</a>

Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI allows Indian players wives to stay in Dubai but with a catch-Reports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/board-of-control-for-cricket-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BCCI</a>) has decided to allow Indian cricketers&rsquo; families to accompany them to Dubai during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, sources close to the development told WION. This move comes as a partial relaxation of their usual policy, which typically restricts family members from traveling with players for short tournaments.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-bcci-allows-indian-players-wives-to-stay-in-dubai-but-with-a-catch-reports-8733399" rel="dofollow">Read full story here</a>

Champions Trophy 2025: Step into the game with 36 cameras and a 360&deg; virtual universe- What all cricket fans can expect
With just a day left for the start of the ICC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;2025, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC</a>&nbsp;is going all out to bring the cricket fans closer to the action than ever before.
A minimum of 36 cameras, along with cutting-edge analytical tools and stunning visual enhancements, will capture every thrilling moment of the tournament, as per a statement from the ICC issued on Tuesday (Feb 18). Whether it&rsquo;s a diving catch or a powerful six, you won&rsquo;t miss a thing.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-step-into-the-game-with-36-cameras-and-a-360-virtual-universe-what-all-cricket-fans-can-expect-8733104" rel="dofollow">Read full story</a>

Champions Trophy 2025: Kane Williamson reminisces on rivalry with Pakistan ahead of opener
In a video shared by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC</a>, Williamson reflected on one of his most unforgettable moments&mdash;a stunning catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafique during the 2023 World Cup.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-kane-williamson-reminisces-on-rivalry-with-pakistan-ahead-of-opener-8732766" rel="dofollow">Read full story</a>

Champions Trophy: 'Hope India team will deliver', says BCCI's vice-president Rajeev Shukla
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rajeev-shukla" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajeev Shukla</a>&nbsp;has expressed confidence that Team India will perform well in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-hope-india-team-will-deliver-says-bccis-vice-president-rajeev-shukla-8732647" rel="dofollow">Read full story</a>

Shikhar Dhawan picks Harshit Rana as 'X' factor for India
Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan, India's top performer in ICC tournament, says that Harshit Rana could be X-factor in upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rana has been selected in the squad as a replacement of Jasprit Bumrah who has been sidelined from the tournament due to a back injury.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-shikhar-dhawan-picks-harshit-rana-as-x-factor-for-india-here-is-why-8732478">Read Full Story</a>

Champions Trophy 2025: Ex India all-rounder reveals what led to birth of &lsquo;Dhoni Review System&rsquo; in 2013
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During India&rsquo;s triumphant 2013&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;campaign, the cricketing world&nbsp;witnessed&nbsp;the birth of what is now fondly called the 'Dhoni Review System.' Former India all-rounder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suresh-raina" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suresh Raina</a>&nbsp;recently shared insights into&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ms-dhoni" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS Dhoni</a>'s tactical brilliance during a show on official broacaster Star.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-ex-india-all-rounder-reveals-what-led-to-birth-of-dhoni-review-system-in-2013-8732338" rel="dofollow">Read full story here</a>
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Where to watch matches live in your country - Check Inside
The ICC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy 2025</a>&nbsp;is less than two weeks away and most of the teams have shifted their focus on the 50-over format to prepare for the tournament. India and England are playing an ODI series in India while Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa will be taking part in a tri-nation series from February 8 in Pakistan.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-where-to-watch-matches-live-on-tv-in-participating-countries-where-to-live-stream-champions-trophy-on-tv-and-mobile-app-in-india-pakistan-sa-nz-australia-england-afghanistan-bangladesh-8699107">Check Here</a>

List of players doubtful or ruled-out of tournament
The ICC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;is set to begin in eight days and the teams are expected to submit their final squad on Tuesday (Feb 11). Leading to the tournament, some of the marquee players have become unavailable or are doubtful due to injuries. The injuries could add to the woes of the teams for the tournament which is already being played with cut-throat competition and under comparatively harsh conditions of the sub-continent.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-list-of-players-doubtful-or-ruled-out-of-tournament-bumrah-cummins-hazlewood-rauf-nortje-coetzee-ferguson-bethell-8710335">Check Full List</a>

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi sells his VIP Box in Dubai to fund Pakistan stadium renovations
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sold 30-seat VIP Hospitality Box offered to him at Dubai stadium for India vs Pakistan and other matches. Naqvi will watch the match from stands with the fans after selling the box for 400,00 dirhams (INR 9.4 million). He has decided to put the proceeds to PCB's funds.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-pcb-chairman-mohsin-naqvi-sells-his-vip-box-in-dubai-to-fund-pakistan-stadium-renovations-8731211">Read Full Story</a>

Champions Trophy 2025: 'Pakistan have edge over India due to...', says former Pak captain
As Pakistan gears up to host its first ICC event in 29 years, legendary batter Muhammad Yousuf has expressed his excitement and confidence in the national team&rsquo;s chances on home turf.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-pakistan-have-edge-over-india-due-to-says-former-pak-captain-8728817" rel="dofollow">Read full story</a>

Former pacer puts onus of India's success on Shami's performance with new ball
"Actually, he had out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 (50-over World Cup) and in the last World Cup (2023). Bumrah is the champion bowler across formats. But Shami has experience and, before Bumrah's arrival, it was Shami who carried India's attack all through," said Balaji as reported by news agency PTI.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-before-bumrahs-arrival-former-pacer-puts-onus-of-indias-success-on-shamis-performance-with-new-ball-8729231">Read Full Story</a>

BCCI launches new jersey with host Pakistan's name
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched the India jersey for the upcoming Champions Trophy on Tuesday (Feb 17). The jersey, which was centre of much drama over the possible use of Pakistan's flag, contains the name of host nation and not the flag.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-bcci-launches-new-jersey-with-host-pakistans-name-look-inside-8730884">Check Here</a>

Champions Trophy: One batter to look out from each team
The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Champions Trophy</a>&nbsp;is just two days away and eight teams are set to fight for the title up for grabs for the first time since 2017. Host Pakistan will be aiming to take advantage of home conditions as they look to defend their title which they had won by beating India in the last final.
With the tournament being played in sub-continent's batting-friendly conditions, here is one batter from each team to look out for:
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-one-batter-to-look-out-from-each-team-gill-rizwan-klaasen-head-williamson-jaker-brook-omarzai-8728608">CHECK HERE</a>

2025 Champions Trophy: The tournament begins February 19 in Pakistan while India is set to play all its matches in Dubai, UAE including the semi-final and the final

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to start from February 19 in Pakistan. This is the first time since 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan are hosting an ICC tournament.They had co-hosted the 1996 ODI WC along with India and Sri Lanka. India, meanwhile, will play all its three league matches in Dubai, UAE. This is as per the agreed upon hybrid model with the ICC and PCB. India start their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at 2:30 pm India time before taking on arch-rival Pakistan on February 23 (2:30 pm India time). India play their final group-stage match against New Zealand on March 2 (2:30 pm India time). The first semi-final will also be played in Dubai irrespective of India making it or not. The second semi-final, however, will be played in Lahore, Pakistan. The final, on March 9, will be played in Lahore if India fails to qualify and in Dubai if the opposite happens. The hybrid model came in place due to political tensions between India and Pakistan because of which BCCI declined to send the team to Pakistan. A total of eight teams, i.e. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, England, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are divided in two groups for the tournament. Check 2025 Champions Trophy 2025 Live News and Latest Updates Today | Feb 18 below:

HIGHLIGHTS | 2025 Champions Trophy: Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates Today | Feb 18

As Bangladesh gears up for the ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> 2025, the cricketing world watches with keen interest. With a squad that emphasises on fighting spirit more than star power, Bangladesh faces a formidable challenge in a group stacked with cricketing giants.
The absence of stalwarts like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shakib-al-hasan">Shakib Al Hasan</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/tamim-iqbal">Tamim Iqbal</a> marks the dawn of a new era for the team, with fresh faces and emerging talents tasked with carrying the nation&rsquo;s cricketing hopes. This analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that could shape Bangladesh's journey in this prestigious tournament.
<h2>Strengths</h2>
Experienced core: Bangladesh's backbone lies in its seasoned campaigners. The presence of veterans like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah brings invaluable experience to the team. With 272 ODIs, Mushfiqur's ability to anchor the innings is a vital asset, while Mahmudullah's consistency and composure in the middle order provide stability.
Their combined leadership and tactical acumen will be essential in navigating high-pressure situations and guiding younger players on the global stage.
Strong pace attack: The pace department is spearheaded by Taskin Ahmed and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mustafizur-rahman" rel="dofollow">Mustafizur Rahman</a>, both of whom have proven track records. Taskin, having emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the latest Bangladesh Premier League with 25 scalps, offers sharp bounce and aggression.
Mustafizur&rsquo;s deceptive cutters and death-over expertise add a different dimension to the attack. Young talents like Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nahid Rana provide depth, promising a well-rounded pace arsenal.
<h2>Weaknesses</h2>
Absence of key players: Missing Shakib Al Hasan due to suspension is a massive blow. His dual ability to control the game with both bat and ball has been pivotal for Bangladesh. Without Shakib, the middle order looks vulnerable, and the spin department lacks a proven match-winner.
Litton Das' omission, following a string of poor performances, leaves the top order without its aggressive opener. His absence could result in a more cautious start, potentially affecting Bangladesh&rsquo;s scoring momentum.
Batting inconsistency: The top-order inconsistency is a major concern. Players like Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto have struggled to string together reliable scores, with averages below 30 in recent series.&nbsp;The lack of left-handed options beyond Soumya Sarkar makes the lineup predictable, allowing opposition bowlers to devise effective strategies.
<h2>Opportunities</h2>
Leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto: Shanto's captaincy offers a fresh tactical outlook. His recent performances suggest a growing maturity, and leading the side in such a tournament provides an opportunity to build a resilient, unified team.&nbsp;A successful campaign could cement his role as a long-term leader for Bangladesh.
Emerging talents: Young players like Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy have shown immense promise in domestic circuits. Tanzid&rsquo;s impressive BPL season, where he scored 485 runs at an average of 44.09, highlights his potential.&nbsp;Tanzim Hasan Sakib, with 16 wickets in 9 BPL matches, has a golden opportunity to make his mark and secure his spot in the national setup.
<h2>Threats</h2>
Inexperience in high-stakes matches: While promising, the younger members of the squad lack experience in high-pressure international matches. This inexperience might lead to costly lapses in judgment, especially in crunch situations.&nbsp;The coaching staff needs to prepare the team mentally and tactically to withstand the rigors of the Champions Trophy.
Formidable group stage opponents: Bangladesh finds itself in a challenging group with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand&mdash;all teams with strong ICC tournament records. Recent series losses to teams like the West Indies and Afghanistan have exposed Bangladesh&rsquo;s vulnerabilities, particularly in chasing or setting competitive totals. Overcoming both the psychological and on-field challenges of facing such formidable opponents will be a tall task.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Bangladesh enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as underdogs, with a squad that emphasises resilience over raw power. The experienced core of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah provides a stabilising presence, while the pace attack led by Taskin and Mustafizur holds promise.
However, the absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das leaves significant gaps, and batting inconsistencies remain a pressing issue. If emerging talents like Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy can rise to the occasion, Bangladesh could spring a surprise or two.

Cricket, Sports: With a squad that emphasises on fighting spirit more than star power, Bangladesh faces a formidable challenge in a group stacked with cricketing giants

As Bangladesh gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the cricketing world watches with keen interest. With a squad that emphasises on fighting spirit more than star power, Bangladesh faces a formidable challenge in a group stacked with cricketing giants. The absence of stalwarts like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal marks the dawn of a new era for the team, with fresh faces and emerging talents tasked with carrying the nation’s cricketing hopes. This analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that could shape Bangladesh's journey in this prestigious tournament. Strengths Experienced core: Bangladesh's backbone lies in its seasoned campaigners. The presence of veterans like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah brings invaluable experience to the team. With 272 ODIs, Mushfiqur's ability to anchor the innings is a vital asset, while Mahmudullah's consistency and composure in the middle order provide stability. Their combined leadership and tactical acumen will be essential in navigating high-pressure situations and guiding younger players on the global stage. Strong pace attack: The pace department is spearheaded by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, both of whom have proven track records. Taskin, having emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the latest Bangladesh Premier League with 25 scalps, offers sharp bounce and aggression. Mustafizur’s deceptive cutters and death-over expertise add a different dimension to the attack. Young talents like Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nahid Rana provide depth, promising a well-rounded pace arsenal. Weaknesses Absence of key players: Missing Shakib Al Hasan due to suspension is a massive blow. His dual ability to control the game with both bat and ball has been pivotal for Bangladesh. Without Shakib, the middle order looks vulnerable, and the spin department lacks a proven match-winner. Litton Das' omission, following a string of poor performances, leaves the top order without its aggressive opener. His absence could result in a more cautious start, potentially affecting Bangladesh’s scoring momentum. Batting inconsistency: The top-order inconsistency is a major concern. Players like Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto have struggled to string together reliable scores, with averages below 30 in recent series. The lack of left-handed options beyond Soumya Sarkar makes the lineup predictable, allowing opposition bowlers to devise effective strategies. Opportunities Leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto: Shanto's captaincy offers a fresh tactical outlook. His recent performances suggest a growing maturity, and leading the side in such a tournament provides an opportunity to build a resilient, unified team. A successful campaign could cement his role as a long-term leader for Bangladesh. Emerging talents: Young players like Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy have shown immense promise in domestic circuits. Tanzid’s impressive BPL season, where he scored 485 runs at an average of 44.09, highlights his potential. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, with 16 wickets in 9 BPL matches, has a golden opportunity to make his mark and secure his spot in the national setup. Threats Inexperience in high-stakes matches: While promising, the younger members of the squad lack experience in high-pressure international matches. This inexperience might lead to costly lapses in judgment, especially in crunch situations. The coaching staff needs to prepare the team mentally and tactically to withstand the rigors of the Champions Trophy. Formidable group stage opponents: Bangladesh finds itself in a challenging group with India, Pakistan, and New Zealand—all teams with strong ICC tournament records. Recent series losses to teams like the West Indies and Afghanistan have exposed Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities, particularly in chasing or setting competitive totals. Overcoming both the psychological and on-field challenges of facing such formidable opponents will be a tall task. Conclusion Bangladesh enters the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as underdogs, with a squad that emphasises resilience over raw power. The experienced core of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah provides a stabilising presence, while the pace attack led by Taskin and Mustafizur holds promise. However, the absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das leaves significant gaps, and batting inconsistencies remain a pressing issue. If emerging talents like Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy can rise to the occasion, Bangladesh could spring a surprise or two.

SWOT analysis | Champions Trophy 2025: Underdogs with fighting spirit - Can Bangladesh overcome the odds?

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Afghanistan's journey to the ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> 2025 marks a historic milestone for the team as they make their maiden appearance in this prestigious 50-over tournament. 
Placed in a challenging group with Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan have an exciting opportunity to showcase their growth as a cricketing powerhouse. With their formidable spin attack, dynamic opening pair, and familiarity with the conditions in Pakistan, they could surprise many. Here&rsquo;s a SWOT analysis of their prospects.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="2020717947" paraeid="{234878f8-4953-402d-b9ce-75ffc583ec29}{37}">Strengths&nbsp;</h2>
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World-class spin attack: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rashid-khan">Rashid Khan</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammad-nabi">Mohammad Nabi</a>, Noor Ahmad, and Nangeyalia Kharote form one of the most lethal spin departments in the tournament. Rashid Khan&rsquo;s exceptional economy rate (4.2) and wicket-taking ability provide a huge advantage on spin-friendly tracks. Even with the absence of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan&rsquo;s depth in spin remains unmatched.&nbsp;
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Explosive opening pair: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran&rsquo;s consistent opening stands (48.83 average partnership) set the tone for strong batting starts. Their complementary styles ensure a balance of aggression and stability.&nbsp;
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Familiar conditions:&nbsp;Playing in Karachi and Lahore offers Afghanistan a home-like advantage, with spin-friendly pitches that suit their strength. Many players have PSL experience, which helps them acclimatise quickly.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="174495284" paraeid="{234878f8-4953-402d-b9ce-75ffc583ec29}{213}">Weaknesses&nbsp;</h2>
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Middle-order inconsistency: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and Gulbadin Naib have struggled for form, with averages below 33 since 2024. Over-reliance on the top order makes Afghanistan vulnerable to collapses.&nbsp;
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Inexperienced pace attack: Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the seam unit, but the support cast (Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Naveed Zadran) lacks experience against top-tier teams. High economy rates and inconsistent wicket-taking could hurt them on batting-friendly tracks.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="798391803" paraeid="{b494191e-dddb-40f8-82ed-56b54f81cfc1}{70}">Opportunities&nbsp;</h2>
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Young guns to shine:&nbsp;Sediqullah Atal, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote, and Naveed Zadran have a chance to make a name for themselves on the world stage. A breakout tournament from any of these young talents could give Afghanistan a competitive edge.&nbsp;
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Favourable spin conditions: With pitches likely to offer turn, Afghanistan&rsquo;s spinners could dominate and create match-winning scenarios.&nbsp;
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<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW12912027 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="804895409" paraeid="{b494191e-dddb-40f8-82ed-56b54f81cfc1}{214}">Threats&nbsp;</h2>
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Formidable group stage opponents: Facing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/australia-cricket">Australia</a>, England, and South Africa means Afghanistan cannot afford any slip-ups. All three teams have strong batting lineups and seam attacks that can expose Afghanistan&rsquo;s weaknesses.&nbsp;
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Lack of ODI exposure: Afghanistan&rsquo;s last ODI series was in December 2024 against Zimbabwe, which may leave them undercooked in the 50-over format. This lack of match practice could impact their rhythm and ability to perform under pressure.&nbsp;
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Afghanistan have the talent and conditions to create upsets in the Champions Trophy 2025. Their spin attack is their biggest strength, and if they exploit the pitches well, they could challenge even the strongest teams. However, to progress beyond the group stage, they must address their middle-order woes, strengthen their pace unit, and improve their chasing record. A semi-final spot is within reach, but only if they bring their A-game consistently.
</div>

Cricket, Sports: Placed in a challenging group with Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan have an opportunity to showcase their growth as a cricketing powerhouse.

Afghanistan's journey to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a historic milestone for the team as they make their maiden appearance in this prestigious 50-over tournament. Placed in a challenging group with Australia, England, and South Africa, Afghanistan have an exciting opportunity to showcase their growth as a cricketing powerhouse. With their formidable spin attack, dynamic opening pair, and familiarity with the conditions in Pakistan, they could surprise many. Here’s a SWOT analysis of their prospects. Strengths World-class spin attack: Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Nangeyalia Kharote form one of the most lethal spin departments in the tournament. Rashid Khan’s exceptional economy rate (4.2) and wicket-taking ability provide a huge advantage on spin-friendly tracks. Even with the absence of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan’s depth in spin remains unmatched. Explosive opening pair: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran’s consistent opening stands (48.83 average partnership) set the tone for strong batting starts. Their complementary styles ensure a balance of aggression and stability. Familiar conditions: Playing in Karachi and Lahore offers Afghanistan a home-like advantage, with spin-friendly pitches that suit their strength. Many players have PSL experience, which helps them acclimatise quickly. Weaknesses Middle-order inconsistency: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, and Gulbadin Naib have struggled for form, with averages below 33 since 2024. Over-reliance on the top order makes Afghanistan vulnerable to collapses. Inexperienced pace attack: Fazalhaq Farooqi leads the seam unit, but the support cast (Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad, Naveed Zadran) lacks experience against top-tier teams. High economy rates and inconsistent wicket-taking could hurt them on batting-friendly tracks. Opportunities Young guns to shine: Sediqullah Atal, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote, and Naveed Zadran have a chance to make a name for themselves on the world stage. A breakout tournament from any of these young talents could give Afghanistan a competitive edge. Favourable spin conditions: With pitches likely to offer turn, Afghanistan’s spinners could dominate and create match-winning scenarios. Threats Formidable group stage opponents: Facing Australia, England, and South Africa means Afghanistan cannot afford any slip-ups. All three teams have strong batting lineups and seam attacks that can expose Afghanistan’s weaknesses. Lack of ODI exposure: Afghanistan’s last ODI series was in December 2024 against Zimbabwe, which may leave them undercooked in the 50-over format. This lack of match practice could impact their rhythm and ability to perform under pressure. Afghanistan have the talent and conditions to create upsets in the Champions Trophy 2025. Their spin attack is their biggest strength, and if they exploit the pitches well, they could challenge even the strongest teams. However, to progress beyond the group stage, they must address their middle-order woes, strengthen their pace unit, and improve their chasing record. A semi-final spot is within reach, but only if they bring their A-game consistently.

SWOT analysis | Champions Trophy 2025: Spinners, stars, and surprises-Can Afghanistan spin their way to success?

Former Australian cricket captain and ICC Hall of Famer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ricky-ponting">Ricky Ponting</a> has endorsed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/arshdeep-singh">Arshdeep Singh</a> as the ideal replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah in India&rsquo;s pace attack for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
India's preparations for the tournament took a significant hit when star pacer Bumrah was ruled out due to a back injury earlier this month. With their opening match against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, India have limited time to finalise their bowling combination.
While young seamer Harshit Rana impressed during India's recent ODI series against England, Ponting believes Arshdeep&rsquo;s experience and skill set in T20 cricket make him the best candidate to partner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-shami">Mohammed Shami</a> with the new ball.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-babar-azam-eyes-pakistan-glory-on-home-soil-8733626">Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam eyes Pakistan glory on home soil</a>
"I would go with the left-armer and I'd go with Arshdeep (to replace Bumrah)," Ponting was quoted saying on The ICC Review.
"We know how good he's been in T20 cricket. If you think about the skill set, he probably provides a similar skill set to what Bumrah does with the new ball and death overs, and that's what India will miss.&rdquo;
Ponting acknowledged Harshit Rana's promise but highlighted Arshdeep&rsquo;s superior ability at the death.
"That's taking nothing away from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/harshit-rana">Harshit Rana</a> because I think he has a lot of talent and we know what he can do with the new ball. But I don't think his death skills are as good as what Arshdeep Singh&rsquo;s are," Ponting remarked.
The former Australian skipper emphasised the importance of having a left-arm bowler who can swing the new ball, especially against right-handed top orders in big tournaments.
Ponting also noted the depth in India&rsquo;s 15-player squad, suggesting that Hardik Pandya&rsquo;s all-round abilities could ease the pressure on Shami, while spinner Varun Chakravarthy might have a significant impact on the Champions Trophy.
&ldquo;I think (Varun) Chakravarthy can have a huge impact on the tournament as well for India. He&rsquo;s probably pretty much through his career been pigeonholed as a T20 bowler only, but with his variations and skill, he can be a game-changer," Ponting added.
<h2>'India a formidable contender even sans Bumrah'</h2>
Despite Bumrah's absence, Ponting believes India remain a formidable contender. &ldquo;Even with Bumrah not being there, yes, it's very hard to replace someone like that. But if any team can do it with the amount of talent that the Indians have got, it might be them,&rdquo; he said.
India&rsquo;s recent ODI series win over England also provided positive signs, with multiple batters finding form. Shubman Gill emerged as the top scorer, Shreyas Iyer anchored the middle order, and senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were among the runs.
"It&rsquo;s great to see Shreyas Iyer back in the team and playing well in the middle order. More importantly for India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back scoring runs and that's what they need going into big tournaments," Ponting observed.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of momentum:&nbsp;&ldquo;Winning's a habit and to have that behind you, you can take some positives out of that. That confidence can carry over.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: India's preparations for the tournament took a significant hit when star pacer Bumrah was ruled out due to a back injury earlier this month

Former Australian cricket captain and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has endorsed Arshdeep Singh as the ideal replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah in India’s pace attack for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. India's preparations for the tournament took a significant hit when star pacer Bumrah was ruled out due to a back injury earlier this month. With their opening match against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, India have limited time to finalise their bowling combination. While young seamer Harshit Rana impressed during India's recent ODI series against England, Ponting believes Arshdeep’s experience and skill set in T20 cricket make him the best candidate to partner Mohammed Shami with the new ball. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam eyes Pakistan glory on home soil "I would go with the left-armer and I'd go with Arshdeep (to replace Bumrah)," Ponting was quoted saying on The ICC Review. "We know how good he's been in T20 cricket. If you think about the skill set, he probably provides a similar skill set to what Bumrah does with the new ball and death overs, and that's what India will miss.” Ponting acknowledged Harshit Rana's promise but highlighted Arshdeep’s superior ability at the death. "That's taking nothing away from Harshit Rana because I think he has a lot of talent and we know what he can do with the new ball. But I don't think his death skills are as good as what Arshdeep Singh’s are," Ponting remarked. The former Australian skipper emphasised the importance of having a left-arm bowler who can swing the new ball, especially against right-handed top orders in big tournaments. Ponting also noted the depth in India’s 15-player squad, suggesting that Hardik Pandya’s all-round abilities could ease the pressure on Shami, while spinner Varun Chakravarthy might have a significant impact on the Champions Trophy. “I think (Varun) Chakravarthy can have a huge impact on the tournament as well for India. He’s probably pretty much through his career been pigeonholed as a T20 bowler only, but with his variations and skill, he can be a game-changer," Ponting added. 'India a formidable contender even sans Bumrah' Despite Bumrah's absence, Ponting believes India remain a formidable contender. “Even with Bumrah not being there, yes, it's very hard to replace someone like that. But if any team can do it with the amount of talent that the Indians have got, it might be them,” he said. India’s recent ODI series win over England also provided positive signs, with multiple batters finding form. Shubman Gill emerged as the top scorer, Shreyas Iyer anchored the middle order, and senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were among the runs. "It’s great to see Shreyas Iyer back in the team and playing well in the middle order. More importantly for India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were back scoring runs and that's what they need going into big tournaments," Ponting observed. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of momentum: “Winning's a habit and to have that behind you, you can take some positives out of that. That confidence can carry over.” (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Not Harshit, former Australia captain says THIS bowler will be crucial for India

Babar Azam, Pakistan&rsquo;s star batter, is preparing to lead his team in the highly anticipated ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> on home soil. Nearly eight years after playing a key role in Pakistan&rsquo;s triumphant 2017 campaign, Babar is eager to guide his nation to another historic victory&mdash;this time in front of their passionate supporters.
"I am very excited," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/babar-azam">Babar</a> was quoted saying to ICC. "It&rsquo;s been a long time since we hosted an ICC tournament. As a player, I&rsquo;m thrilled, and the fans are equally excited."
Pakistan&rsquo;s emphatic 180-run win over India in the 2017 final remains a cherished memory, but Babar emphasises on staying focused on the present. "A lot has changed since 2017. We have new players in the squad, with only three or four remaining from that winning team. But the belief, confidence, and execution remain the same."
Pakistan kicks off its campaign against New Zealand in Karachi, where Babar will face off with fellow modern-day great Kane Williamson. The tournament features cricketing superstars like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/joe-root">Joe Root</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/steve-smith">Steve Smith</a>, and Virat Kohli, but Babar, the world&rsquo;s No. 1 ranked ODI batter, carries the hopes of a cricket-obsessed nation.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-babar-is-the-right-man-to-open-says-pakistan-skipper-rizwan-8733515">Champions Trophy 2025: 'Babar is the right man to open', says Pakistan skipper Rizwan</a> "When you have responsibility as a senior player, and the team relies on you, I take it positively," Babar said. "I try to give my best in every match so that Pakistan wins, and I truly enjoy my cricket."
<h2>'There is no pressure'</h2>
Despite Pakistan&rsquo;s recent struggles in ICC tournaments, Babar remains confident. "There is no pressure. What&rsquo;s in the past is beyond us. We&rsquo;ve discussed our mistakes, worked on them, and we will try not to repeat them."
With the advantage of playing at home, Pakistan is hopeful for a turnaround. Lahore, Babar&rsquo;s hometown, is one of three host cities, and he believes familiarity with local conditions will play a crucial role. "Playing at home gives you an edge, as you know the conditions well. But you still have to play good cricket because all the teams are world-class."
Beyond cricket, Babar is excited about Pakistan hosting a global event. "It means a lot to us. The hospitality in Pakistan is amazing, and people here love cricket. Cricket brings everyone together&mdash;it unites the whole country, and everyone is praying for Pakistan&rsquo;s victory. That unity is special."
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Pakistan’s stunning 180-run victory over India in the 2017 final remains a cherished memory, but Babar insists that his focus is on the present

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter, is preparing to lead his team in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy on home soil. Nearly eight years after playing a key role in Pakistan’s triumphant 2017 campaign, Babar is eager to guide his nation to another historic victory—this time in front of their passionate supporters. "I am very excited," Babar was quoted saying to ICC. "It’s been a long time since we hosted an ICC tournament. As a player, I’m thrilled, and the fans are equally excited." Pakistan’s emphatic 180-run win over India in the 2017 final remains a cherished memory, but Babar emphasises on staying focused on the present. "A lot has changed since 2017. We have new players in the squad, with only three or four remaining from that winning team. But the belief, confidence, and execution remain the same." Pakistan kicks off its campaign against New Zealand in Karachi, where Babar will face off with fellow modern-day great Kane Williamson. The tournament features cricketing superstars like Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli, but Babar, the world’s No. 1 ranked ODI batter, carries the hopes of a cricket-obsessed nation. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: 'Babar is the right man to open', says Pakistan skipper Rizwan "When you have responsibility as a senior player, and the team relies on you, I take it positively," Babar said. "I try to give my best in every match so that Pakistan wins, and I truly enjoy my cricket." 'There is no pressure' Despite Pakistan’s recent struggles in ICC tournaments, Babar remains confident. "There is no pressure. What’s in the past is beyond us. We’ve discussed our mistakes, worked on them, and we will try not to repeat them." With the advantage of playing at home, Pakistan is hopeful for a turnaround. Lahore, Babar’s hometown, is one of three host cities, and he believes familiarity with local conditions will play a crucial role. "Playing at home gives you an edge, as you know the conditions well. But you still have to play good cricket because all the teams are world-class." Beyond cricket, Babar is excited about Pakistan hosting a global event. "It means a lot to us. The hospitality in Pakistan is amazing, and people here love cricket. Cricket brings everyone together—it unites the whole country, and everyone is praying for Pakistan’s victory. That unity is special." (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Babar Azam eyes Pakistan glory on home soil

England have not had much success in ODIs or T20Is ever since winning the 2022 T20 World Cup, when they were also the ODI World Cup (2019) winners. The Englishmen have since performed poorly in two ICC tournaments&mdash;the ODI World Cup 2023 in India and the T20 World Cup 2024 in South Africa.
The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is another chance for them to right their wrongs as they look to imply a new template under coach Brendon McCullum, responsible for their turnaround in red-ball cricket.
Here's SWOT analysis for England ahead of the Champions Trophy
<h2>Strengths</h2>
<ul>
<li>England's biggest strength is the brand of cricket they play&mdash;the BAZBALL. On their day, England can chase any total, and no bowling attack can prevent them from doing so.</li>
<li>A good bowling attack with a balanced mix of express pace, medium pace, and a skillful leggie adds needed variety to the England attack.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Weaknesses</h2>
<ul>
<li>The tendency to keep playing aggressive cricket even in delicate situations is something that has proven costly for England, and the bad dream can again come true in the Champions Trophy.</li>
<li>The fragile middle order with its relative inability to play spin on subcontinent pitches could hurt England in the middle overs.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Opportunities</h2>
<ul>
<li>The new-age batters playing without fear coupled with their IPL and PSL experience can be England's chance to capitalise in the opening overs and lay a good platform for the middle-order batters.</li>
<li>The express pace of Mark Wood and guile of Adil Rashid is their best bet to take wickets in opening and middle overs&mdash;if done, England could be a force to reckon with.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Threats</h2>
<ul>
<li>Any good bowling attack can threaten England's batting order which lives on a double-edge sword called attack. They'd have to be careful against whom they take their chances.</li>
<li>Consistency is also something that could hurt England's chances to get to the knockout stage for which they'll fight against three contending teams in Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Champions Trophy: The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is another chance for them to right their wrongs as they look to imply new template under coach Brendon McCullum. Cricket Sports

England have not had much success in ODIs or T20Is ever since winning the 2022 T20 World Cup, when they were also the ODI World Cup (2019) winners. The Englishmen have since performed poorly in two ICC tournaments—the ODI World Cup 2023 in India and the T20 World Cup 2024 in South Africa. The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 is another chance for them to right their wrongs as they look to imply a new template under coach Brendon McCullum, responsible for their turnaround in red-ball cricket. Here's SWOT analysis for England ahead of the Champions Trophy Strengths England's biggest strength is the brand of cricket they play—the BAZBALL. On their day, England can chase any total, and no bowling attack can prevent them from doing so. A good bowling attack with a balanced mix of express pace, medium pace, and a skillful leggie adds needed variety to the England attack. Weaknesses The tendency to keep playing aggressive cricket even in delicate situations is something that has proven costly for England, and the bad dream can again come true in the Champions Trophy. The fragile middle order with its relative inability to play spin on subcontinent pitches could hurt England in the middle overs. Opportunities The new-age batters playing without fear coupled with their IPL and PSL experience can be England's chance to capitalise in the opening overs and lay a good platform for the middle-order batters. The express pace of Mark Wood and guile of Adil Rashid is their best bet to take wickets in opening and middle overs—if done, England could be a force to reckon with. Threats Any good bowling attack can threaten England's batting order which lives on a double-edge sword called attack. They'd have to be careful against whom they take their chances. Consistency is also something that could hurt England's chances to get to the knockout stage for which they'll fight against three contending teams in Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan.

Champions Trophy: Time for ODI Bazball - SWOT analysis of England

As Pakistan gears up for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> opener on Wednesday (Feb 19), captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rizwan">Mohammad Rizwan</a> has stressed the importance of heightened awareness and professionalism in the team&rsquo;s approach to high-stakes tournaments. After back-to-back defeats in the Tri-series, Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in their third clash this month, with Rizwan expressing confidence in his squad's potential despite recent challenges.
Speaking at a press conference at Karachi's National Stadium, Rizwan addressed the team's inconsistent performances in global tournaments. Since their Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, Pakistan reached the T20 World Cup semifinal in 2021 and the final in 2022 but have often struggled in ICC events, frequently bowing out in the group stages. &ldquo;On a personal level, I think we need to improve our awareness and professionalism,&rdquo; Rizwan remarked. &ldquo;Even now, there are players from whom our people might have less hope, but the outside world is watching and talking about them.&rdquo;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-bcci-allows-indian-players-wives-to-stay-in-dubai-but-with-a-catch-reports-8733399">Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI allows Indian players wives to stay in Dubai but with a catch-Reports</a>
Rizwan noted that while local fans may question certain selections, international cricketing circles recognize and respect the talent within the squad. When asked about Pakistan's reputation for thriving as underdogs, Rizwan joked, &ldquo;If this is how we can win, then you should underrate us only.&rdquo; He emphasised the team&rsquo;s work ethic, courage, and intelligence, asserting that divine help would guide them toward success.
On the team&rsquo;s lineup and tactical approach, Rizwan indicated that the core combination remains unchanged. &ldquo;When Babar Azam was captain, we played a semifinal and a final, but we are trying to achieve that one percent that has been eluding us towards the end,&rdquo; he said.
<h2>'Babar is a technically strong batter'</h2>
A key talking point has been the opening pair, with Rizwan clarifying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/babar-azam">Babar Azam</a>&rsquo;s position. &ldquo;If you look at the conditions and analyze what is best for the team, then it is Babar who should open,&rdquo; Rizwan stated. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not that we don&rsquo;t have options, but given the needs of the team, Babar is the right man to open. He is a technically strong batter and our opener.&rdquo;
The decision to persist with Babar as an opener was driven by strategic considerations, including home conditions and the necessity of a left-right batting combination. &ldquo;We needed someone to tackle the spinners, and Babar can do it. He is a solid and technical player,&rdquo; Rizwan explained.
Pakistan's pace attack received a boost with the news that Haris Rauf has recovered from a muscular sprain in his lower chest wall, which had kept him out of their last two matches. Rizwan confirmed that Rauf has regained fitness and is eager to perform in the Champions Trophy.
&ldquo;He is about 80 per cent fit and managed to bowl six to eight overs yesterday. Earlier, he was at 60 per cent, but today, he is back in full rhythm. He put in a lot of effort at the gym, bowled with intensity, and assured us that he was feeling no discomfort. We are hopeful that he will be fully fit,&rdquo; Rizwan stated.
Pakistan will open their campaign against New Zealand, followed by a highly-anticipated clash against India on February 23 in Dubai, before facing Bangladesh on February 27.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Pakistan will open their campaign against New Zealand, followed by clash against India on February 23 in Dubai, before facing Bangladesh on February 27

As Pakistan gears up for the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday (Feb 19), captain Mohammad Rizwan has stressed the importance of heightened awareness and professionalism in the team’s approach to high-stakes tournaments. After back-to-back defeats in the Tri-series, Pakistan is set to face New Zealand in their third clash this month, with Rizwan expressing confidence in his squad's potential despite recent challenges. Speaking at a press conference at Karachi's National Stadium, Rizwan addressed the team's inconsistent performances in global tournaments. Since their Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, Pakistan reached the T20 World Cup semifinal in 2021 and the final in 2022 but have often struggled in ICC events, frequently bowing out in the group stages. “On a personal level, I think we need to improve our awareness and professionalism,” Rizwan remarked. “Even now, there are players from whom our people might have less hope, but the outside world is watching and talking about them.” Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI allows Indian players wives to stay in Dubai but with a catch-Reports Rizwan noted that while local fans may question certain selections, international cricketing circles recognize and respect the talent within the squad. When asked about Pakistan's reputation for thriving as underdogs, Rizwan joked, “If this is how we can win, then you should underrate us only.” He emphasised the team’s work ethic, courage, and intelligence, asserting that divine help would guide them toward success. On the team’s lineup and tactical approach, Rizwan indicated that the core combination remains unchanged. “When Babar Azam was captain, we played a semifinal and a final, but we are trying to achieve that one percent that has been eluding us towards the end,” he said. 'Babar is a technically strong batter' A key talking point has been the opening pair, with Rizwan clarifying Babar Azam’s position. “If you look at the conditions and analyze what is best for the team, then it is Babar who should open,” Rizwan stated. “It’s not that we don’t have options, but given the needs of the team, Babar is the right man to open. He is a technically strong batter and our opener.” The decision to persist with Babar as an opener was driven by strategic considerations, including home conditions and the necessity of a left-right batting combination. “We needed someone to tackle the spinners, and Babar can do it. He is a solid and technical player,” Rizwan explained. Pakistan's pace attack received a boost with the news that Haris Rauf has recovered from a muscular sprain in his lower chest wall, which had kept him out of their last two matches. Rizwan confirmed that Rauf has regained fitness and is eager to perform in the Champions Trophy. “He is about 80 per cent fit and managed to bowl six to eight overs yesterday. Earlier, he was at 60 per cent, but today, he is back in full rhythm. He put in a lot of effort at the gym, bowled with intensity, and assured us that he was feeling no discomfort. We are hopeful that he will be fully fit,” Rizwan stated. Pakistan will open their campaign against New Zealand, followed by a highly-anticipated clash against India on February 23 in Dubai, before facing Bangladesh on February 27. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: 'Babar is the right man to open', says Pakistan skipper Rizwan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/board-of-control-for-cricket-in-india">BCCI</a>) has decided to allow Indian cricketers&rsquo; families to accompany them to Dubai during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, sources close to the development told WION. This move comes as a partial relaxation of their usual policy, which typically restricts family members from traveling with players for short tournaments.
However, there is a key condition: players&rsquo; families will be permitted to stay in Dubai only for a limited period and will not be allowed to stay for the entire tournament. Reports indicate that families can be present for only one match, and players must decide collectively which match they want their families to attend. A formal request will need to be submitted to the BCCI, after which necessary arrangements will be made.
This decision is expected to provide players with some emotional support while maintaining the focus on cricket.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-2025-vidarbha-in-control-against-mumbai-advantage-kerala-vs-gujarat-8733214">Ranji Trophy 2025: Vidarbha in control against Mumbai; advantage Kerala vs Gujarat</a>
Earlier, the Indian Cricket Board barred wives and family members of cricket players from accompanying them for not more than 14 days on a 45-day long tour, alongside making it compulsory for all team members to travel together in the team bus. Per the latest report, the board issued these mandates to ensure better connectivity among players, leading to improved team performance.
Team India failed to qualify for the WTC Final 2025 following losing the away <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/border-gavaskar-trophy">BGT</a> Down Under for the first time in ten years.&nbsp;Despite winning the first Test in Perth, India conceded the lead, going down (1-3), and with that, lost the chance to make it to their third straight <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wtc">WTC</a> Final.
After India lost the home Test series to New Zealand (for the first time in history) before conceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (for the first time in a decade), the BCCI came down hard on the centrally contracted Indian cricketers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/domestic-cricket-participation-mandatory-for-india-selection-bcci-8628805" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">putting in several restrictions</a>.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: This move comes as a partial relaxation of their usual policy, which typically restricts family members from traveling with players for short tournaments

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to allow Indian cricketers’ families to accompany them to Dubai during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, sources close to the development told WION. This move comes as a partial relaxation of their usual policy, which typically restricts family members from traveling with players for short tournaments. However, there is a key condition: players’ families will be permitted to stay in Dubai only for a limited period and will not be allowed to stay for the entire tournament. Reports indicate that families can be present for only one match, and players must decide collectively which match they want their families to attend. A formal request will need to be submitted to the BCCI, after which necessary arrangements will be made. This decision is expected to provide players with some emotional support while maintaining the focus on cricket. Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2025: Vidarbha in control against Mumbai; advantage Kerala vs Gujarat Earlier, the Indian Cricket Board barred wives and family members of cricket players from accompanying them for not more than 14 days on a 45-day long tour, alongside making it compulsory for all team members to travel together in the team bus. Per the latest report, the board issued these mandates to ensure better connectivity among players, leading to improved team performance. Team India failed to qualify for the WTC Final 2025 following losing the away BGT Down Under for the first time in ten years. Despite winning the first Test in Perth, India conceded the lead, going down (1-3), and with that, lost the chance to make it to their third straight WTC Final. After India lost the home Test series to New Zealand (for the first time in history) before conceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (for the first time in a decade), the BCCI came down hard on the centrally contracted Indian cricketers, putting in several restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI allows Indian players' wives to stay in Dubai but with a catch-Reports

Left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade struck thrice in an over as Mumbai slipped to 188 for 7 in reply to Vidarbha's first innings total of 383, trailing by 195 runs at stumps on Day Two of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ranji-trophy">Ranji Trophy</a> semifinal on Tuesday (Feb 18).
Mumbai opener Akash Anand was battling at one end, unbeaten on 67, with the last recognised batter, Tanush Kotian, on 5 not out at the other, as their title defence came under intense pressure from a disciplined and persistent Vidarbha side on their home ground at the VCA Stadium.
Mumbai were steady at 113 for two at one stage, but Rekhade, playing only his second First-Class match, ripped open the Ranji champions' batting line-up, first with an innocuous delivery that claimed the prized scalp of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ajinkya-rahane">Ajinkya Rahane</a> in the 41st over.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-step-into-the-game-with-36-cameras-and-a-360-virtual-universe-what-all-cricket-fans-can-expect-8733104">Champions Trophy 2025: Step into the game with 36 cameras and a 360&deg; virtual universe- What all cricket fans can expect</a>
Rahane's defensive prod had the ball rolling back to his stumps and knock off the bails, ending his stay for a 24-ball 18. Two deliveries later,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suryakumar-yadav">Suryakumar Yadav</a> (0) paid a heavy price for a hard-handed frontfoot prod as an inside edge was sharply collected by Danish Malewar at silly point over his head. Another couple of deliveries later, Shivam Dube (0), who had claimed 5/49 in Vidarbha's first innings, was also caught for a two-ball duck like his India T20I teammate Suryakumar as Mumbai slipped from 113/2 to 113/5.
It soon became 118/6 for the Rahane-led side, losing four wickets for a mere five runs, when Shams Mulani was trapped leg-before by Harsh Dubey for his first wicket.
Anand then forged a crucial 60-run stand with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shardul-thakur">Shardul Thakur</a> but their partnership did not last long.&nbsp;Thakur, who has persistently come to Mumbai's rescue with the bat this season, did produce a fightback but could not push on for a big knock, perishing for a 41-ball 37 with four fours and a six with his knock having all the elements of his trademark counterattack.
He was bounced out by Yash Thakur (2), who had cleaned up Siddhesh Lad (35) for a vital breakthrough earlier in the day to break his stubborn second-wicket partnership with Anand.
Mumbai had begun rather shakily in reply to Vidarbha's first innings total when opener Ayush Mhatre played one in the air early on to find Malewar at cover, following which the pair of Lad and Anand had done well to see off the threat from the new ball there on.
On his part, wicketkeeper-batter Anand batted extremely well, reaching a solid 67 off 171 balls, including six fours&mdash;most of them coming on the off-side. But once again it was Vidarbha who walked away with the bragging rights after another dominant show, having earlier added 75 runs to their overnight total of 308 for five.
Rathod brought up his fifty shortly after play resumed on the second day but like his teammates, could not push on and fell for 54 off 113 balls with seven fours.
Brief scores: Vidarbha 383 in 107.5 overs (Dhruv Shorey 74, Danish Malewar 79, Yash Rathod 54; Shivam Dube 5/49, Shams Mulani 2/62) lead Mumbai 188/7 in 59 overs (Akash Anand 67*; Yash Thakur 2/56, Parth Rekhade 3/16) by 195 runs.
<h2>Advantage Kerala against Gujarat</h2>
Mohammed Azharudeen's dogged 149 not out, his first hundred in red ball cricket in seven years, took Kerala to a commanding 418/7 at stumps on day two of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Gujarat here.
Kerala, who have not gone past the semifinals in the premier domestic red ball event, had resumed the day at 206 for four.&nbsp;Skipper Sachin Baby, who was on 69 overnight, did not trouble the scorers on the following day as he was removed by left-arm pacer Arzan Nagwaswalla on the second ball of the day.
A 149-run stand between Azharudeen and Salman Nizar (52 off 202) followed, taking Kerala past the 350-run mark. On day three, Kerala would like to bat as long as possible and then aim for the all-important first-innings lead over the home team on a flat track.
Azharudeen, who was on 30 overnight, carried his bat through the day with his unbeaten 149 coming off 303 balls. Remarkably, it was the 30-year-old's second first-class hundred and first after seven years, having made his Ranji debut back in November 2015. Nagwaswalla was the pick of Gujarat bowlers on Tuesday and has taken three wickets thus far. The left-arm pacer got rid of Ahammed Imran (24) towards the close of play as he frustrated the hosts with a 40-run stand with Azharudeen.
After accumulating 206 on the opening day, they could only add 212 on Tuesday. Gujarat will have to be at their best with the bat to wrest the advantage from the visitors.
Brief scores: Kerala 418/7 in 177 overs (Mohammed Azharudeen 149 not out; Arzan Nagwaswalla 3/64).
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: Parth Rekhade struck thrice in an over as Mumbai slipped to 188/7, while Mohammed Azharudeen's first hundred in red ball cricket in 7 years took Kerala to 418/7

Left-arm spinner Parth Rekhade struck thrice in an over as Mumbai slipped to 188 for 7 in reply to Vidarbha's first innings total of 383, trailing by 195 runs at stumps on Day Two of their Ranji Trophy semifinal on Tuesday (Feb 18). Mumbai opener Akash Anand was battling at one end, unbeaten on 67, with the last recognised batter, Tanush Kotian, on 5 not out at the other, as their title defence came under intense pressure from a disciplined and persistent Vidarbha side on their home ground at the VCA Stadium. Mumbai were steady at 113 for two at one stage, but Rekhade, playing only his second First-Class match, ripped open the Ranji champions' batting line-up, first with an innocuous delivery that claimed the prized scalp of Ajinkya Rahane in the 41st over. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Step into the game with 36 cameras and a 360° virtual universe- What all cricket fans can expect Rahane's defensive prod had the ball rolling back to his stumps and knock off the bails, ending his stay for a 24-ball 18. Two deliveries later, Suryakumar Yadav (0) paid a heavy price for a hard-handed frontfoot prod as an inside edge was sharply collected by Danish Malewar at silly point over his head. Another couple of deliveries later, Shivam Dube (0), who had claimed 5/49 in Vidarbha's first innings, was also caught for a two-ball duck like his India T20I teammate Suryakumar as Mumbai slipped from 113/2 to 113/5. It soon became 118/6 for the Rahane-led side, losing four wickets for a mere five runs, when Shams Mulani was trapped leg-before by Harsh Dubey for his first wicket. Anand then forged a crucial 60-run stand with Shardul Thakur but their partnership did not last long. Thakur, who has persistently come to Mumbai's rescue with the bat this season, did produce a fightback but could not push on for a big knock, perishing for a 41-ball 37 with four fours and a six with his knock having all the elements of his trademark counterattack. He was bounced out by Yash Thakur (2), who had cleaned up Siddhesh Lad (35) for a vital breakthrough earlier in the day to break his stubborn second-wicket partnership with Anand. Mumbai had begun rather shakily in reply to Vidarbha's first innings total when opener Ayush Mhatre played one in the air early on to find Malewar at cover, following which the pair of Lad and Anand had done well to see off the threat from the new ball there on. On his part, wicketkeeper-batter Anand batted extremely well, reaching a solid 67 off 171 balls, including six fours—most of them coming on the off-side. But once again it was Vidarbha who walked away with the bragging rights after another dominant show, having earlier added 75 runs to their overnight total of 308 for five. Rathod brought up his fifty shortly after play resumed on the second day but like his teammates, could not push on and fell for 54 off 113 balls with seven fours. Brief scores: Vidarbha 383 in 107.5 overs (Dhruv Shorey 74, Danish Malewar 79, Yash Rathod 54; Shivam Dube 5/49, Shams Mulani 2/62) lead Mumbai 188/7 in 59 overs (Akash Anand 67*; Yash Thakur 2/56, Parth Rekhade 3/16) by 195 runs. Advantage Kerala against Gujarat Mohammed Azharudeen's dogged 149 not out, his first hundred in red ball cricket in seven years, took Kerala to a commanding 418/7 at stumps on day two of their Ranji Trophy semifinal against Gujarat here. Kerala, who have not gone past the semifinals in the premier domestic red ball event, had resumed the day at 206 for four. Skipper Sachin Baby, who was on 69 overnight, did not trouble the scorers on the following day as he was removed by left-arm pacer Arzan Nagwaswalla on the second ball of the day. A 149-run stand between Azharudeen and Salman Nizar (52 off 202) followed, taking Kerala past the 350-run mark. On day three, Kerala would like to bat as long as possible and then aim for the all-important first-innings lead over the home team on a flat track. Azharudeen, who was on 30 overnight, carried his bat through the day with his unbeaten 149 coming off 303 balls. Remarkably, it was the 30-year-old's second first-class hundred and first after seven years, having made his Ranji debut back in November 2015. Nagwaswalla was the pick of Gujarat bowlers on Tuesday and has taken three wickets thus far. The left-arm pacer got rid of Ahammed Imran (24) towards the close of play as he frustrated the hosts with a 40-run stand with Azharudeen. After accumulating 206 on the opening day, they could only add 212 on Tuesday. Gujarat will have to be at their best with the bat to wrest the advantage from the visitors. Brief scores: Kerala 418/7 in 177 overs (Mohammed Azharudeen 149 not out; Arzan Nagwaswalla 3/64).

Ranji Trophy 2025: Vidarbha in control against Mumbai; advantage Kerala vs Gujarat

With just a day left for the start of the ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> 2025, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">ICC</a> is going all out to bring the cricket fans closer to the action than ever before.
A minimum of 36 cameras, along with cutting-edge analytical tools and stunning visual enhancements, will capture every thrilling moment of the tournament, as per a statement from the ICC issued on Tuesday (Feb 18). Whether it&rsquo;s a diving catch or a powerful six, you won&rsquo;t miss a thing.
One of the most exciting innovations this year is Field 360&deg;. This virtual field model will illustrate fielding positions and strategies in real-time, giving viewers an in-depth understanding of the game as it unfolds.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-from-home-advantage-to-too-many-pacers-swot-analysis-of-pakistan-8732783">Champions Trophy: From home advantage to too many pacers - SWOT analysis of Pakistan</a>
The broadcast will also feature breathtaking aerial views thanks to drone cameras, while the roving buggy cam will take fans right to the heart of the action with immersive ground-level visuals. And, of course, the signature Spidercams will deliver stunning aerial shots and dynamic perspectives, adding a whole new dimension to the viewing experience.
For fans on the go, ICC TV is teaming up with JioStar to create a dedicated vertical feed, optimised for smartphones.
<h2>Commentary panelist</h2>
The commentary panel is packed with cricketing legends ready to bring you expert insights and lively discussions. Representing India are Sunil Gavaskar, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravi-shastri">Ravi Shastri</a>, Dinesh Karthik, and Harsha Bhogle. Pakistan's lineup features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/wasim-akram">Wasim Akram</a>, Bazid Khan, and Ramiz Raja. From England, Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton will share their expert analysis alongside West Indies great Ian Bishop.
New Zealand's commentary team includes the dynamic duo of Ian Smith and Simon Doull, while the Australian perspective will come from Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, and Aaron Finch. South African legends Dale Steyn and Shaun Pollock round out this world-class panel.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: A minimum of 36 cameras, along with cutting-edge analytical tools and stunning visual enhancements, will capture every thrilling moment of the tournament

With just a day left for the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the ICC is going all out to bring the cricket fans closer to the action than ever before. A minimum of 36 cameras, along with cutting-edge analytical tools and stunning visual enhancements, will capture every thrilling moment of the tournament, as per a statement from the ICC issued on Tuesday (Feb 18). Whether it’s a diving catch or a powerful six, you won’t miss a thing. One of the most exciting innovations this year is Field 360°. This virtual field model will illustrate fielding positions and strategies in real-time, giving viewers an in-depth understanding of the game as it unfolds. Also Read: Champions Trophy: From home advantage to too many pacers - SWOT analysis of Pakistan The broadcast will also feature breathtaking aerial views thanks to drone cameras, while the roving buggy cam will take fans right to the heart of the action with immersive ground-level visuals. And, of course, the signature Spidercams will deliver stunning aerial shots and dynamic perspectives, adding a whole new dimension to the viewing experience. For fans on the go, ICC TV is teaming up with JioStar to create a dedicated vertical feed, optimised for smartphones. Commentary panelist The commentary panel is packed with cricketing legends ready to bring you expert insights and lively discussions. Representing India are Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Dinesh Karthik, and Harsha Bhogle. Pakistan's lineup features Wasim Akram, Bazid Khan, and Ramiz Raja. From England, Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton will share their expert analysis alongside West Indies great Ian Bishop. New Zealand's commentary team includes the dynamic duo of Ian Smith and Simon Doull, while the Australian perspective will come from Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, and Aaron Finch. South African legends Dale Steyn and Shaun Pollock round out this world-class panel. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: 36 cameras and virtual reality - get ready for a unique and 360-degree experience - know the details

Pakistan is all set to host its first ICC tournament since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Being the host nation, they do have a certain advantage over others. Also, the support from home fans could work wonders for them.
As they prepare to take on New Zealand in the first fixture of the tournament, here's a SWOT analysis of the Pakistan cricket team:
Also Read: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-hope-india-team-will-deliver-says-bccis-vice-president-rajeev-shukla-8732647">Hope India team will deliver', says BCCI's vice-president Rajeev Shukla</a>
<h2>Strengths</h2>
<ul>
<li>Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan's form is a big plus for the home team, along with destructive left-hand batter Fakhar Zaman, who also has a special liking for India.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Playing at home, barring the match against India, is Pakistan's biggest advantage against other teams.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Weaknesses</h2>
<ul>
<li>An out of form Babar Azam is Pakistan's biggest worry as they go in the tournament. The inexperienced middle order is something that could prove costly for the hosts.</li>
<li>Pakistan's lack of specialist spinners in the squad and reliance on all-rounders could be a bit difficult for the hosts given the spin-friendly pitches in the subcontinent.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Opportunities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Pakistan's ability to surprise any team on any given day is something every team should be wary of.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Among the potential players who could turn on the day and take Pakistan home are Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi (who is currently out of form), Abrar Ahmed, and Khushdil Shah.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Threats</h2>
<ul>
<li>The Men in Green should be wary of Afghanistan&mdash;the team which had beaten them in the ODI World Cup 2023 for a memorable win.</li>
<li>Among others who could be a threat to Pakistan are strong middle order sides, i.e., India, New Zealand, and Australia, which could very well take advantage of their middle-over lack of options in bowling, specially spin.</li>
</ul>
After Pakistan face New Zealand on Feb 19, they take on India on Feb 23 in Dubai in a blockbuster contest before facing Bangladesh in the last league match on Feb 27.

Champions Trophy: Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan's form is a big plus for the home team, along with destructive left-hand batter Fakhar Zaman, who also has a special liking for India. Cricket Sports

Pakistan is all set to host its first ICC tournament since co-hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Being the host nation, they do have a certain advantage over others. Also, the support from home fans could work wonders for them. As they prepare to take on New Zealand in the first fixture of the tournament, here's a SWOT analysis of the Pakistan cricket team: Also Read: 'Hope India team will deliver', says BCCI's vice-president Rajeev Shukla Strengths Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan's form is a big plus for the home team, along with destructive left-hand batter Fakhar Zaman, who also has a special liking for India. Playing at home, barring the match against India, is Pakistan's biggest advantage against other teams. Weaknesses An out of form Babar Azam is Pakistan's biggest worry as they go in the tournament. The inexperienced middle order is something that could prove costly for the hosts. Pakistan's lack of specialist spinners in the squad and reliance on all-rounders could be a bit difficult for the hosts given the spin-friendly pitches in the subcontinent. Opportunities Pakistan's ability to surprise any team on any given day is something every team should be wary of. Among the potential players who could turn on the day and take Pakistan home are Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi (who is currently out of form), Abrar Ahmed, and Khushdil Shah. Threats The Men in Green should be wary of Afghanistan—the team which had beaten them in the ODI World Cup 2023 for a memorable win. Among others who could be a threat to Pakistan are strong middle order sides, i.e., India, New Zealand, and Australia, which could very well take advantage of their middle-over lack of options in bowling, specially spin. After Pakistan face New Zealand on Feb 19, they take on India on Feb 23 in Dubai in a blockbuster contest before facing Bangladesh in the last league match on Feb 27.

Champions Trophy: From home advantage to too many pacers - SWOT analysis of Pakistan

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> 2025, New Zealand&rsquo;s star batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kane-williamson">Kane Williamson</a> took to Instagram to share his fond memories of playing against Pakistan.
In a video shared by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">ICC</a>, Williamson reflected on one of his most unforgettable moments&mdash;a stunning catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafique during the 2023 World Cup.
&ldquo;In the moment, you&rsquo;re just trying to focus on what&rsquo;s important, where you need to be, and try to get there as quickly as possible, keeping your head nice and still, and hoping that it goes in&mdash;and on that occasion, it did,&rdquo; Williamson recalled.
The clip featured Williamson watching his incredible diving catch from the New Zealand vs. Pakistan clash in Bengaluru. Sprinting back, the Kiwi batter pulled off one of the tournament&rsquo;s most spectacular grabs, sending Shafique back to the pavilion.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-hope-india-team-will-deliver-says-bccis-vice-president-rajeev-shukla-8732647">Champions Trophy: 'Hope India team will deliver', says BCCI's vice-president Rajeev Shukla</a>
&ldquo;It was nice to be back on the field. The finger injury felt insignificant compared to the knee injury, which took six months to recover from. Taking that catch, I kind of dug into the ground,&rdquo; he shared, reflecting on his journey back to fitness.
Williamson also acknowledged how rain played a decisive role in that thrilling match, with Pakistan securing a stunning victory via the DLS method.
Watch the video here:
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&ldquo;An incredible game, actually. Rain-affected, and we ended up getting 400, and then the shortened match&mdash;Pakistan chased it down,&rdquo; he reminisced.
In that high-stakes World Cup encounter, New Zealand had posted a mammoth 401 for 6, powered by Rachin Ravindra&rsquo;s brilliant 105 and Williamson&rsquo;s composed 95. However, Pakistan&mdash;buoyed by Fakhar Zaman&rsquo;s blistering 126 off 81 balls&mdash;stayed ahead of the DLS target, claiming a crucial 21-run victory to keep their tournament hopes alive.
<h2>'Great atmosphere playing against Pak'</h2>
The two sides last met in the Tri-Nation Series final in Karachi on February 14, where New Zealand claimed a comfortable five-wicket victory. Will O&rsquo;Rourke&rsquo;s four-wicket haul and half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham helped the Blackcaps chase down 243 with 28 balls to spare.
Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, Williamson expressed his excitement: &ldquo;Always a great atmosphere playing against Pakistan, and I&rsquo;m sure that&rsquo;ll be the same, certainly with them playing at home.&rdquo;
Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 19 in Karachi, with the much-anticipated opening match set to take place at the National Bank Cricket Stadium. A brief opening ceremony will mark the start of what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Pakistan and New Zealand will once again face off in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 19 in Karachi

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand’s star batter Kane Williamson took to Instagram to share his fond memories of playing against Pakistan. In a video shared by the ICC, Williamson reflected on one of his most unforgettable moments—a stunning catch to dismiss Abdullah Shafique during the 2023 World Cup. “In the moment, you’re just trying to focus on what’s important, where you need to be, and try to get there as quickly as possible, keeping your head nice and still, and hoping that it goes in—and on that occasion, it did,” Williamson recalled. The clip featured Williamson watching his incredible diving catch from the New Zealand vs. Pakistan clash in Bengaluru. Sprinting back, the Kiwi batter pulled off one of the tournament’s most spectacular grabs, sending Shafique back to the pavilion. Also Read: Champions Trophy: 'Hope India team will deliver', says BCCI's vice-president Rajeev Shukla “It was nice to be back on the field. The finger injury felt insignificant compared to the knee injury, which took six months to recover from. Taking that catch, I kind of dug into the ground,” he shared, reflecting on his journey back to fitness. Williamson also acknowledged how rain played a decisive role in that thrilling match, with Pakistan securing a stunning victory via the DLS method. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) “An incredible game, actually. Rain-affected, and we ended up getting 400, and then the shortened match—Pakistan chased it down,” he reminisced. In that high-stakes World Cup encounter, New Zealand had posted a mammoth 401 for 6, powered by Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant 105 and Williamson’s composed 95. However, Pakistan—buoyed by Fakhar Zaman’s blistering 126 off 81 balls—stayed ahead of the DLS target, claiming a crucial 21-run victory to keep their tournament hopes alive. 'Great atmosphere playing against Pak' The two sides last met in the Tri-Nation Series final in Karachi on February 14, where New Zealand claimed a comfortable five-wicket victory. Will O’Rourke’s four-wicket haul and half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham helped the Blackcaps chase down 243 with 28 balls to spare. Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, Williamson expressed his excitement: “Always a great atmosphere playing against Pakistan, and I’m sure that’ll be the same, certainly with them playing at home.” Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 19 in Karachi, with the much-anticipated opening match set to take place at the National Bank Cricket Stadium. A brief opening ceremony will mark the start of what promises to be a thrilling tournament. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Kane Williamson reminisces on rivalry with Pakistan ahead of opener

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rajeev-shukla">Rajeev Shukla</a> has expressed confidence that Team India will perform well in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
India&rsquo;s campaign will start with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 19, followed by high-profile encounters against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2. As part of the hybrid model, India will play all its matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-shikhar-dhawan-picks-harshit-rana-as-x-factor-for-india-here-is-why-8732478">Champions Trophy: Shikhar Dhawan picks Harshit Rana as 'X' factor for India | Here's Why</a>
"The ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> is about to start, and our team is prepared for the matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. I&rsquo;m hopeful this team will deliver," Shukla was quoted saying to ANI.
Unfortunately, India will be without their pace spearhead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a>, who has been ruled out due to a lower back injury. His absence will be a significant blow for the team. Bumrah has been sidelined since January, with his last appearance being in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Sydney. After bowling 10.1 overs in the first innings, he experienced discomfort, went for scans, and was advised not to continue in the match. Although he batted in the second innings, he did not resume bowling duties.
Spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/varun-chakaravarthy" rel="dofollow">Varun Chakaravarthy</a> has been drafted into the squad following impressive performances against England in the home T20I series. Meanwhile, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was initially named in the main squad, has been moved to the non-travelling reserves after a disappointing ODI debut against England, where he managed only 15 runs off 22 balls in the series opener. He was dropped for the second ODI, with Virat Kohli replacing him in the playing XI, while Chakaravarthy made his ODI debut, taking 1/54 in his 10-over spell.
<h2>India's squad for ICC Champions Trophy</h2>
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Non-traveling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube. The three players will travel to Dubai as and when required.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

Cricket, Sports: India’s campaign will start against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 19, followed by encounters against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has expressed confidence that Team India will perform well in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19. India’s campaign will start with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 19, followed by high-profile encounters against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2. As part of the hybrid model, India will play all its matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan. Also Read: Champions Trophy: Shikhar Dhawan picks Harshit Rana as 'X' factor for India | Here's Why "The ICC Champions Trophy is about to start, and our team is prepared for the matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. I’m hopeful this team will deliver," Shukla was quoted saying to ANI. Unfortunately, India will be without their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out due to a lower back injury. His absence will be a significant blow for the team. Bumrah has been sidelined since January, with his last appearance being in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Sydney. After bowling 10.1 overs in the first innings, he experienced discomfort, went for scans, and was advised not to continue in the match. Although he batted in the second innings, he did not resume bowling duties. Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been drafted into the squad following impressive performances against England in the home T20I series. Meanwhile, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was initially named in the main squad, has been moved to the non-travelling reserves after a disappointing ODI debut against England, where he managed only 15 runs off 22 balls in the series opener. He was dropped for the second ODI, with Virat Kohli replacing him in the playing XI, while Chakaravarthy made his ODI debut, taking 1/54 in his 10-over spell. India's squad for ICC Champions Trophy Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy. Non-traveling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube. The three players will travel to Dubai as and when required. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy: 'Hope India team will deliver', says BCCI's vice-president Rajeev Shukla

Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan, India's top performer in the ICC tournament, says that Harshit Rana could be an X-factor in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rana has been selected in the squad as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, who has been sidelined from the tournament due to a back injury.&nbsp;
"My concern is they are going to miss Jasprit Bumrah, there is no doubt he will be a big absence and I think they will feel it very strongly," Dhawan wrote in an ICC column.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-india-bowling-coach-morkel-leaves-team-and-returns-home-due-to-medical-emergency-8732145">India bowling coach Morkel leaves team and returns home due to personal emergency</a>
"For me, he is the best bowler in the world, and his accuracy is hard to replicate. He is also a very calm character and that is crucial in a huge ICC event like this." Dhawan is, however, backing Shubman Gill and Harshit Rana to sizzle in the tournament.
"At the same time, Harshit Rana has come into the side and I think that is really exciting - keep an eye on him, I think he could have a breakout tournament."
"I like his attitude, he is a go-getter and he is not afraid of anything. He accepts challenges and we have seen in the England series that he is in form. I am sure he will look to seize this opportunity and if he does, he could provide a real X-factor for India," Dhawan added.
<h2>India's schedule in Champions Trophy</h2>
India begin their campaign when they take on Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai. The Men in Blue face archrivals Pakistan on Feb 23 and New Zealand on Mar 2 in their last group-stage match, all in Dubai.
After BCCI's refusal to send the team to Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries, Dubai was picked as host for India's games.
The UAE city will also host the first semi-final on March 4, irrespective of India qualifying for it. Dubai will also host the final if India make it to the title game.&nbsp;

Champions Trophy: Rana has been selected in the squad as a replacement of Jasprit Bumrah who has been sidelined from the tournament due to a back injury.  Cricket Sports

Former India batter Shikhar Dhawan, India's top performer in the ICC tournament, says that Harshit Rana could be an X-factor in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rana has been selected in the squad as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah, who has been sidelined from the tournament due to a back injury. "My concern is they are going to miss Jasprit Bumrah, there is no doubt he will be a big absence and I think they will feel it very strongly," Dhawan wrote in an ICC column. Also Read: India bowling coach Morkel leaves team and returns home due to personal emergency "For me, he is the best bowler in the world, and his accuracy is hard to replicate. He is also a very calm character and that is crucial in a huge ICC event like this." Dhawan is, however, backing Shubman Gill and Harshit Rana to sizzle in the tournament. "At the same time, Harshit Rana has come into the side and I think that is really exciting - keep an eye on him, I think he could have a breakout tournament." "I like his attitude, he is a go-getter and he is not afraid of anything. He accepts challenges and we have seen in the England series that he is in form. I am sure he will look to seize this opportunity and if he does, he could provide a real X-factor for India," Dhawan added. India's schedule in Champions Trophy India begin their campaign when they take on Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai. The Men in Blue face archrivals Pakistan on Feb 23 and New Zealand on Mar 2 in their last group-stage match, all in Dubai. After BCCI's refusal to send the team to Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries, Dubai was picked as host for India's games. The UAE city will also host the first semi-final on March 4, irrespective of India qualifying for it. Dubai will also host the final if India make it to the title game.

Champions Trophy: Shikhar Dhawan picks Harshit Rana as 'X' factor for India | Here's why

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During India&rsquo;s triumphant 2013&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> campaign, the cricketing world&nbsp;witnessed the birth of what is now fondly called the 'Dhoni Review System.' Former India all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/suresh-raina">Suresh Raina</a> recently shared insights into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ms-dhoni">MS Dhoni</a>'s tactical brilliance during a show on official broadcaster Star.&nbsp;
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India&rsquo;s commanding run in the tournament featured an unbeaten streak, with their emphatic eight-wicket victory against the West Indies standing out as a testament to their dominance. Raina highlighted how Dhoni&rsquo;s exceptional game management, including accurate DRS calls, aggressive field setups, and bold decisions, played a pivotal role in their success.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-top-records-most-runs-most-wicket-highest-individual-score-best-bowling-in-an-innings-8731515">Champions Trophy: From most runs to most wickets - Check top records</a> "The Oval is a batting-friendly surface, but playing in Wales requires you to look up at the skies as much as down at the pitch," Raina remarked. "This is where the Dhoni Review System began. Every DRS he called was correct. His attacking field placements made a big difference too. Virat Kohli was in the slips, Ashwin at leg slip, and Dhoni orchestrating everything from behind the stumps. He knew how to build pressure."&nbsp;
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A key highlight of that West Indies match was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravindra-jadeja">Ravindra Jadeja</a>'s brilliant bowling performance, returning with figures of 5-36. Raina heaped praise on his teammate&rsquo;s accuracy and aggressive mindset, noting that Jadeja&rsquo;s ability to keep it at the stumps made him a unique all-rounder.&nbsp;
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"Jadeja was in top form that year across formats," Raina said. "If the wicket was dry, he became even more lethal. He bowled fast spin, straight deliveries, and Dhoni knew that if Jadeja could target the stumps for 35-40 deliveries out of 60, he would take five wickets."
<h2 class="Paragraph SCXW183376513 BCX0" lang="EN-US" paraid="1516738370" paraeid="{c154c945-cc05-4c8a-b6f4-48811139b949}{233}">'Virat enjoyed bowling'&nbsp;</h2>
</div>
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Raina also touched upon the role of part-time bowlers in the squad, crediting Dhoni&rsquo;s leadership for seamlessly integrating their contributions.&nbsp;
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"Virat enjoyed bowling a lot until he developed back tightness," Raina shared. "In England, if you're a slow medium pacer, you can contribute 3-4 overs. Dhoni knew how to extract those overs: 'Virat, come here. Rohit, come here. Raina, come here.' That&rsquo;s 10 overs right there."&nbsp;
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The combination of five frontline bowlers&mdash;Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja&mdash;along with the part-timers created a perfect balance, orchestrated masterfully by Dhoni.&nbsp;
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As India gears up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with Rohit Sharma leading the side against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, the echoes of Dhoni&rsquo;s leadership continue to inspire the team and its supporters.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;
</div>

Cricket, Sports: India’s run in the tournament featured an unbeaten streak, with their eight-wicket win against the West Indies standing out as a testament to their dominance

During India’s triumphant 2013 Champions Trophy campaign, the cricketing world witnessed the birth of what is now fondly called the 'Dhoni Review System.' Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina recently shared insights into MS Dhoni's tactical brilliance during a show on official broadcaster Star. India’s commanding run in the tournament featured an unbeaten streak, with their emphatic eight-wicket victory against the West Indies standing out as a testament to their dominance. Raina highlighted how Dhoni’s exceptional game management, including accurate DRS calls, aggressive field setups, and bold decisions, played a pivotal role in their success. Also Read: Champions Trophy: From most runs to most wickets - Check top records "The Oval is a batting-friendly surface, but playing in Wales requires you to look up at the skies as much as down at the pitch," Raina remarked. "This is where the Dhoni Review System began. Every DRS he called was correct. His attacking field placements made a big difference too. Virat Kohli was in the slips, Ashwin at leg slip, and Dhoni orchestrating everything from behind the stumps. He knew how to build pressure." A key highlight of that West Indies match was Ravindra Jadeja's brilliant bowling performance, returning with figures of 5-36. Raina heaped praise on his teammate’s accuracy and aggressive mindset, noting that Jadeja’s ability to keep it at the stumps made him a unique all-rounder. "Jadeja was in top form that year across formats," Raina said. "If the wicket was dry, he became even more lethal. He bowled fast spin, straight deliveries, and Dhoni knew that if Jadeja could target the stumps for 35-40 deliveries out of 60, he would take five wickets." 'Virat enjoyed bowling' Raina also touched upon the role of part-time bowlers in the squad, crediting Dhoni’s leadership for seamlessly integrating their contributions. "Virat enjoyed bowling a lot until he developed back tightness," Raina shared. "In England, if you're a slow medium pacer, you can contribute 3-4 overs. Dhoni knew how to extract those overs: 'Virat, come here. Rohit, come here. Raina, come here.' That’s 10 overs right there." The combination of five frontline bowlers—Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja—along with the part-timers created a perfect balance, orchestrated masterfully by Dhoni. As India gears up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with Rohit Sharma leading the side against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, the echoes of Dhoni’s leadership continue to inspire the team and its supporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: Ex India all-rounder reveals what led to birth of ‘Dhoni Review System’ in 2013

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has flown back home due to a medical emergency, reported news agency PTI. While there is not further detail about the kind of emergency, a media report in news outlet Dainik Jagran says it is because of the demise of Morkel's father.
Morkel was with India when the team had departed for the Champions Trophy and did take part in the first practice session but missed the second one. The 40-year-old South African pacer was named the bowling coach when Gautam Gambhir took over as India's head coach after Rahul Dravid stood down following the T20 World Cup win in 2024.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-pcb-chairman-mohsin-naqvi-sells-his-vip-box-in-dubai-to-fund-pakistan-stadium-renovations-8731211">PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi sells his VIP Box in Dubai to fund Pakistan stadium renovations</a>
Morkel leaving the side in the middle is a jolt to a bowling line-up that is already without premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah. India have Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana in the pace bowling department, with Hardik Pandya as medium-pace bowling all-rounder.
For India, Shami's form will be the key in the tournament as he will lead the attack. The pacer has made a return to international cricket in the last month only and had played his last match in November 2023&mdash;the ODI World Cup final, which India lost.
India have gone spin-heavy in the tournament, selecting five spinners in the 15-man squad. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja are the spin all-rounders, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy are the specialist spinners in the squad.
<h2>India's schedule in Champions Trophy</h2>
India begin their campaign when they take on Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai. The Men in Blue face archrivals Pakistan on Feb 23 and New Zealand on Mar 2 in their last group-stage match, all in Dubai.
After BCCI's refusal to send the team to Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries, Dubai was picked as host for India's games.
The UAE city will also host the first semi-final on March 4, irrespective of India qualifying for it. Dubai will also host the final if India make it to the title game.

Champions Trophy: Morkel leaving the side in the middle is a jolt to a bowling line-up that is already without premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Cricket Sports

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has flown back home due to a medical emergency, reported news agency PTI. While there is not further detail about the kind of emergency, a media report in news outlet Dainik Jagran says it is because of the demise of Morkel's father. Morkel was with India when the team had departed for the Champions Trophy and did take part in the first practice session but missed the second one. The 40-year-old South African pacer was named the bowling coach when Gautam Gambhir took over as India's head coach after Rahul Dravid stood down following the T20 World Cup win in 2024. Also Read: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi sells his VIP Box in Dubai to fund Pakistan stadium renovations Morkel leaving the side in the middle is a jolt to a bowling line-up that is already without premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah. India have Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana in the pace bowling department, with Hardik Pandya as medium-pace bowling all-rounder. For India, Shami's form will be the key in the tournament as he will lead the attack. The pacer has made a return to international cricket in the last month only and had played his last match in November 2023—the ODI World Cup final, which India lost. India have gone spin-heavy in the tournament, selecting five spinners in the 15-man squad. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja are the spin all-rounders, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy are the specialist spinners in the squad. India's schedule in Champions Trophy India begin their campaign when they take on Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai. The Men in Blue face archrivals Pakistan on Feb 23 and New Zealand on Mar 2 in their last group-stage match, all in Dubai. After BCCI's refusal to send the team to Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries, Dubai was picked as host for India's games. The UAE city will also host the first semi-final on March 4, irrespective of India qualifying for it. Dubai will also host the final if India make it to the title game.

Champions Trophy: India bowling coach Morkel leaves team and returns home due to personal emergency

The ICC Champions Trophy is just a day away and all eight teams are ready to battle it out for the title up for grabs for the first time since 2017. Pakistan beat arch-rivals India in the 2017 final to win the trophy the last time the Champions Trophy was played. The tournament starts Feb 19 with India set to play its matches in Dubai, UAE.
Ahead of the tournament, there are many records which are being talked about, including most runs, most wickets and more.
Champions Trophy: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-pcb-chairman-mohsin-naqvi-sells-his-vip-box-in-dubai-to-fund-pakistan-stadium-renovations-8731211">PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi sells his VIP Box in Dubai to fund Pakistan stadium renovations</a>
<h2>Have a look at top Champions Trophy records</h2>
<h3>Most Runs in Champions Trophy - Top Five Batters</h3>
Chris Gayle (West Indies): 791 Runs in 17 matches with 3 hundreds and 1 fifty Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 742 Runs in 22 matches with 0 hundreds and 5 fifties Shikhar Dhawan (India): 701 Runs in 10 matches with 3 hundreds and 3 fifties Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 683 Runs in 22 matches with 1 hundred and 4 fifties Sourav Ganguly (India): 665 Runs in 13 matches with 3 hundreds and 3 fifties
<h3>Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Top Five Bowlers</h3>
Kyle Mills (New Zealand): 28 wickets in 15 matches with best of 4/30 Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka): 25 wickets in 16 matches with best of 4/34 Muthiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka): 24 wickets in 17 matches with best of 4/15 Brett Lee (Australia): 22 wickets in 16 matches with best of 3/38 Glenn McGrath (Australia): 21 wickets in 12 matches with best of 5/37
<h3>Highest Individual Score in Champions Trophy: Top Five</h3>
Nathan Astle (New Zealand): 145 not out vs USA in 2004 Andy Flower (Zimbabwe): 145 vs India in 2002 Sourav Ganguly (India): 141 not out vs South Africa in 2000 Sachin Tendulkar (India): 141 vs Australia in 1998 Graeme Smith (South Africa): 141 vs England in 2009
<h3>Best Bowling In An Innings in Champions Trophy: Top Five</h3>
Farveez Maharoof (Sri Lanka): 6/14 vs West Indies in 2006 Josh Hazlewood (Australia): 6/52 vs New Zealand in 2017 Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): 5/11 vs Kenya in 2004 Makhaya Ntini (South Africa): 5/21 vs Pakistan in 2006 Mervyn Dillon (West Indies): 5/29 vs Bangladesh in 2004
&nbsp;

Champions Trophy: The eight-team tournament, being played for the first time since 2017, starts Feb 19 with India set to play its matches in Dubai, UAE. Cricket Sports

The ICC Champions Trophy is just a day away and all eight teams are ready to battle it out for the title up for grabs for the first time since 2017. Pakistan beat arch-rivals India in the 2017 final to win the trophy the last time the Champions Trophy was played. The tournament starts Feb 19 with India set to play its matches in Dubai, UAE. Ahead of the tournament, there are many records which are being talked about, including most runs, most wickets and more. Champions Trophy: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi sells his VIP Box in Dubai to fund Pakistan stadium renovations Have a look at top Champions Trophy records Most Runs in Champions Trophy - Top Five Batters Chris Gayle (West Indies): 791 Runs in 17 matches with 3 hundreds and 1 fifty Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka): 742 Runs in 22 matches with 0 hundreds and 5 fifties Shikhar Dhawan (India): 701 Runs in 10 matches with 3 hundreds and 3 fifties Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka): 683 Runs in 22 matches with 1 hundred and 4 fifties Sourav Ganguly (India): 665 Runs in 13 matches with 3 hundreds and 3 fifties Most Wickets in Champions Trophy - Top Five Bowlers Kyle Mills (New Zealand): 28 wickets in 15 matches with best of 4/30 Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka): 25 wickets in 16 matches with best of 4/34 Muthiah Muralidaran (Sri Lanka): 24 wickets in 17 matches with best of 4/15 Brett Lee (Australia): 22 wickets in 16 matches with best of 3/38 Glenn McGrath (Australia): 21 wickets in 12 matches with best of 5/37 Highest Individual Score in Champions Trophy: Top Five Nathan Astle (New Zealand): 145 not out vs USA in 2004 Andy Flower (Zimbabwe): 145 vs India in 2002 Sourav Ganguly (India): 141 not out vs South Africa in 2000 Sachin Tendulkar (India): 141 vs Australia in 1998 Graeme Smith (South Africa): 141 vs England in 2009 Best Bowling In An Innings in Champions Trophy: Top Five Farveez Maharoof (Sri Lanka): 6/14 vs West Indies in 2006 Josh Hazlewood (Australia): 6/52 vs New Zealand in 2017 Shahid Afridi (Pakistan): 5/11 vs Kenya in 2004 Makhaya Ntini (South Africa): 5/21 vs Pakistan in 2006 Mervyn Dillon (West Indies): 5/29 vs Bangladesh in 2004

Champions Trophy: From most runs to most wickets - Check top records

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sold 30-seat VIP Hospitality Box offered to him at Dubai stadium for India vs Pakistan and other matches. Naqvi will watch the match from stands with the fans after selling the box for 400,00 dirhams (INR 9.4 million). He has decided to put the proceeds to PCB's funds.
Naqvi was offered the VIP box for himself, his family and other guests, but instead decided to watch the matches along with fans from the stands, reported news agency PTI citing sources in Pakistan media.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-the-top-three-blockbuster-matches-to-watch-out-for-in-tournament-india-vs-pakistan-england-vs-australia-england-vs-afghanistan-8730158">Champions Trophy: The top three blockbuster matches to watch out for in tournament</a>
The PCB chairman was also said to have mentioned that the Pak board will try and cover the expense of 18 billion Pakistan Rupees on stadium upgrades across three venues - Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi with the gate money and other receipts from the ICC, reported PTI further.
The Champions Trophy starts Feb 19 when hosts Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi. This is the first time since 1996 that Pakistan is hosting an ICC event.
After their first match, Pakistan take on arch-rivals India on Feb 23 in Dubai. India and Pakistan's political tensions led to India being denied permission to travel to Pakistan by the BCCI. As a result, all of India's matches will now be played in Dubai (UAE).
The UAE city will also host the first semi-final on March 4 irrespective of India qualifying for it. Dubai will also host the final if India make it to the title game.
The second semi-final (Mar 5) although, will be played in Lahore - also the venue of the final if India don't make it that far.
The BCCI, meanwhile, launched the India jersey for the upcoming Champions Trophy on Tuesday (Feb 17). The jersey, which was the centre of much drama over the possible use of Pakistan's flag, contains the name of the host nation and not the flag.&nbsp;

Champions Trophy: The PCB chairman was also said to have mentioned that the Pak broad will try and cover the expense of 18 billion Pakistan Rupees on stadium upgrades across three venues. Cricket Sports

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sold 30-seat VIP Hospitality Box offered to him at Dubai stadium for India vs Pakistan and other matches. Naqvi will watch the match from stands with the fans after selling the box for 400,00 dirhams (INR 9.4 million). He has decided to put the proceeds to PCB's funds. Naqvi was offered the VIP box for himself, his family and other guests, but instead decided to watch the matches along with fans from the stands, reported news agency PTI citing sources in Pakistan media. Also Read: Champions Trophy: The top three blockbuster matches to watch out for in tournament The PCB chairman was also said to have mentioned that the Pak board will try and cover the expense of 18 billion Pakistan Rupees on stadium upgrades across three venues - Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi with the gate money and other receipts from the ICC, reported PTI further. The Champions Trophy starts Feb 19 when hosts Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi. This is the first time since 1996 that Pakistan is hosting an ICC event. After their first match, Pakistan take on arch-rivals India on Feb 23 in Dubai. India and Pakistan's political tensions led to India being denied permission to travel to Pakistan by the BCCI. As a result, all of India's matches will now be played in Dubai (UAE). The UAE city will also host the first semi-final on March 4 irrespective of India qualifying for it. Dubai will also host the final if India make it to the title game. The second semi-final (Mar 5) although, will be played in Lahore - also the venue of the final if India don't make it that far. The BCCI, meanwhile, launched the India jersey for the upcoming Champions Trophy on Tuesday (Feb 17). The jersey, which was the centre of much drama over the possible use of Pakistan's flag, contains the name of the host nation and not the flag.

Champions Trophy: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi sells his VIP Box in Dubai to fund Pakistan stadium renovations

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched the India jersey for the upcoming Champions Trophy on Tuesday (Feb 17). The jersey, which was the centre of much drama over the possible use of Pakistan's flag, contains the name of the host nation and not the flag.&nbsp;
The BCCI shared the pics of the new kit on its official X social media handle along with the caption: "These pics from today. How Good." Have a look the post below:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
These pics from today 📸 How good 🤌🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> <a href="https://t.co/yM50ArMIj5">pic.twitter.com/yM50ArMIj5</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1891531712577888465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2025</a></blockquote>

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

<h2>India's schedule in Champions Trophy</h2>
India begin their campaign when they take on Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai. The Men in Blue face arch-rivals Pakistan on Feb 23 and New Zealand on Mar 2 in their last group-stage match - all in Dubai.
After BCCI's refusal to send the team to Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries, Dubai was picked as host for India's games.
The UAE city will also host the first semi-final on March 4 irrespective of India qualifying for it. Dubai will also host the final if India make it to the title game.
India's possible team combination for Champions Trophy
India have gone spin-heavy in the tournament, selecting five spinners in the 15-man squad. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are the spin all-rounder while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy are the specialist spinners in the squad.
The three pacers in the squad are Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana with Hardik Pandya as medium-pace all-rounder.&nbsp;
If ODIs against England are anything to go by, India will be playing two spin all-rounders and one specialist spinner to go with two outright pace bowlers alongside Pandya.
India squad for Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy

Champions Trophy: India begin their campaign when they take on Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai. The Men in Blue face arch-rivals Pakistan on Feb 23 and NZ on Mar 2 - all in Dubai. Cricket Sports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched the India jersey for the upcoming Champions Trophy on Tuesday (Feb 17). The jersey, which was the centre of much drama over the possible use of Pakistan's flag, contains the name of the host nation and not the flag. The BCCI shared the pics of the new kit on its official X social media handle along with the caption: "These pics from today. How Good." Have a look the post below: These pics from today 📸 How good 🤌🏻#TeamIndia | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/yM50ArMIj5 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 17, 2025 India's schedule in Champions Trophy India begin their campaign when they take on Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai. The Men in Blue face arch-rivals Pakistan on Feb 23 and New Zealand on Mar 2 in their last group-stage match - all in Dubai. After BCCI's refusal to send the team to Pakistan due to political tensions between the two countries, Dubai was picked as host for India's games. The UAE city will also host the first semi-final on March 4 irrespective of India qualifying for it. Dubai will also host the final if India make it to the title game. India's possible team combination for Champions Trophy India have gone spin-heavy in the tournament, selecting five spinners in the 15-man squad. Washington Sundar, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are the spin all-rounder while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy are the specialist spinners in the squad. The three pacers in the squad are Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana with Hardik Pandya as medium-pace all-rounder. If ODIs against England are anything to go by, India will be playing two spin all-rounders and one specialist spinner to go with two outright pace bowlers alongside Pandya. India squad for Champions Trophy Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy

Champions Trophy: BCCI launches new jersey with host Pakistan's name - Look inside

The Champions Trophy begins on Wednesday with the world's top eight teams competing in Pakistan and Dubai for the prestigious title.
AFP Sport looks at three highly anticipated matches in the group phase of the 50-over tournament:
<h2>Australia v England</h2>
The Ashes rivals clash in Lahore on Saturday.
World Cup holders Australia have had the upper hand against their old foes in recent 50-over matches and won their previous series 3-2 last year.
But both come into the Champions Trophy with question marks hanging over them.
Champions Trophy 2025: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-colourful-opening-ceremony-held-in-lahore-sans-team-captains-8729287">Colourful opening ceremony held in Lahore sans team captains</a>
Australia are without their "Big Three" pacemen -- Pat Cummins (ankle injury), Josh Hazlewood (hip injury) and Mitchell Starc, who has opted out for personal reasons.
In the absence of all-rounders Mitchell Marsh (back injury) and Marcus Stoinis (retired), half of their regular team is missing.
The depleted side suffered a heavy 2-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka on the eve of the tournament.
England, with Test coach Brendon McCullum now in charge, did no better and were whitewashed 3-0 in India.
Since winning the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, England have struggled in white-ball cricket.
<h2>India v Pakistan</h2>
TV ratings rocket, with millions tuning in to watch the archrivals any time they battle it out, owing to the deep rivalry between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
The two teams meet on Sunday in Dubai.
Tickets for the clash were sold out minutes after going on sale as more than 150,000 fans queued online to grab a seat in the 25,000-capacity stadium.
India refused to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, forcing the latter to agree to partially relinquish hosting rights to Dubai after a long stand-off.&nbsp;
On the pitch, India are favourites to win the tournament for a third time, in what is expected to be the international swansong for Rohit Sharma.
Pakistan are the holders and unpredictable.
<h2>Afghanistan v England</h2>
More than 160 British politicians called for England to boycott the match in Lahore on February 26 over the erosion of women's rights by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan.
Skipper Jos Buttler rejected the idea, saying, "I don't think a boycott is the way to go about it."
Barring a shock last-minute about-face, the game will go ahead.
After being well beaten in India last week, Buttler insisted that England can be "dangerous" at the Champions Trophy, even if recent evidence suggests otherwise.
Afghanistan have become a rising force in white-ball cricket in recent years, rising to eighth in the ODI world rankings, one place below England.
The Afghans beat Australia on the way to a historic semi-final place at last year's T20 World Cup before losing to South Africa.
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.

Champions Trophy: The ICC tournament begins on Feb 19, with archrivals India and Pakistan set to face off against each other on February 19, with the England-Australia tie set for Feb 22. Cricket Sports

The Champions Trophy begins on Wednesday with the world's top eight teams competing in Pakistan and Dubai for the prestigious title. AFP Sport looks at three highly anticipated matches in the group phase of the 50-over tournament: Australia v England The Ashes rivals clash in Lahore on Saturday. World Cup holders Australia have had the upper hand against their old foes in recent 50-over matches and won their previous series 3-2 last year. But both come into the Champions Trophy with question marks hanging over them. Champions Trophy 2025: Colourful opening ceremony held in Lahore sans team captains Australia are without their "Big Three" pacemen -- Pat Cummins (ankle injury), Josh Hazlewood (hip injury) and Mitchell Starc, who has opted out for personal reasons. In the absence of all-rounders Mitchell Marsh (back injury) and Marcus Stoinis (retired), half of their regular team is missing. The depleted side suffered a heavy 2-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka on the eve of the tournament. England, with Test coach Brendon McCullum now in charge, did no better and were whitewashed 3-0 in India. Since winning the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup, England have struggled in white-ball cricket. India v Pakistan TV ratings rocket, with millions tuning in to watch the archrivals any time they battle it out, owing to the deep rivalry between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The two teams meet on Sunday in Dubai. Tickets for the clash were sold out minutes after going on sale as more than 150,000 fans queued online to grab a seat in the 25,000-capacity stadium. India refused to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, forcing the latter to agree to partially relinquish hosting rights to Dubai after a long stand-off. On the pitch, India are favourites to win the tournament for a third time, in what is expected to be the international swansong for Rohit Sharma. Pakistan are the holders and unpredictable. Afghanistan v England More than 160 British politicians called for England to boycott the match in Lahore on February 26 over the erosion of women's rights by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan. Skipper Jos Buttler rejected the idea, saying, "I don't think a boycott is the way to go about it." Barring a shock last-minute about-face, the game will go ahead. After being well beaten in India last week, Buttler insisted that England can be "dangerous" at the Champions Trophy, even if recent evidence suggests otherwise. Afghanistan have become a rising force in white-ball cricket in recent years, rising to eighth in the ODI world rankings, one place below England. The Afghans beat Australia on the way to a historic semi-final place at last year's T20 World Cup before losing to South Africa. 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.

Champions Trophy: The top three blockbuster matches to watch out for in tournament

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal says that the current team, which is being selected to play the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, has many loopholes. The comments come just two days away from the opening day of the tournament when Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi on Feb 19.
"Our team has many loopholes. The bowling is struggling. Spinners are not there. The openers are struggling. I don't know what the selectors and the captain thought. Even our chairman gave his approval. Let's see how things unfold. The rest of the teams look much more balanced," said Kamran in a conversation with news outlet Hindustan Times.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-former-batter-imrul-kayes-picks-out-india-bowler-wholl-a-big-threat-for-bangladesh-in-bumrahs-absence-8729480">Champions Trophy: Former batter Imrul Kayes picks out India bowler who'll be 'a big threat for Bangladesh' in Bumrah's absence</a>
"We could have announced a better team. I think India, New Zealand, England and South Africa will make the semi-finals. Australia is depleted because of injuries to five key players. I don't know the thought process behind picking such a Pakistan team. The chairman hasn't played that much cricket; he doesn't understand matters, perhaps, so he gave his approval for such a team. India look clear favourites; they deserve to play the final. But I can't say the same about Pakistan. If they make the semi-final, I would consider it a big achievement," Kamran further added.
Pakistan are placed in Group A along with New Zealand, Bangladesh, and arch-rivals India. After starting their campaign against New Zealand, Pakistan face India on Feb 23 in Dubai. They play their last group-stage match against Bangladesh on Feb 27 in Rawalpindi.
The hosts, meanwhile, received a boost with pacer Haris Rauf nearing match fitness two days out from the tournament start. Haris was included in the squad despite having a side strain but now has started bowling.
&ldquo;I am feeling comfortable and my body is okay now the team management will decide about my playing in the opening match,&rdquo; he said recently to the reporters, as reported by news agency PTI.

Champions Trophy: Pakistan are placed in Group A along with New Zealand, Bangladesh, and archrivals India. After starting their campaign against New Zealand, Pakistan face India on Feb 23 in Dubai. Cricket Sports

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal says that the current team, which is being selected to play the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, has many loopholes. The comments come just two days away from the opening day of the tournament when Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi on Feb 19. "Our team has many loopholes. The bowling is struggling. Spinners are not there. The openers are struggling. I don't know what the selectors and the captain thought. Even our chairman gave his approval. Let's see how things unfold. The rest of the teams look much more balanced," said Kamran in a conversation with news outlet Hindustan Times. Also Read: Champions Trophy: Former batter Imrul Kayes picks out India bowler who'll be 'a big threat for Bangladesh' in Bumrah's absence "We could have announced a better team. I think India, New Zealand, England and South Africa will make the semi-finals. Australia is depleted because of injuries to five key players. I don't know the thought process behind picking such a Pakistan team. The chairman hasn't played that much cricket; he doesn't understand matters, perhaps, so he gave his approval for such a team. India look clear favourites; they deserve to play the final. But I can't say the same about Pakistan. If they make the semi-final, I would consider it a big achievement," Kamran further added. Pakistan are placed in Group A along with New Zealand, Bangladesh, and arch-rivals India. After starting their campaign against New Zealand, Pakistan face India on Feb 23 in Dubai. They play their last group-stage match against Bangladesh on Feb 27 in Rawalpindi. The hosts, meanwhile, received a boost with pacer Haris Rauf nearing match fitness two days out from the tournament start. Haris was included in the squad despite having a side strain but now has started bowling. “I am feeling comfortable and my body is okay now the team management will decide about my playing in the opening match,” he said recently to the reporters, as reported by news agency PTI.

Champions Trophy: 'Could have announced a better team,' ex-player tears into Pakistan squad two days ahead of opening match

Just ahead of the Champions Trophy, host Pakistan have received a huge boost with express pacer Haris Rauf having started to bowl. Rauf was added to the Pakistan squad despite suffering from a side strain. The bowler, however, has reached the potential match fitness just in time.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I have started doing exercises a few days back and also resumed bowling since yesterday,&rdquo; Haris told reporters at the National Stadium in Karachi, as reported by news agency PTI.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/south-africa-at-champions-trophy-2025-swot-analysis-proteas-time-to-shine-at-multi-team-event-8729631">South Africa at Champions Trophy 2025, SWOT Analysis &ndash; Proteas&rsquo; time to shine at multi-team event</a>
&ldquo;I am feeling comfortable and my body is okay now the team management will decide about my playing in the opening match,&rdquo; he said.
Pakistan start their title defence campaign on Feb 19 - opening day of the ICC tournament - when they take on New Zealand in Karachi.
Pakistan have gone for pace-first attack despite the sub-continental pitches being batting friendly. The hosts only have one specialist spinner in the squad, but Rauf isn't thinking too much about it.
&ldquo;I think we have always formed a good bowling combination with pace and spin and it will not be different in the tournament,&rdquo; the pacer said.
<h2>Colourful opening ceremony sans team captains</h2>
Pakistan is set to host an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, kicking off the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with a grand curtain raiser at the iconic Dewan-e-Khas of Lahore Fort. Organisers illuminated Lahore Fort in spectacular fashion, offering a stunning preview of the thrilling cricket to come in the first Champions Trophy event since 2017.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chair Mohsin Naqvi expressed the nation's excitement and readiness to host this prestigious tournament, calling it a "momentous occasion" for Pakistan and its cricket-loving people.
The choice of Lahore Fort as the venue for the curtain raiser was steeped in symbolism, representing both Pakistan&rsquo;s rich cultural heritage and its deep cricketing legacy.

Champions Trophy: Pakistan start their title defence campaign on Feb 19 - opening day of the ICC tournament - when they take on New Zealand in Karachi. Cricket Sports

Just ahead of the Champions Trophy, host Pakistan have received a huge boost with express pacer Haris Rauf having started to bowl. Rauf was added to the Pakistan squad despite suffering from a side strain. The bowler, however, has reached the potential match fitness just in time. “I have started doing exercises a few days back and also resumed bowling since yesterday,” Haris told reporters at the National Stadium in Karachi, as reported by news agency PTI. Also Read: South Africa at Champions Trophy 2025, SWOT Analysis – Proteas’ time to shine at multi-team event “I am feeling comfortable and my body is okay now the team management will decide about my playing in the opening match,” he said. Pakistan start their title defence campaign on Feb 19 - opening day of the ICC tournament - when they take on New Zealand in Karachi. Pakistan have gone for pace-first attack despite the sub-continental pitches being batting friendly. The hosts only have one specialist spinner in the squad, but Rauf isn't thinking too much about it. “I think we have always formed a good bowling combination with pace and spin and it will not be different in the tournament,” the pacer said. Colourful opening ceremony sans team captains Pakistan is set to host an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, kicking off the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with a grand curtain raiser at the iconic Dewan-e-Khas of Lahore Fort. Organisers illuminated Lahore Fort in spectacular fashion, offering a stunning preview of the thrilling cricket to come in the first Champions Trophy event since 2017. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chair Mohsin Naqvi expressed the nation's excitement and readiness to host this prestigious tournament, calling it a "momentous occasion" for Pakistan and its cricket-loving people. The choice of Lahore Fort as the venue for the curtain raiser was steeped in symbolism, representing both Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and its deep cricketing legacy.

Champions Trophy: Pakistan receive huge boost with pacer Haris Rauf resuming bowling ahead of opening match

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