The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a> is right around the corner and all eight teams are trying to figure out their best squad for the tournament. One of the title contenders, India, who start their campaign on February 20, are currently playing a three-ODI series against England at home to find out their best squad and playing XI.
In a bid to ensure that all bases are covered, India had included mystery spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/varun-chakaravarthy">Varun Chakravarthy</a> in the ODI squad despite not naming him for the series initially. Varun's selection comes after his 14-wicket Player of the Series performance in the five-T20I series against England, which preceded the ODI series.
Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-2nd-odi-varun-chakaravarthy-receives-debut-cap-from-ravindra-jadeja-watch-8704690">Varun Chakaravarthy receives debut cap from Ravindra Jadeja</a>
The spinner didn't play the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-odi-live-india-vs-england-1st-odi-nagpur-live-score-today-playing-xi-match-prediction-toss-pitch-report-liveblog-8694678">first England ODI</a> in Nagpur but was handed his debut in the second match of the series in Cuttack on Sunday (Feb 9). He picked up 1/54 in 10 overs in his debut match.
Former India spinner and 2011 ODI World Cup winner Piyush Chawla, however, thinks that Varun doesn't walk into the India playing XI for the Champions Trophy straight away.&nbsp;
"There are bowlers who have been doing well for quite some time. Axar (Patel) and (Ravindra) Jadeja all-rounders and Kuldeep, who has been taking wickets in the middle-overs for long, have been performing. So, straight away, you can't take him (Varun) in," said Chawla to WION.
Chawla made the comments on the sidelines of a charity match between former India and Sri Lanka players on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Saturday (Feb 8).
<h2>India vs Sri Lanka One World One Family Cup</h2>
The match, won by India under former pacer Venkatesh Prasad by six runs, was organised by Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission (SMSGHM). This was the second edition of the charity match after the inauguration in 2024.
Sharing the vision behind the unique initiative, Global Humanitarian, spiritual leader Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai said, &ldquo;The One World One Family Cup is not merely a match, it is a collective effort by the SMSGHM mission and the cricketing fraternity to uplift the lives and livelihoods of millions who are deprived of even basic essentials like education, health and nutrition. We intend to make a significant difference by spearheading several such novel initiatives that ultimately serve the cause of humanity. I am elated that everyone took some time out of their busy lives to share a strong message of unity, compassion and concern, collective responsibility and camaraderie, beyond the borders.&rdquo;

The spinner didn't play the first England ODI in Nagpur but was handed his debut in Cuttack on Sunday (Feb 9). He picked up 1/54 in 10 overs during his debut match. Cricket Sports

The Champions Trophy 2025 is right around the corner and all eight teams are trying to figure out their best squad for the tournament. One of the title contenders, India, who start their campaign on February 20, are currently playing a three-ODI series against England at home to find out their best squad and playing XI. In a bid to ensure that all bases are covered, India had included mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the ODI squad despite not naming him for the series initially. Varun's selection comes after his 14-wicket Player of the Series performance in the five-T20I series against England, which preceded the ODI series. Also Watch: Varun Chakaravarthy receives debut cap from Ravindra Jadeja The spinner didn't play the first England ODI in Nagpur but was handed his debut in the second match of the series in Cuttack on Sunday (Feb 9). He picked up 1/54 in 10 overs in his debut match. Former India spinner and 2011 ODI World Cup winner Piyush Chawla, however, thinks that Varun doesn't walk into the India playing XI for the Champions Trophy straight away. "There are bowlers who have been doing well for quite some time. Axar (Patel) and (Ravindra) Jadeja all-rounders and Kuldeep, who has been taking wickets in the middle-overs for long, have been performing. So, straight away, you can't take him (Varun) in," said Chawla to WION. Chawla made the comments on the sidelines of a charity match between former India and Sri Lanka players on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Saturday (Feb 8). India vs Sri Lanka One World One Family Cup The match, won by India under former pacer Venkatesh Prasad by six runs, was organised by Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission (SMSGHM). This was the second edition of the charity match after the inauguration in 2024. Sharing the vision behind the unique initiative, Global Humanitarian, spiritual leader Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai said, “The One World One Family Cup is not merely a match, it is a collective effort by the SMSGHM mission and the cricketing fraternity to uplift the lives and livelihoods of millions who are deprived of even basic essentials like education, health and nutrition. We intend to make a significant difference by spearheading several such novel initiatives that ultimately serve the cause of humanity. I am elated that everyone took some time out of their busy lives to share a strong message of unity, compassion and concern, collective responsibility and camaraderie, beyond the borders.”

Exclusive: Varun Chakaravarthy in Champions Trophy Playing XI? India's 2011 ODI WC winning-spinner says 'straight away no'

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has shined ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 as his team prepares for the big tournament in their homeland. Playing in the opening match of the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore against New Zealand, Zaman scored 84 runs, refreshing memories of his knock in the 2017 Champions Trophy. His runs in the opening match of the tri-series has set the tone for a busy next three weeks for Pakistan as they look to retain the Champions Trophy.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Zaman shines for Pakistan<o:p></o:p></h2>
With Pakistan chasing 331 runs to win, Zaman took the charge in his hand having been named Saim Ayub&rsquo;s replacement for the Champions Trophy 2025. The Pakistan opener attacked Kiwi bowlers left, right and center scoring 84 off 69 deliveries. His innings consisted of 7 fours and 6 sixes with a strike rate of 121.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
However, lack of support on the other hand saw Pakistan lose wickets at regular intervals. Former skipper Babar Azam was dismissed for 10 off 23 while Mohammed Rizwan scored 3. Tayyab Tahir contributed with 30 off 29 but could not convert his innings into a big knock. <o:p></o:p>
At the time of writing, Pakistan were 183/5 in 35 overs, needing 142 runs to win in 15 overs. Salman Agha (31 off 41) and Khushdil Shah (8 off 6) were in the middle as the hosts needed to score to at more than 9 runs per over.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/i-got-caught-in-admits-konstas-on-form-slump-after-test-debut-8702187" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'I got caught in...', admits Konstas on form slump after Test debut</a> 
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Glenn Phillips shines for New Zealand<o:p></o:p></h2>
Glenn Phillips was in sublime form with the bat for New Zealand in the renovated Gaddafi Stadium as he scored an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls. His innings consisted of 6 fours and 7 sixes and struck at a strike rate of 143. Daryl Mitchell (81) and former skipper Kane Williamson (58) also played important roles for New Zealand as they posted 330/6 in 50 overs.<o:p></o:p>

Sports, Cricket: Playing in the opening match of the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore against New Zealand, Zaman scored 84 runs, refreshing memories of CT 2017 final.

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has shined ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 as his team prepares for the big tournament in their homeland. Playing in the opening match of the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore against New Zealand, Zaman scored 84 runs, refreshing memories of his knock in the 2017 Champions Trophy. His runs in the opening match of the tri-series has set the tone for a busy next three weeks for Pakistan as they look to retain the Champions Trophy. Zaman shines for Pakistan With Pakistan chasing 331 runs to win, Zaman took the charge in his hand having been named Saim Ayub’s replacement for the Champions Trophy 2025. The Pakistan opener attacked Kiwi bowlers left, right and center scoring 84 off 69 deliveries. His innings consisted of 7 fours and 6 sixes with a strike rate of 121. However, lack of support on the other hand saw Pakistan lose wickets at regular intervals. Former skipper Babar Azam was dismissed for 10 off 23 while Mohammed Rizwan scored 3. Tayyab Tahir contributed with 30 off 29 but could not convert his innings into a big knock. At the time of writing, Pakistan were 183/5 in 35 overs, needing 142 runs to win in 15 overs. Salman Agha (31 off 41) and Khushdil Shah (8 off 6) were in the middle as the hosts needed to score to at more than 9 runs per over. ALSO READ | 'I got caught in...', admits Konstas on form slump after Test debut Glenn Phillips shines for New Zealand Glenn Phillips was in sublime form with the bat for New Zealand in the renovated Gaddafi Stadium as he scored an unbeaten 106 off 74 balls. His innings consisted of 6 fours and 7 sixes and struck at a strike rate of 143. Daryl Mitchell (81) and former skipper Kane Williamson (58) also played important roles for New Zealand as they posted 330/6 in 50 overs.

Fakhar Zaman shines with bat ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, slams 84 runs against New Zealand

New Zealand could be handed a major blow in their preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 as they sweat over the fitness of star bowler Lockie Ferguson. As revealed on Friday (Feb 7) evening, Ferguson could be out of the Champions Trophy having sustained a hamstring injury during an ILT20 match on Thursday. While the scans were inconclusive, the latest development does not look good for the veteran pacer. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lockie Ferguson out of Champions Trophy?<o:p></o:p></h2>
At the post-match presentation of the ILT20 contest on Thursday, Ferguson said, "Just a little hamstring issue, unfortunate. Tough night; wish I could've bowled the last ball."<o:p></o:p>
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said they will closely monitor the situation. The injury comes a day before the start of the tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa as the management now has a decision to make. It is reported that Ferguson&rsquo;s injury will be assessed in the UAE before a call is taken. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
ALSO READ | <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" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">2025 Champions Trophy: Where to watch matches live in your country - Check Inside</a> 
"Lockie had a scan yesterday [Thursday] in the UAE," Stead said on the eve of the tri-series opener. "We've got the images here and [we are] waiting for our radiologist to give us a report on the extent of it. Small hamstring injury, by the look of it, so we're just waiting on a timeline of advice around that before we make a decision on whether Lockie travels here [Pakistan] or whether we do have to replace him for the Champions Trophy."<o:p></o:p>
New Zealand start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Pakistan in the curtain-raiser contest on Wednesday (Feb 12) before they make the short trip to Rawalpindi to face Bangladesh on Feb 24. The former champions will then face India in their final group game which will take place in the UAE on March 2.<o:p></o:p>

Sports, Cricket: New Zealand could be handed a major blow in their preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 as they sweat over the fitness of star bowler Lockie Ferguson.

New Zealand could be handed a major blow in their preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 as they sweat over the fitness of star bowler Lockie Ferguson. As revealed on Friday (Feb 7) evening, Ferguson could be out of the Champions Trophy having sustained a hamstring injury during an ILT20 match on Thursday. While the scans were inconclusive, the latest development does not look good for the veteran pacer. Lockie Ferguson out of Champions Trophy? At the post-match presentation of the ILT20 contest on Thursday, Ferguson said, "Just a little hamstring issue, unfortunate. Tough night; wish I could've bowled the last ball." New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said they will closely monitor the situation. The injury comes a day before the start of the tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa as the management now has a decision to make. It is reported that Ferguson’s injury will be assessed in the UAE before a call is taken. ALSO READ | 2025 Champions Trophy: Where to watch matches live in your country - Check Inside "Lockie had a scan yesterday [Thursday] in the UAE," Stead said on the eve of the tri-series opener. "We've got the images here and [we are] waiting for our radiologist to give us a report on the extent of it. Small hamstring injury, by the look of it, so we're just waiting on a timeline of advice around that before we make a decision on whether Lockie travels here [Pakistan] or whether we do have to replace him for the Champions Trophy." New Zealand start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Pakistan in the curtain-raiser contest on Wednesday (Feb 12) before they make the short trip to Rawalpindi to face Bangladesh on Feb 24. The former champions will then face India in their final group game which will take place in the UAE on March 2.

Champions Trophy 2025: Lockie Ferguson unlikely for tournament as New Zealand sweat over star bowler's fitness

With few days to go for the start of the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan on Friday (Feb 7) inaugurated the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan, the hosts of the Champions Trophy 2025, faced severe criticism from world media for poor infrastructure in the stadium. However, the newly inaugurated stadium is now set for the Champions Trophy which starts on February 19. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with several Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) members.<o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium<o:p></o:p></h2>
"We are going to show the world that we are good hosts," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said at the opening ceremony.<o:p></o:p>
Lahore will host its first Champions Trophy 2025 match on Saturday (Feb 22) when England take on Australia while its first international match will be on Saturday (Feb 8) as Pakistan take on New Zealand in the opening contest of the tri-series involving South Africa. The Champions Trophy 2025 match between England and Australia on Feb 22 will be the stadium&rsquo;s first major contest since the 1996 ODI World Cup.<o:p></o:p>
The stadium reopened after a 117-day renovation during which LED floodlights, larger score screens, new hospitality boxes and upgraded seating were installed. Interestingly, PCB had earlier promised to inaugurate the stadium in January.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also in attendance for the inauguration of the Gaddafi Stadium. He addressed the media before the ceremony and considered the ceremony as a victory. <o:p></o:p>
"I want to congratulate everyone, this is a victory for the entire nation," Naqvi told reporters before the Lahore stadium opening.<o:p></o:p>
ALSO READ | <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" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">2025 Champions Trophy: Where to watch matches live in your country - Check Inside</a> 
The attention now turns to the inauguration of the National Stadium in Karachi with President Asif Ali Zardari to be in attendance. The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday (Feb 12), a day before the stadium opens it gates for fans as Pakistan take on South Africa.<o:p></o:p>
Interestingly, Pakistan&rsquo;s only possible match at the Gaddafi Stadium during the Champions Trophy could be the final provided India won&rsquo;t reach that stage. The hosts contests in the group stage and semifinal are set to be staged in either Karachi or Rawalpindi.<o:p></o:p>

Sports, Cricket: With few days to go for the start of the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan on Friday (Feb 7) inaugurated the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 

With few days to go for the start of the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan on Friday (Feb 7) inaugurated the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan, the hosts of the Champions Trophy 2025, faced severe criticism from world media for poor infrastructure in the stadium. However, the newly inaugurated stadium is now set for the Champions Trophy which starts on February 19. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with several Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) members. Shehbaz Sharif inaugurates renovated Gaddafi Stadium "We are going to show the world that we are good hosts," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said at the opening ceremony. Lahore will host its first Champions Trophy 2025 match on Saturday (Feb 22) when England take on Australia while its first international match will be on Saturday (Feb 8) as Pakistan take on New Zealand in the opening contest of the tri-series involving South Africa. The Champions Trophy 2025 match between England and Australia on Feb 22 will be the stadium’s first major contest since the 1996 ODI World Cup. The stadium reopened after a 117-day renovation during which LED floodlights, larger score screens, new hospitality boxes and upgraded seating were installed. Interestingly, PCB had earlier promised to inaugurate the stadium in January. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also in attendance for the inauguration of the Gaddafi Stadium. He addressed the media before the ceremony and considered the ceremony as a victory. "I want to congratulate everyone, this is a victory for the entire nation," Naqvi told reporters before the Lahore stadium opening. ALSO READ | 2025 Champions Trophy: Where to watch matches live in your country - Check Inside The attention now turns to the inauguration of the National Stadium in Karachi with President Asif Ali Zardari to be in attendance. The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday (Feb 12), a day before the stadium opens it gates for fans as Pakistan take on South Africa. Interestingly, Pakistan’s only possible match at the Gaddafi Stadium during the Champions Trophy could be the final provided India won’t reach that stage. The hosts contests in the group stage and semifinal are set to be staged in either Karachi or Rawalpindi.

Champions Trophy 2025: Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif opens renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore

With the ICC Champions Trophy just under two weeks away, the Pakistan Cricket Board is ready to inaugurate the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

ICC Champions Trophy: Lahore's revamped Gaddafi Stadium to be unveiled today

Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed, in an apparent dig, asked India to be worried about pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a>'s fitness. Bumrah had picked up a back injury during the final Test against Australia in Sydney in the first week of January and hasn't bowled since.&nbsp;
The pacer has been included in India's provisional <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> squad but the BCCI will take a call only after India's ongoing ODI series against England. Bumrah is expected to play the final ODI of the series on February 12 for the board to assess his fitness.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-opening-ceremony-lahore-today-gaddafi-stadium-set-to-be-inaugurated-by-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-on-feb-7-ali-zafar-to-perform-8698020">PCB to unveil Lahore's revamped Gaddafi Stadium in grand ceremony on Feb 7</a>
"They should be worried about Bumrah's fitness. When you play in the Champions Trophy, the most beautiful thing about it is you can't take any team lightly. The top eight best teams are playing. If any team has a bowler like Bumrah, it is a plus point. But it is not like we will plan everything around him," Javed told reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan's training session in Lahore on Wednesday (Feb 5).
<h2>Rana's ODI debut ends hopes for Bumrah's return?</h2>
India gave <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/harshit-rana">Harshit Rana</a> his ODI debut in the first one-dayer against England on Thursday (Feb 6). The pacer impressed and took three wickets in the seven overs he bowled. Rana, however, also went for 26 runs in an over - the most for an Indian on debut.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra thinks that Rana's debut marks the end of Bumrah's comeback hopes for the ICC tournament set to begin on February 19.
"Harshit Rana's debut tells me there are minimal chances of Jasprit Bumrah being available for the Champions Trophy," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "If Bumrah is not there and you have to take Harshit as he is ahead of [Mohammed] Siraj at the moment, playing him without a debut would make your heart beat fast."
India next play England ODI on Sunday (Feb 9) in Cuttack.

2025 Champions Trophy: Bumrah is in India's provisional Champions Trophy squad but the BCCI will take a call only after India's ongoing ODI series against England. Cricket Sports

Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed, in an apparent dig, asked India to be worried about pacer Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. Bumrah had picked up a back injury during the final Test against Australia in Sydney in the first week of January and hasn't bowled since. The pacer has been included in India's provisional Champions Trophy squad but the BCCI will take a call only after India's ongoing ODI series against England. Bumrah is expected to play the final ODI of the series on February 12 for the board to assess his fitness. Also Read: PCB to unveil Lahore's revamped Gaddafi Stadium in grand ceremony on Feb 7 "They should be worried about Bumrah's fitness. When you play in the Champions Trophy, the most beautiful thing about it is you can't take any team lightly. The top eight best teams are playing. If any team has a bowler like Bumrah, it is a plus point. But it is not like we will plan everything around him," Javed told reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan's training session in Lahore on Wednesday (Feb 5). Rana's ODI debut ends hopes for Bumrah's return? India gave Harshit Rana his ODI debut in the first one-dayer against England on Thursday (Feb 6). The pacer impressed and took three wickets in the seven overs he bowled. Rana, however, also went for 26 runs in an over - the most for an Indian on debut. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra thinks that Rana's debut marks the end of Bumrah's comeback hopes for the ICC tournament set to begin on February 19. "Harshit Rana's debut tells me there are minimal chances of Jasprit Bumrah being available for the Champions Trophy," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. "If Bumrah is not there and you have to take Harshit as he is ahead of [Mohammed] Siraj at the moment, playing him without a debut would make your heart beat fast." India next play England ODI on Sunday (Feb 9) in Cuttack.

2025 Champions Trophy: 'Worried about Bumrah...,' Pak coach Aaqib Javed takes a dig at injured India pacer

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pcb">Pakistan Cricket Board</a> (PCB) announced on Thursday (Feb 6) that renovation work of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is complete and the stadium is ready for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a>. Lahore is one of the three venues in Pakistan set to host Champions Trophy matches. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">ICC</a> tournament is set to be played from Feb 19 to March 9 with Karachi and Rawalpindi being two other venues in Pakistan apart from Lahore.
"I am grateful to all those people who put in day and night of work to get the stadium ready on time despite the apprehensions and criticism,&rdquo; PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi said in a press release.
<h2>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-match-latest-news-today-live-updates-feb-7-match-schedule-dates-timing-venues-live-streaming-info-8697814">Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates | Feb 7</a></h2>
The stadium will be inaugurated on Friday (Feb 7) during a ceremony which will be attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as artists like Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, and Arif Lohar who will perform at the event.
"The stadium now features brighter LED lights, two new larger score screens and comfortable imported seating in all enclosures, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience for fans," read the PCB release.
&ldquo;Our venues are now on par with international standards and we are proud to offer cricket fans the best possible experience. The transformation of this stadium in such a short time is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. The stadium&rsquo;s enhancements ensure that fans will enjoy a world-class cricketing experience, with improved seating arrangements, exceptional viewing angles and a festive atmosphere," Naqvi said in the release.
The new stadium and the facilities will be tested during the first ODI on Saturday (Feb 8) of the tri-nation series involving South Africa and New Zealand apart from hosts Pakistan.
Lahore will host six matches in the Pakistan leg apart from the second semi-final which will be played on March 5. Lahore may also end up hosting the final on March 9 if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">India</a>, which plays all its matches in Dubai (UAE), fails to make it to the title game.

2025 Champions Trophy: The new stadium and the facilities will be tested during the first ODI on Saturday (Feb 8) of the tri-nation series involving SA and NZ. Cricket Sports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday (Feb 6) that renovation work of the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is complete and the stadium is ready for the Champions Trophy 2025. Lahore is one of the three venues in Pakistan set to host Champions Trophy matches. The ICC tournament is set to be played from Feb 19 to March 9 with Karachi and Rawalpindi being two other venues in Pakistan apart from Lahore. "I am grateful to all those people who put in day and night of work to get the stadium ready on time despite the apprehensions and criticism,” PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi said in a press release. Also Read: Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates | Feb 7 The stadium will be inaugurated on Friday (Feb 7) during a ceremony which will be attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as artists like Ali Zafar, Aima Baig, and Arif Lohar who will perform at the event. "The stadium now features brighter LED lights, two new larger score screens and comfortable imported seating in all enclosures, ensuring an unparalleled viewing experience for fans," read the PCB release. “Our venues are now on par with international standards and we are proud to offer cricket fans the best possible experience. The transformation of this stadium in such a short time is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. The stadium’s enhancements ensure that fans will enjoy a world-class cricketing experience, with improved seating arrangements, exceptional viewing angles and a festive atmosphere," Naqvi said in the release. The new stadium and the facilities will be tested during the first ODI on Saturday (Feb 8) of the tri-nation series involving South Africa and New Zealand apart from hosts Pakistan. Lahore will host six matches in the Pakistan leg apart from the second semi-final which will be played on March 5. Lahore may also end up hosting the final on March 9 if India, which plays all its matches in Dubai (UAE), fails to make it to the title game.

2025 Champions Trophy: PCB to unveil Lahore's revamped Gaddafi Stadium in grand ceremony on Feb 7

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has shared the update on playing against Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025">Champions Trophy 2025</a> amid calls for a boycott. ECB chair Richard Thompson, in a statement, confirmed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/england-cricket">England</a> will play the fixture against Afghanistan scheduled for February 26 in Lahore (Pakistan).
&ldquo;The Board recognises there are different views and opinions on the issue of boycotting the match and has listened carefully. We have been in close contact with the Government, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc">International Cricket Council</a> (ICC), our England Men&rsquo;s players and other stakeholders to discuss this matter, as well as considering how best the ECB can support those women cricketers who have fled Afghanistan.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-full-schedule-match-dates-venues-timings-for-all-teams-india-pakistan-new-zealand-bangladesh-australia-england-south-africa-afghanistan-8693674">Check match schedule, dates, venues and timings for all teams in Champions Trophy</a>
&ldquo;Following this, we remain of the view that a co-ordinated international response by the cricketing community is the appropriate way forward, and will achieve more than any unilateral action by the ECB in boycotting this match, while we have also heard that for many ordinary Afghans, watching their cricket team is one of the few remaining sources of enjoyment. As such, we can confirm that we will play this fixture," the statement read.
<h2>What's happening in Afghanistan?</h2>
Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 after the foreign troops departed, there's been a considerable change in policies, especially around women's rights. Under the Taliban rule, women are not allowed to participate in sports, among other things.
Afghanistan women's cricket team members fled the country in August 2021 when the Taliban took over and have been fighting for their rights ever since. The ECB called the discrimination against women in Afghanistan a 'gender apartheid.'
"What is happening in Afghanistan is nothing short of gender apartheid. At a cricketing level, when women&rsquo;s and girls&rsquo; cricket is growing rapidly around the world it is heartbreaking that those growing up in Afghanistan are denied this opportunity, but the appalling oppression of women and girls by the Taliban goes so much further," the ECB release read. &nbsp;&nbsp;

2025 Champions Trophy: England Cricket Board (ECB) has shared the update on playing against Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC tournament amid calls of boycott. Cricket Sports

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has shared the update on playing against Afghanistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 amid calls for a boycott. ECB chair Richard Thompson, in a statement, confirmed that England will play the fixture against Afghanistan scheduled for February 26 in Lahore (Pakistan). “The Board recognises there are different views and opinions on the issue of boycotting the match and has listened carefully. We have been in close contact with the Government, the International Cricket Council (ICC), our England Men’s players and other stakeholders to discuss this matter, as well as considering how best the ECB can support those women cricketers who have fled Afghanistan. Also Read: Check match schedule, dates, venues and timings for all teams in Champions Trophy “Following this, we remain of the view that a co-ordinated international response by the cricketing community is the appropriate way forward, and will achieve more than any unilateral action by the ECB in boycotting this match, while we have also heard that for many ordinary Afghans, watching their cricket team is one of the few remaining sources of enjoyment. As such, we can confirm that we will play this fixture," the statement read. What's happening in Afghanistan? Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 after the foreign troops departed, there's been a considerable change in policies, especially around women's rights. Under the Taliban rule, women are not allowed to participate in sports, among other things. Afghanistan women's cricket team members fled the country in August 2021 when the Taliban took over and have been fighting for their rights ever since. The ECB called the discrimination against women in Afghanistan a 'gender apartheid.' "What is happening in Afghanistan is nothing short of gender apartheid. At a cricketing level, when women’s and girls’ cricket is growing rapidly around the world it is heartbreaking that those growing up in Afghanistan are denied this opportunity, but the appalling oppression of women and girls by the Taliban goes so much further," the ECB release read.

2025 Champions Trophy: 'We can confirm that...,' England Cricket shares update on playing Afghanistan amid boycott calls

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the panel of umpires and match officials for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and there's no Indian in the list. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> will take place from February 19 in Pakistan while India play all their matches in Dubai (UAE).
As per the ICC's neutral umpire policy, no Indian umpire can officiate in India's matches in Dubai. India's elite panel umpire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/nitin-menon">Nitin Menon</a> has decided to skip going to Pakistan due to 'personal reasons,' reported media outlet Times of India.
"The ICC wanted to put him (Menon) on the Champions Trophy roster. But he decided against travelling to Pakistan due to personal reasons," a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">BCCI</a> source told news agency PTI.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-he-will-be-in-rohit-on-varun-chakaravarthy-inclusion-in-india-squad-8695016">2025 Champions Trophy: 'He will be in...,' Rohit on Varun Chakaravarthy's inclusion in India squad</a>
India's match referee <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/javagal-srinath">Javagal Sirnath</a> has also asked for a leave during the tournament.
"Yes I had asked for leave as I had quite a few days away from home in the month of November, December and January," said Srinath as reported by news outlet Times of India.
"A distinguished panel of 12 umpires will officiate the 8-team event, as per ICC. This includes six returning officials from the 2017 edition, including Richard Kettleborough, who stood in the final of the previous Champions Trophy in the UK," read an ICC release.
"The panel of match referees will be led by David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, and Andrew Pycroft, all esteemed members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Boon officiated the 2017 Champions Trophy final, while Madugalle returns after officiating the 2013 final, and Pycroft also featured in the 2017 tournament," the release added further.
<h2>ICC Match Officials for Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
Match Officials: Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson.
Match Referees: David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft.

Champions Trophy 2025: ICC has announced the panel of umpires and match officials for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and there's no Indian in the list. Cricket Sports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the panel of umpires and match officials for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and there's no Indian in the list. The Champions Trophy will take place from February 19 in Pakistan while India play all their matches in Dubai (UAE). As per the ICC's neutral umpire policy, no Indian umpire can officiate in India's matches in Dubai. India's elite panel umpire Nitin Menon has decided to skip going to Pakistan due to 'personal reasons,' reported media outlet Times of India. "The ICC wanted to put him (Menon) on the Champions Trophy roster. But he decided against travelling to Pakistan due to personal reasons," a BCCI source told news agency PTI. Also Read: 2025 Champions Trophy: 'He will be in...,' Rohit on Varun Chakaravarthy's inclusion in India squad India's match referee Javagal Sirnath has also asked for a leave during the tournament. "Yes I had asked for leave as I had quite a few days away from home in the month of November, December and January," said Srinath as reported by news outlet Times of India. "A distinguished panel of 12 umpires will officiate the 8-team event, as per ICC. This includes six returning officials from the 2017 edition, including Richard Kettleborough, who stood in the final of the previous Champions Trophy in the UK," read an ICC release. "The panel of match referees will be led by David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, and Andrew Pycroft, all esteemed members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees. Boon officiated the 2017 Champions Trophy final, while Madugalle returns after officiating the 2013 final, and Pycroft also featured in the 2017 tournament," the release added further. ICC Match Officials for Champions Trophy 2025 Match Officials: Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Joel Wilson. Match Referees: David Boon, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft.

Champions Trophy 2025: Explained - Why there's no India umpire and match referee in ICC's list

India skipper Rohit Sharma has spoken on the possibility of mystery spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/varun-chakravarthy">Varun Chakaravarthy</a> being included in India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a> squad. Varun was added to India's squad for England ODIs after initially not being named. The inclusion comes after the spinner's 14-wicket Player of the Series performance in the T20Is against England.
"Varun has certainly shown something different. I understand that it is a T20 format but he's clearly got something different about him. So we just wanted to have an option and see what we can do with him," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference on eve of first England ODI set to be played on Thursday (Feb 6).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-eng-1st-odi-live-india-vs-england-1st-odi-nagpur-live-score-today-playing-xi-match-prediction-toss-pitch-report-liveblog-8694678">India vs England 1st ODI Live Score and Update</a>
"If the series presents us an opportunity to play him at some stage and we will see what he's capable of. Right now, we are not thinking about whether we're going to take him (to Champions Trophy) or not.
"But definitely, he will be in contention if things pan out really well for us and he does what is required," Rohit added.
Recently, retired offie <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ravi-ashwin">Ravi Ashwin</a> also backed Chakaravarthy for making it to India's Champions Trophy squad.
"We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad), I am thinking there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So, he might get picked," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
<h2>India&rsquo;s updated squad for three-match ODI series against England</h2>
Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah (3rd ODI only)

Varun was added to India's squad for England ODIs after initially not being named. The inclusion comes after the spinner's 14 wickets in the T20Is against England. Cricket Sports

India skipper Rohit Sharma has spoken on the possibility of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy being included in India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Varun was added to India's squad for England ODIs after initially not being named. The inclusion comes after the spinner's 14-wicket Player of the Series performance in the T20Is against England. "Varun has certainly shown something different. I understand that it is a T20 format but he's clearly got something different about him. So we just wanted to have an option and see what we can do with him," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference on eve of first England ODI set to be played on Thursday (Feb 6). Also Read: India vs England 1st ODI Live Score and Update "If the series presents us an opportunity to play him at some stage and we will see what he's capable of. Right now, we are not thinking about whether we're going to take him (to Champions Trophy) or not. "But definitely, he will be in contention if things pan out really well for us and he does what is required," Rohit added. Recently, retired offie Ravi Ashwin also backed Chakaravarthy for making it to India's Champions Trophy squad. "We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad), I am thinking there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So, he might get picked," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. India’s updated squad for three-match ODI series against England Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah (3rd ODI only)

2025 Champions Trophy: 'He will be in...,' Rohit on Varun Chakaravarthy's inclusion in India squad

The Champions Trophy fever has officially taken over Pakistan. Cricket enthusiasts in Lahore are lining up at ticket centers to grab their spot for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy – the first major ICC event Pakistan is hosting since 1996.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Fans rush to grab Champions Trophy tickets

India skipper Rohit Sharma snapped at a reporter during the pre-match press conference on the eve of India vs England 1st ODI which is scheduled for Thursday (Feb 6) in Nagpur. Rohit lost his cool when he was asked about his future plans.
The question came on the back of media reports doing rounds that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Rohit to decide on his future plans after the Champions Trophy, which runs from February 6 to March 9.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-not-hearing-great-news-about-bumrah-aakash-chopra-says-another-pacer-can-be-added-to-squad-8693002" rel="dofollow">2025 Champions Trophy: 'Not hearing great news about Bumrah...,' Ex-India player says another pacer can be added to squad</a>
"How is it relevant that I talk about my future plans when there are three ODIs and a Champions Trophy? The reports (on my future) have been going on for a number of years, and I am not here to clarify those reports," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference when asked about the reports.
"For me, the three games (against England) and the Champions Trophy are very important. My focus is on these games, and I will see what happens thereafter," he added.
<h2>BCCI sends 'plan your future' message to Rohit</h2>
BCCI is looking at the bigger picture now and has asked skipper Rohit Sharma to decide on his future plans after the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. The Indian skipper has been under heavy scrutiny for his inexplicable loss of form for quite some time now.
The selectors and people on the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup. They want to ensure everyone is on the same page for a smoother transition," reported media outlet the Times of India, quoting a BCCI source.

BCCI is looking at the bigger picture now and has reportedly asked skipper Rohit Sharma to decide on his future plans after the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. Cricket Sports

India skipper Rohit Sharma snapped at a reporter during the pre-match press conference on the eve of India vs England 1st ODI which is scheduled for Thursday (Feb 6) in Nagpur. Rohit lost his cool when he was asked about his future plans. The question came on the back of media reports doing rounds that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked Rohit to decide on his future plans after the Champions Trophy, which runs from February 6 to March 9. Also Read: 2025 Champions Trophy: 'Not hearing great news about Bumrah...,' Ex-India player says another pacer can be added to squad "How is it relevant that I talk about my future plans when there are three ODIs and a Champions Trophy? The reports (on my future) have been going on for a number of years, and I am not here to clarify those reports," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference when asked about the reports. "For me, the three games (against England) and the Champions Trophy are very important. My focus is on these games, and I will see what happens thereafter," he added. BCCI sends 'plan your future' message to Rohit BCCI is looking at the bigger picture now and has asked skipper Rohit Sharma to decide on his future plans after the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. The Indian skipper has been under heavy scrutiny for his inexplicable loss of form for quite some time now. The selectors and people on the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup. They want to ensure everyone is on the same page for a smoother transition," reported media outlet the Times of India, quoting a BCCI source.

IND vs ENG: 'Will see what happens...,' India skipper Rohit Sharma speaks on his future

The eight-team ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025">Champions Trophy 2025</a> is just two weeks away, and all the teams are gearing up for the same. The tournament starts on February 19 in Pakistan, with the final scheduled to be played on March 9. The venue of the final is not decided yet as it depends on India's results in the tournament.
India play all its matches in Dubai, UAE, under the agreed-upon hybrid model with the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Dubai will also host the first semi-final on March 4. If India manages to win the semi-final, the final will be played in Dubai, and if it fails to enter the final, then it will take place in Lahore (Pakistan) - also the venue of the second semi-final (March 5).
In Pakistan, matches are being held across three venues - Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-check-full-squads-of-india-pakistan-afghanistan-new-zealand-south-africa-australia-bangladesh-england-8690640" rel="dofollow">2025 Champions Trophy: Check full squads of all teams</a>
<h2>Here is the schedule of matches of all the teams</h2>
India match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy
India vs Bangladesh - Feb 20 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST India vs Pakistan - Feb 23 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST&nbsp; India vs New Zealand - March 2 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST
Pakistan match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy
Pakistan vs New Zealand - Feb 19 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST Pakistan vs India - Feb 23 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST Pakistan vs Bangladesh - Feb 27 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST
New Zealand match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy
New Zealand vs Pakistan - Feb 19 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST New Zealand vs Bangladesh - Feb 24 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST New Zealand vs India - March 2 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST
Bangladesh match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy
Bangladesh vs India - Feb 20 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST Bangladesh vs New Zealand - Feb 24 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST Bangladesh vs Pakistan - Feb 27 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST
Australia match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy
Australia vs England - Feb 22 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST Australia vs South Africa - Feb 25 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST Australia vs Afghanistan - Feb 28 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST
England match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy
England vs Australia - Feb 22 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST England vs Afghanistan - Feb 26 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST England vs South Africa - March 1 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST
South Africa match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy
South Africa vs Afghanistan - Feb 21 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST South Africa vs Australia - Feb 25 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST South Africa vs England - March 1 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST
Afghanistan match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy
Afghanistan vs South Africa - Feb 21 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST Afghanistan vs England - Feb 26 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST Afghanistan vs Australia - Feb 28 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST

The tournament starts February 19 in Pakistan with Final scheduled to be played on Mar 9. The venue of the final is not decided yet as it depends on India's results. Cricket Sports

The eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just two weeks away, and all the teams are gearing up for the same. The tournament starts on February 19 in Pakistan, with the final scheduled to be played on March 9. The venue of the final is not decided yet as it depends on India's results in the tournament. India play all its matches in Dubai, UAE, under the agreed-upon hybrid model with the ICC and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Dubai will also host the first semi-final on March 4. If India manages to win the semi-final, the final will be played in Dubai, and if it fails to enter the final, then it will take place in Lahore (Pakistan) - also the venue of the second semi-final (March 5). In Pakistan, matches are being held across three venues - Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Also Read: 2025 Champions Trophy: Check full squads of all teams Here is the schedule of matches of all the teams India match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy India vs Bangladesh - Feb 20 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST India vs Pakistan - Feb 23 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST India vs New Zealand - March 2 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST Pakistan match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy Pakistan vs New Zealand - Feb 19 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST Pakistan vs India - Feb 23 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST Pakistan vs Bangladesh - Feb 27 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST New Zealand match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy New Zealand vs Pakistan - Feb 19 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST New Zealand vs Bangladesh - Feb 24 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST New Zealand vs India - March 2 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST Bangladesh match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy Bangladesh vs India - Feb 20 - Dubai - 1:30 PM IST Bangladesh vs New Zealand - Feb 24 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST Bangladesh vs Pakistan - Feb 27 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST Australia match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy Australia vs England - Feb 22 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST Australia vs South Africa - Feb 25 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST Australia vs Afghanistan - Feb 28 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST England match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy England vs Australia - Feb 22 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST England vs Afghanistan - Feb 26 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST England vs South Africa - March 1 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST South Africa match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy South Africa vs Afghanistan - Feb 21 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST South Africa vs Australia - Feb 25 - Rawalpindi - 2:30 PM IST South Africa vs England - March 1 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST Afghanistan match schedule, timings and venues in Champions Trophy Afghanistan vs South Africa - Feb 21 - Karachi - 2:30 PM IST Afghanistan vs England - Feb 26 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST Afghanistan vs Australia - Feb 28 - Lahore - 2:30 PM IST

2025 Champions Trophy: Check match schedule, dates, venues and timings for all teams

Former India opener Aakash Chopra says that another pacer can be added to India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025">Champions Trophy</a> squad amid uncertainty over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a>'s fitness and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-shami">Mohammed Shami</a>'s form. Bumrah hasn't played any kind of cricket since picking up a back injury in the Sydney Test in the first week of January, while Shami recently made a comeback to international cricket after nearly a year.
"I am not hearing great news about Bumrah's fitness. However, I won't believe in hearsay, and won't share what I heard either," Chopra said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
"Four fast bowlers should have 100 per cent been there (in the Champions Trophy squad) because whatever we have seen of Mohammed Shami, he did take three wickets in the last match for sure and bowled decently, but he is far from ready."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-my-biggest-concern-ricky-ponting-raises-mohammed-shami-fitness-issue-for-india-8692304">'My biggest concern...,' Ricky Ponting raises Mohammed Shami fitness issue for India in Champions Trophy</a>
"I feel a fast bowler will get added. In whose place he will be, we shall find out. I feel Siraj will go to the Champions Trophy," added the former India batter.
Shami and Bumrah both are part of India's Champions Trophy squad. The bowlers, before the ICC tournament, will also play in the ODIs against England starting February 6.
While Shami has been included in the squad for all three ODIs, Bumrah is part of only the third ODI against England. The BCCI will be hoping for Shami to get in the groove if Bumrah fails to gain fitness.
In the five-T20I series against England, Shami played two games&mdash;the 3rd T20I in Rajkot and the 5th T20I in Mumbai. He went wicketless in Rajkot but took 3/25 in the Mumbai match. The pacer, however, didn't finish his quota of four overs in both games. He bowled three overs in Rajkot and gave away 25 runs.&nbsp;
England's innings in the Mumbai match was over in 10.3 overs only, out of which Shami bowled 2.3 overs.&nbsp;
<h2>India Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja

Shami and Bumrah both are part of India's Champions Trophy squad. The bowlers, before the ICC tournament, will also play in the ODIs against England starting February 6. Cricket Sports

Former India opener Aakash Chopra says that another pacer can be added to India's Champions Trophy squad amid uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and Mohammed Shami's form. Bumrah hasn't played any kind of cricket since picking up a back injury in the Sydney Test in the first week of January, while Shami recently made a comeback to international cricket after nearly a year. "I am not hearing great news about Bumrah's fitness. However, I won't believe in hearsay, and won't share what I heard either," Chopra said while speaking on his YouTube channel. "Four fast bowlers should have 100 per cent been there (in the Champions Trophy squad) because whatever we have seen of Mohammed Shami, he did take three wickets in the last match for sure and bowled decently, but he is far from ready." Also Read: 'My biggest concern...,' Ricky Ponting raises Mohammed Shami fitness issue for India in Champions Trophy "I feel a fast bowler will get added. In whose place he will be, we shall find out. I feel Siraj will go to the Champions Trophy," added the former India batter. Shami and Bumrah both are part of India's Champions Trophy squad. The bowlers, before the ICC tournament, will also play in the ODIs against England starting February 6. While Shami has been included in the squad for all three ODIs, Bumrah is part of only the third ODI against England. The BCCI will be hoping for Shami to get in the groove if Bumrah fails to gain fitness. In the five-T20I series against England, Shami played two games—the 3rd T20I in Rajkot and the 5th T20I in Mumbai. He went wicketless in Rajkot but took 3/25 in the Mumbai match. The pacer, however, didn't finish his quota of four overs in both games. He bowled three overs in Rajkot and gave away 25 runs. England's innings in the Mumbai match was over in 10.3 overs only, out of which Shami bowled 2.3 overs. India Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja

2025 Champions Trophy: 'Not hearing great news about Bumrah...,' Ex-India player says another pacer can be added to squad

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting says <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammed-shami">Mohammed Shami</a>'s fitness will matter a lot for India in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025">2025 Champions Trophy</a>. Shami recently made a comeback to international cricket during India vs England T20Is series nearly after an year.
"My biggest concern about India when they came for Australia in the Test series was [Jasprit] Bumrah not having Shami there as a backup and him having to burden most of the load," said Ponting on the ICC Review.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-bcci-sends-plan-you-future-message-to-skipper-rohit-sharma-8692134">'He needs to decide....,' BCCI sends 'plan you future after Champions Trophy' message to skipper Rohit Sharma</a>
"And that's probably what happened, and might even have something to do with why he [Bumrah] got hurt. He probably ended up having to bowl a bit more in that series with Shami not being there.
"So look, if Shami's fit, that's a positive," the former Aussie skipper added.
In the five-T20I series against England, Shami played two games - 3rd T20I in Rajkot and 5th T20I in Mumbai. He went wicketless in Rajkot but took 3/25 in Mumbai match. The pacer, however, didn't finish his quota of four overs in both the games. He bowled three overs in Rajkot and gave away 25 runs.&nbsp;
England's innings in Mumbai match was over in 10.3 overs only out of which Shami bowled 2.3 overs.&nbsp;
Shami is a part of India's Champions Trophy squad as well as England ODIs which begins on February 6.
India are also dealing with uncertainty over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jasprit-bumrah">Jasprit Bumrah</a>'s availability for the ICC tournament. Bumrah has been included in the squad for the Champions Trophy and the third England ODI.
Bumrah suffered a back issue during the last Test in Sydney on Australia tour and didn't bowl in the second inning. The team management was criticised by former players for making the premier pacer play fifth consecutive Test.
<h2>India Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja

India pacer Mohammed Shami recently made a comeback to international cricket during India vs England T20Is series nearly after an year. He played two games in the series. Sports

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting says Mohammed Shami's fitness will matter a lot for India in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. Shami recently made a comeback to international cricket during India vs England T20Is series nearly after an year. "My biggest concern about India when they came for Australia in the Test series was [Jasprit] Bumrah not having Shami there as a backup and him having to burden most of the load," said Ponting on the ICC Review. Also Read: 'He needs to decide....,' BCCI sends 'plan you future after Champions Trophy' message to skipper Rohit Sharma "And that's probably what happened, and might even have something to do with why he [Bumrah] got hurt. He probably ended up having to bowl a bit more in that series with Shami not being there. "So look, if Shami's fit, that's a positive," the former Aussie skipper added. In the five-T20I series against England, Shami played two games - 3rd T20I in Rajkot and 5th T20I in Mumbai. He went wicketless in Rajkot but took 3/25 in Mumbai match. The pacer, however, didn't finish his quota of four overs in both the games. He bowled three overs in Rajkot and gave away 25 runs. England's innings in Mumbai match was over in 10.3 overs only out of which Shami bowled 2.3 overs. Shami is a part of India's Champions Trophy squad as well as England ODIs which begins on February 6. India are also dealing with uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the ICC tournament. Bumrah has been included in the squad for the Champions Trophy and the third England ODI. Bumrah suffered a back issue during the last Test in Sydney on Australia tour and didn't bowl in the second inning. The team management was criticised by former players for making the premier pacer play fifth consecutive Test. India Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja

2025 Champions Trophy: 'My biggest concern...,' Ricky Ponting raises Mohammed Shami fitness issue for India

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking at the bigger picture now and has asked skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> do decide on his future plans after the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025">2025 Champions Trophy</a>. The Indian skipper is under heavy scrutiny for his inexplicable loss of form for quite some time now.
<h2>BCCI's 'Plan You Future' Message to Rohit</h2>
"The selectors and people in the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup. They want to ensure everyone is on the same page for a smoother transition," reported media outlet the Times of India quoting a BCCI source.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-check-full-squads-of-india-pakistan-afghanistan-new-zealand-south-africa-australia-bangladesh-england-8690640">2025 Champions Trophy: Check full squads of all teams</a>
Most recently, Rohit played for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy but failed there as well, scoring just 3 and 28 runs in two innings during the match against Jammu and Kashmir last month. It was Rohit's first Ranji Trophy match in about a decade.
Before that, the Indian skipper failed miserably in Test tour of Australia. He had missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child and played the next three matches. Rohit could manage only 30 runs in six innings before sitting himself out of the final Test in Sydney.
As for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>, the board is willing to wait a bit longer given the batter's stellar record in international cricket which includes 81 tons - second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 hundreds.
"As for Virat Kohli, the selectors are willing to wait a bit more on his Test form, while his ODI prowess is not seen as a major problem," the report stated.
The Champions Trophy 2025 starts February 19 with the final scheduled to be on March 9.

Most recently, Rohit played for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy but failed there as well, scoring just 3 and 28 runs in two innings during the match against J&K last month. Cricket Sports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking at the bigger picture now and has asked skipper Rohit Sharma do decide on his future plans after the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. The Indian skipper is under heavy scrutiny for his inexplicable loss of form for quite some time now. BCCI's 'Plan You Future' Message to Rohit "The selectors and people in the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup. They want to ensure everyone is on the same page for a smoother transition," reported media outlet the Times of India quoting a BCCI source. Also Read: 2025 Champions Trophy: Check full squads of all teams Most recently, Rohit played for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy but failed there as well, scoring just 3 and 28 runs in two innings during the match against Jammu and Kashmir last month. It was Rohit's first Ranji Trophy match in about a decade. Before that, the Indian skipper failed miserably in Test tour of Australia. He had missed the first Test due to the birth of his second child and played the next three matches. Rohit could manage only 30 runs in six innings before sitting himself out of the final Test in Sydney. As for Virat Kohli, the board is willing to wait a bit longer given the batter's stellar record in international cricket which includes 81 tons - second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 hundreds. "As for Virat Kohli, the selectors are willing to wait a bit more on his Test form, while his ODI prowess is not seen as a major problem," the report stated. The Champions Trophy 2025 starts February 19 with the final scheduled to be on March 9.

'He needs to decide....,' BCCI sends 'plan your future after Champions Trophy' message to skipper Rohit Sharma

Former Pakistan Cricketer Shoiab Akhtar backs Fakhar Zaman to do well in the upcoming Champions trophy. Shoiab Akhtar is currently in the UAE as a commentator for the third season of the IL T20. Watch in for more details!

Shoaib Akhtar backs Fakhar Zaman to shine in Champions Trophy

The 2025 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025">Champions Trophy</a> is a fortnight away and all the teams have set their sights on the prestigious trophy taking place after eight years. Pakistan, the last winner of the ICC tournament, are the host this time along with Dubai, UAE, which will host India's matches as well as the first semi-final (March 4).
The tournament starts on February 19, and the final will be played on March 9. A total of eight teams are participating and have been divided into two groups of four teams each. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-final-tickets-sale-date-tickets-for-india-champions-trophy-match-india-schedule-in-champions-trophy-2025-india-vs-pakistan-feb-23-8659064">tickets are already available</a> to buy but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-india-vs-pakistan-tickets-for-feb-23-in-dubai-already-sold-out-8687700">India vs Pakistan is sold out</a>.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-virat-and-rohits-form-will-be-key-to-indias-campaign-says-former-indian-cricketer-suresh-raina-8690031">'Virat and Rohit complement each other well', feels Suresh Raina</a>
Group A: India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan
<h2>Check the full squad for all teams in Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
India Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja
Pakistan Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
New Zealand Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O&rsquo;Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Bangladesh Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana
Australia Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, (one further player to be added)
England Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
South Africa Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen
Afghanistan Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran

2025 Champions Trophy: The tournament starts on February 19 and the final will be played on March 9. A total of eight teams are participating and have been divided in two groups of four teams each. Cricket Sports

The 2025 Champions Trophy is a fortnight away and all the teams have set their sights on the prestigious trophy taking place after eight years. Pakistan, the last winner of the ICC tournament, are the host this time along with Dubai, UAE, which will host India's matches as well as the first semi-final (March 4). The tournament starts on February 19, and the final will be played on March 9. A total of eight teams are participating and have been divided into two groups of four teams each. The tickets are already available to buy but India vs Pakistan is sold out. Also Read: 'Virat and Rohit complement each other well', feels Suresh Raina Group A: India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan Check the full squad for all teams in Champions Trophy 2025 India Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja Pakistan Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi New Zealand Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young Bangladesh Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana Australia Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, (one further player to be added) England Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood South Africa Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen Afghanistan Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran

2025 Champions Trophy: Check full squads of all teams

England skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/jos-buttler">Jos Buttler</a> took another dig at India all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shivam-dube">Shivam Dube</a> after losing the five T20I series 4-1. Post India vs England 5th T20I in Mumbai, Buttler made a rather sarcastic remark about Dube and also posed a question on India's medical staff.
&ldquo;He&rsquo;s pulled up pretty well from a nasty blow on the head, hopefully he&rsquo;s OK,&rdquo; Buttler said.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m sure he must have been happy with the risk he took or their medical staff were. Maybe a question for them,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>What is all the drama?</h2>
Buttler's remarks after the final T20I were in reference to the hit Dube had encountered in the fourth T20I after which he was replaced by Harshit Rana as concussion sub. The England skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/harshit-rana-not-a-like-for-like-replacement-for-shivam-dube-jos-buttler-hits-back-at-indian-camp-after-pune-t20i-loss-concussion-sub-8679978">questioned Rana as Dube's replacement</a> and called out the match referee for the same.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/a-seamer-goes-out-ashwin-backs-varun-chakravarthy-to-make-it-to-india-champions-trophy-squad-8689066">'A seamer goes out and...,' Ashwin backs Varun Chakravarthy to make it to India CT squad</a>
Dube, who had scored a crucial fifty in the 4th T20I, also managed a quick-fire 30 in the 5th match. India posted 247 in Mumbai and won the match by 147 runs - their second-biggest win in T20Is.
The England skipper, however, was adamant about their style of playing and insisted that they'd continue with it.
&ldquo;We certainly won&rsquo;t change the way we want to play, we need to keep backing that, be even more committed and be desperate to do well and execute that,&rdquo; Buttler added.
&ldquo;If we&rsquo;re going to fall, I&rsquo;d rather fall on the proactive side. Hopefully, over time you get more comfortable with that and play better.&rdquo;
England managed just one win in five T20I games with that attitude. The downfall of the English side is alarming, especially as they won the T20 World Cup in 2022.
India and England will now play a three-ODI series in a build-up to the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a>. The ODI series begins February 6 and the ICC event on February 19.

Buttler's remarks after the final T20I were in reference to the hit Dube had encountered in the fourth T20I after which he was replaced by Harshit Rana as concussion sub. Cricket Sports

England skipper Jos Buttler took another dig at India all-rounder Shivam Dube after losing the five T20I series 4-1. Post India vs England 5th T20I in Mumbai, Buttler made a rather sarcastic remark about Dube and also posed a question on India's medical staff. “He’s pulled up pretty well from a nasty blow on the head, hopefully he’s OK,” Buttler said. “I’m sure he must have been happy with the risk he took or their medical staff were. Maybe a question for them,” he added. What is all the drama? Buttler's remarks after the final T20I were in reference to the hit Dube had encountered in the fourth T20I after which he was replaced by Harshit Rana as concussion sub. The England skipper questioned Rana as Dube's replacement and called out the match referee for the same. Also Read: 'A seamer goes out and...,' Ashwin backs Varun Chakravarthy to make it to India CT squad Dube, who had scored a crucial fifty in the 4th T20I, also managed a quick-fire 30 in the 5th match. India posted 247 in Mumbai and won the match by 147 runs - their second-biggest win in T20Is. The England skipper, however, was adamant about their style of playing and insisted that they'd continue with it. “We certainly won’t change the way we want to play, we need to keep backing that, be even more committed and be desperate to do well and execute that,” Buttler added. “If we’re going to fall, I’d rather fall on the proactive side. Hopefully, over time you get more comfortable with that and play better.” England managed just one win in five T20I games with that attitude. The downfall of the English side is alarming, especially as they won the T20 World Cup in 2022. India and England will now play a three-ODI series in a build-up to the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The ODI series begins February 6 and the ICC event on February 19.

IND vs ENG: 'A question for them': England skipper Jos Buttler takes another DIG at Shivam Dube

Former India spinner Ravi Ashwin has backed mystery spinner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/varun-chakravarthy">Varun Chakravarthy</a> to make it to India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> squad. Ashwin's backing comes after Varun won the Player of the Series award for his 14 wickets in five T20Is against England. The spinner took at least two wickets in each game, including a five-for.
Ashwin backs Varun for Champions Trophy
"We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad), I am thinking there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So, he might get picked," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-ex-pak-cricketer-basit-ali-says-babar-azam-is-excuse-ready-on-failure-8688909">'He will say I was forcefully...,' Ex-Pak cricketer says Babar Azam has an excuse ready if he fails in CT 2025</a>
"But, if you look at the existing squad, if a seamer goes out and Varun comes in, it will be an added spinner (five). I don't know who they would want to drop (if they think about getting Varun in). We will wait and see," he added.
Before the Champions Trophy,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">India</a> play three ODIs against England which will start on February 6 and Ashwin opined that Varun could be added to the squad to give him a feel of the format.
"I have a feeling that Varun might get a chance to play in the ODI series between India and England. I don't think it's an easy call to take him directly to the Champions Trophy. He has not played ODIs. I have a feeling they will give him a chance in the India vs England ODI series," the spinner said.
<h2>India's squad for Champions Trophy</h2>
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

Before the Champions Trophy, India play three ODIs against England that start February 6 and Ashwin opined that Varun could be added to the squad to give him a feel of the format. Cricket Sports

Former India spinner Ravi Ashwin has backed mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy to make it to India's Champions Trophy squad. Ashwin's backing comes after Varun won the Player of the Series award for his 14 wickets in five T20Is against England. The spinner took at least two wickets in each game, including a five-for. Ashwin backs Varun for Champions Trophy "We are all talking about whether he should have been there (Champions Trophy squad), I am thinking there is a chance he might be there. I have a feeling he might make it. There is a chance because all teams have named only a provisional squad. So, he might get picked," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Also Read: 'He will say I was forcefully...,' Ex-Pak cricketer says Babar Azam has an excuse ready if he fails in CT 2025 "But, if you look at the existing squad, if a seamer goes out and Varun comes in, it will be an added spinner (five). I don't know who they would want to drop (if they think about getting Varun in). We will wait and see," he added. Before the Champions Trophy, India play three ODIs against England which will start on February 6 and Ashwin opined that Varun could be added to the squad to give him a feel of the format. "I have a feeling that Varun might get a chance to play in the ODI series between India and England. I don't think it's an easy call to take him directly to the Champions Trophy. He has not played ODIs. I have a feeling they will give him a chance in the India vs England ODI series," the spinner said. India's squad for Champions Trophy Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

2025 Champions Trophy: 'A seamer goes out and...': Ashwin backs Varun Chakravarthy to make it to India squad

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali says that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/babar-azam">Babar Azam</a>'s excuse is ready if he fails to perform at the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a> which begins February 19. Babar, who is expected to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman, has been struggling with his form for months.
&ldquo;Babar&rsquo;s place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy. I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn&rsquo;t perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open,&rdquo; Basit said on his YouTube channel.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-icc-makes-huge-exception-for-pakistan-ahead-of-tournament-8687394" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">ICC makes HUGE exception for Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy</a>
&ldquo;Fakhar&rsquo;s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub&rsquo;s absence,&rdquo; he added.
Pakistan will be hoping to defend their title when the tournament begins in two weeks' time, but before that, the hosts will be playing a tri-nation series with New Zealand and South Africa to get in the ODI mode.
Pakistan had beaten <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/bcci">India</a> in the final to claim the title in 2017 - the last time the Champions Trophy was played. Fakhar Zaman had hit a hundred while Mohammad Amir had rattled the Indian top order, accounting for the wickets of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.
With matches being played in their home country, Pakistan will be backing themselves to repeat the performance from the last edition despite the recent failures across formats.
<h2>Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy</h2>
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Pakistan will be hoping to defend their title when the tournament begins in two weeks' time, but before that, the hosts will be playing a tri-nation series to get in the ODI mode. Cricket Sports

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali says that Babar Azam's excuse is ready if he fails to perform at the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 which begins February 19. Babar, who is expected to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman, has been struggling with his form for months. “Babar’s place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy. I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn’t perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open,” Basit said on his YouTube channel. Also Read: ICC makes HUGE exception for Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy “Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence,” he added. Pakistan will be hoping to defend their title when the tournament begins in two weeks' time, but before that, the hosts will be playing a tri-nation series with New Zealand and South Africa to get in the ODI mode. Pakistan had beaten India in the final to claim the title in 2017 - the last time the Champions Trophy was played. Fakhar Zaman had hit a hundred while Mohammad Amir had rattled the Indian top order, accounting for the wickets of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. With matches being played in their home country, Pakistan will be backing themselves to repeat the performance from the last edition despite the recent failures across formats. Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

2025 Champions Trophy: 'He will say I was forcefully...,' Ex-Pak cricketer says Babar Azam has an excuse ready if he fails

The India vs Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy 2025</a> match tickets were sold out within hours of going live on Monday (Feb 3). The tickets for India's matches, to be held in Dubai (UAE), including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/india-vs-pakistan">India vs Pakistan</a>, were made available for purchase on Monday (Feb 3) at 4 pm India time. The tournament gets underway on February 19.
Apart from India vs Pakistan, the tickets for India vs Bangladesh and India vs New Zealand have also been sold out.
<figure class="image"><img alt="India vs Pak" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/03/zNE9o9I317TTQYVV4D2N.png" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pak already sold out Photograph: (ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
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).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-icc-makes-huge-exception-for-pakistan-ahead-of-tournament-8687394">ICC makes HUGE exception for Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy 2025</a>
Along with India's matches, the tickets for the first semi-final, scheduled for March 4 in Dubai, also went live to sale&mdash;and got sold out.
The tickets for Pakistan-based games as well as the second semi-final have already been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-final-tickets-sale-date-tickets-for-india-champions-trophy-match-india-schedule-in-champions-trophy-2025-india-vs-pakistan-feb-23-8659064">made available to buy on Jan 28</a> and can be bought on www.iccchampionstrophy.com/tickets
<h2>Tickets for final to be released later</h2>
The tickets for the final will be made available for sale only after the second semi-final on March 5 in Lahore, Pakistan. The delay is due to the hybrid model of the tournament, which is in place after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
As a result, India will play all its group-stage matches in Dubai. The first semi-final will also be played in Dubai regardless of India making it or not. The final, if India manage to make it to the semis and win, will also be played in Dubai.
In case India fail to enter the semis, the final will be played in Lahore, Pakistan. The delay in tickets is due to uncertainty of venue of the final, which depends on India's results in the tournament.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Champions Trophy 2025: India start their campaign vs Bangladesh on Feb 20 before facing Pakistan on Feb 23. India play their final group match vs NZ on March 2. Cricket Sports

The India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy 2025 match tickets were sold out within hours of going live on Monday (Feb 3). The tickets for India's matches, to be held in Dubai (UAE), including India vs Pakistan, were made available for purchase on Monday (Feb 3) at 4 pm India time. The tournament gets underway on February 19. Apart from India vs Pakistan, the tickets for India vs Bangladesh and India vs New Zealand have also been sold out. Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pak already sold out Photograph: (ICC) 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). Also Read: ICC makes HUGE exception for Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 Along with India's matches, the tickets for the first semi-final, scheduled for March 4 in Dubai, also went live to sale—and got sold out. The tickets for Pakistan-based games as well as the second semi-final have already been made available to buy on Jan 28 and can be bought on www.iccchampionstrophy.com/tickets Tickets for final to be released later The tickets for the final will be made available for sale only after the second semi-final on March 5 in Lahore, Pakistan. The delay is due to the hybrid model of the tournament, which is in place after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. As a result, India will play all its group-stage matches in Dubai. The first semi-final will also be played in Dubai regardless of India making it or not. The final, if India manage to make it to the semis and win, will also be played in Dubai. In case India fail to enter the semis, the final will be played in Lahore, Pakistan. The delay in tickets is due to uncertainty of venue of the final, which depends on India's results in the tournament.

2025 Champions Trophy: India vs Pakistan tickets for Feb 23 in Dubai already sold out

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the sale of tickets for India's matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The ticket for India's matches, to be held in Dubai (UAE), are now available for purchase after being made available from Monday (Feb 3) at 4 pm India time.
Along with India's matches, the tickets for the first semi-final, scheduled on March 4 in Dubai, also went live for sale. The tickets for Pakistan-based games as well as the second semi-final have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-final-tickets-sale-date-tickets-for-india-champions-trophy-match-india-schedule-in-champions-trophy-2025-india-vs-pakistan-feb-23-8659064" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">already been made available</a> to buy.
<h2>India's match schedule for Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
India start their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at 2:30 pm India time before taking on archrivals 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).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-icc-makes-huge-exception-for-pakistan-ahead-of-tournament-8687394">ICC makes HUGE exception for Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy 2025</a>
<h2>Where to buy tickets for India matches of Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
The tickets for India matches as well as the first semi-final can be bought directly from the ICC's website: www.iccchampionstrophy.com/tickets
The tickets for the final, however, will be made available for sale only after the second semi-final on March 5 in Lahore, Pakistan. The delay is due to the hybrid model of the tournament, which is in place after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament.
As a result, India will play all its group-stage matches in Dubai. The first semi-final will also be played in Dubai regardless of India making it or not. The final, if India manage to make it to the semis and win, will also be played in Dubai.
In case India fail to enter the semis, the final will be played in Lahore, Pakistan. The delay in tickets is due to uncertainty of venue of the final, which depends on India's results in the tournament.
A total of eight teams, i.e., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, England, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are divided into two groups for the tournament, which starts on February 19 in Pakistan.

2025 Champions Trophy: Along with India's matches, the tickets for the first semi-final, scheduled on March 4 in Dubai, also went live to sale. Cricket Sports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the sale of tickets for India's matches in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The ticket for India's matches, to be held in Dubai (UAE), are now available for purchase after being made available from Monday (Feb 3) at 4 pm India time. Along with India's matches, the tickets for the first semi-final, scheduled on March 4 in Dubai, also went live for sale. The tickets for Pakistan-based games as well as the second semi-final have already been made available to buy. India's match schedule for Champions Trophy 2025 India start their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at 2:30 pm India time before taking on archrivals 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). Also Read: ICC makes HUGE exception for Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 Where to buy tickets for India matches of Champions Trophy 2025 The tickets for India matches as well as the first semi-final can be bought directly from the ICC's website: www.iccchampionstrophy.com/tickets The tickets for the final, however, will be made available for sale only after the second semi-final on March 5 in Lahore, Pakistan. The delay is due to the hybrid model of the tournament, which is in place after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. As a result, India will play all its group-stage matches in Dubai. The first semi-final will also be played in Dubai regardless of India making it or not. The final, if India manage to make it to the semis and win, will also be played in Dubai. In case India fail to enter the semis, the final will be played in Lahore, Pakistan. The delay in tickets is due to uncertainty of venue of the final, which depends on India's results in the tournament. A total of eight teams, i.e., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, England, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are divided into two groups for the tournament, which starts on February 19 in Pakistan.

2025 Champions Trophy: ICC announces ticket sale date and time for India matches | Check Inside

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made an exception for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pcb">Pakistan Cricket Board</a> (PCB) - the host of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">2025 Champions Trophy</a> which starts February 19. Under the exception, the ICC has allowed the Pak board to host the upcoming tri-nation series including New Zealand and South Africa on two tournament venues - Karachi and Lahore.
Originally scheduled to be held in Multan, the PCB will now host all four matches of series in Lahore and Karachi (two each) from Feb 8 to Feb 14. This is to test the facilities of the venues ahead of the tournament.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-they-have-got-to-gautam-gambhirs-says-this-on-rohit-sharma-virat-kohli-8682740">Champions Trophy 2025: 'They have got to...'- Gautam Gambhir says this on Rohit Sharma &amp; Virat Kohli</a>
Usually, there's three weeks of exclusivity period before the start of an ICC tournament when the global body takes control. This time, the ICC has allowed it for testing of venues.
"Hosts may seek approval from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">ICC</a> for activities to take place in venues within the exclusivity window .. PCB has followed the process and the ICC has authorised this ..for the exclusivity period for testing of the venues. Similarly, Dubai stadium is also being used during the exclusivity period for the ILT20," reported media outlet Times of India citing a source.
<h2>What is an exclusivity period?</h2>
An exclusivity period can be defined as the date from which ICC takes control of the tournament venue to ensure and carry out the last-minute checks. It generally ranges from one to three weeks ahead of the start of the tournament, and during this period, the host nation is not allowed to host any matches to preserve the ground conditions for the tournament.
The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across three venues in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, as well as Dubai, UAE, for India's matches.
As per the current exclusivity period, the ICC was supposed to get control of Pak venues on February 12, but now the same has been postponed until the tri-series final, which is scheduled for February 14.
Similarly, the Dubai Stadium was supposed to come under the ICC's purview on February 10 due to the ongoing IL T20 tournament, which gets over on February 9.&nbsp;

Champions Trophy 2025: Originally scheduled to be held in Multan, the PCB will now host tri-series in Lahore and Karachi (two each) from Feb 8 to Feb 14.  Cricket Sports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made an exception for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) - the host of 2025 Champions Trophy which starts February 19. Under the exception, the ICC has allowed the Pak board to host the upcoming tri-nation series including New Zealand and South Africa on two tournament venues - Karachi and Lahore. Originally scheduled to be held in Multan, the PCB will now host all four matches of series in Lahore and Karachi (two each) from Feb 8 to Feb 14. This is to test the facilities of the venues ahead of the tournament. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: 'They have got to...'- Gautam Gambhir says this on Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Usually, there's three weeks of exclusivity period before the start of an ICC tournament when the global body takes control. This time, the ICC has allowed it for testing of venues. "Hosts may seek approval from ICC for activities to take place in venues within the exclusivity window .. PCB has followed the process and the ICC has authorised this ..for the exclusivity period for testing of the venues. Similarly, Dubai stadium is also being used during the exclusivity period for the ILT20," reported media outlet Times of India citing a source. What is an exclusivity period? An exclusivity period can be defined as the date from which ICC takes control of the tournament venue to ensure and carry out the last-minute checks. It generally ranges from one to three weeks ahead of the start of the tournament, and during this period, the host nation is not allowed to host any matches to preserve the ground conditions for the tournament. The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will be played across three venues in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, as well as Dubai, UAE, for India's matches. As per the current exclusivity period, the ICC was supposed to get control of Pak venues on February 12, but now the same has been postponed until the tri-series final, which is scheduled for February 14. Similarly, the Dubai Stadium was supposed to come under the ICC's purview on February 10 due to the ongoing IL T20 tournament, which gets over on February 9.

2025 Champions Trophy: ICC makes HUGE exception for Pakistan ahead of tournament

India head coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/gautam-gambhir">Gautam Gambhir</a> on Saturday (Feb 1) stated that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/rohit-sharma">Rohit Sharma</a> will have big roles to play for the team in the upcoming Champions Trophy and said the batting stars add so much value to the nation's cricket.&nbsp;
The form of Kohli and Rohit in recent times has fueled speculation about their future. &ldquo;I think both Rohit and Virat, they add so much value to the dressing room. They add so much value to Indian cricket as well. They've got to play a massive role (in the Champions Trophy),&rdquo; Gambhir said during the BCCI annual awards.
&ldquo;And I've said it before as well, those guys are so hungry, they want to play for the country. They have the passion to play for the country and deliver for the country,&rdquo; he added.
Gambhir said the team cannot relax even for a moment in the Champions Trophy because they have just three league matches, as compared to the 50-over World Cup.
&ldquo;Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a make-or-break, so you can't stop anywhere in this tournament.
&ldquo;So hopefully we're going to start off really well, because ultimately, if you want to go on and win the competition, you have to win five games,&rdquo; he said.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-5th-t20i-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-india-vs-england-live-on-laptop-tv-8682357">IND vs ENG, 5th T20I live streaming: When and where to watch India vs England live on laptop, TV</a>
<h2>All games are important: Gambhir</h2>
Gambhir also played down the hype surrounding the India vs Pakistan match, which is scheduled to be played in Dubai on February 23. &ldquo;Look, we don't go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important. The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not only win one particular game.
&ldquo;But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we're going to try and take it as seriously as possible.
&ldquo;And more importantly, I think when two countries, India and Pakistan, play against each other, obviously the emotions are really high, but ultimately the contest remains the same.&rdquo;
The former India opener hailed skipper Suryakumar Yadav for infusing a fresh life into India's T20I squad.&nbsp;&ldquo;Me and Surya have been on the same page when we talk about selflessness and fearlessness. But yes, we want to be more smart going forward, because that is how we're going to grow as a T20 team, and hopefully in all the other formats as well.
&ldquo;But I think the guys have been absolutely phenomenal. They've got the skills, they've got the temperament, they've got all the ability. And what they've done in the last six months, I think that's been incredible,&rdquo; he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: The Indian team head coach also played down the hype surrounding the India vs Pakistan match, which is scheduled to be played at Dubai on February 23

India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Saturday (Feb 1) stated that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will have big roles to play for the team in the upcoming Champions Trophy and said the batting stars add so much value to the nation's cricket. The form of Kohli and Rohit in recent times has fueled speculation about their future. “I think both Rohit and Virat, they add so much value to the dressing room. They add so much value to Indian cricket as well. They've got to play a massive role (in the Champions Trophy),” Gambhir said during the BCCI annual awards. “And I've said it before as well, those guys are so hungry, they want to play for the country. They have the passion to play for the country and deliver for the country,” he added. Gambhir said the team cannot relax even for a moment in the Champions Trophy because they have just three league matches, as compared to the 50-over World Cup. “Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a make-or-break, so you can't stop anywhere in this tournament. “So hopefully we're going to start off really well, because ultimately, if you want to go on and win the competition, you have to win five games,” he said. Also Read: IND vs ENG, 5th T20I live streaming: When and where to watch India vs England live on laptop, TV All games are important: Gambhir Gambhir also played down the hype surrounding the India vs Pakistan match, which is scheduled to be played in Dubai on February 23. “Look, we don't go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important. The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not only win one particular game. “But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we're going to try and take it as seriously as possible. “And more importantly, I think when two countries, India and Pakistan, play against each other, obviously the emotions are really high, but ultimately the contest remains the same.” The former India opener hailed skipper Suryakumar Yadav for infusing a fresh life into India's T20I squad. “Me and Surya have been on the same page when we talk about selflessness and fearlessness. But yes, we want to be more smart going forward, because that is how we're going to grow as a T20 team, and hopefully in all the other formats as well. “But I think the guys have been absolutely phenomenal. They've got the skills, they've got the temperament, they've got all the ability. And what they've done in the last six months, I think that's been incredible,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Champions Trophy 2025: 'They have got to...'- Gautam Gambhir says this on Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli

There will be no opening ceremony in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) receives a mini-setback even before the curtains are raised on the coveted tournament. With the Champions Trophy 2025 set for its return after eight years, media reports on Thursday (Jan 30) have stated that there will be no opening ceremony. This will also mean India skipper Rohit Sharma will avoid visiting Pakistan, in what could have been the first trip for an Indian captain since 2008.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">No opening ceremony for Champions Trophy</h2>
According to prominent cricketing site Cricbuzz, both ICC and PCB have reportedly cancelled the opening ceremony, which was likely to take place on Feb 16 in Lahore. However, with teams like Australia and England set to reach on Feb 18 and later, it was unlikely that the opening ceremony and photo-op of skippers were possible. The English side is likely to take a break after the India series, which could result in their delayed arrival.
"An opening ceremony was never announced either by the ICC or the PCB," as quoted by Cricbuzz&rsquo;s source well-versed with the development. The PCB did not comment but did not deny that there won't be an opening ceremony or captains' photo shoot.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ranji-trophy-mumbai-vs-meghalaya-watch-video-shardul-thakur-takes-hattrick-for-mumbai-8674030" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ranji Trophy, Mumbai vs Meghalaya: WATCH | Shardul Thakur takes hattrick for Mumbai</a>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Rohit avoids Pakistan travel?</h2>
As things stand, if the opening ceremony is cancelled, India skipper Rohit Sharma will avoid a trip to Pakistan. India have not travelled to their archrivals since the 2008 Asia Cup, where MS Dhoni&rsquo;s side finished runners-up to Pakistan. Political tensions between the nations have seen India avoid visits while no bilateral series has taken place between the sides since 2012-13.
The latest development means that the Indian skipper will be next in action during his side&rsquo;s opening match against Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai.

Sports, Cricket: With the Champions Trophy 2025 set for its return after eight years, media reports on Thursday (Jan 30) stated that there will be no opening ceremony. 

There will be no opening ceremony in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) receives a mini-setback even before the curtains are raised on the coveted tournament. With the Champions Trophy 2025 set for its return after eight years, media reports on Thursday (Jan 30) have stated that there will be no opening ceremony. This will also mean India skipper Rohit Sharma will avoid visiting Pakistan, in what could have been the first trip for an Indian captain since 2008. No opening ceremony for Champions Trophy According to prominent cricketing site Cricbuzz, both ICC and PCB have reportedly cancelled the opening ceremony, which was likely to take place on Feb 16 in Lahore. However, with teams like Australia and England set to reach on Feb 18 and later, it was unlikely that the opening ceremony and photo-op of skippers were possible. The English side is likely to take a break after the India series, which could result in their delayed arrival. "An opening ceremony was never announced either by the ICC or the PCB," as quoted by Cricbuzz’s source well-versed with the development. The PCB did not comment but did not deny that there won't be an opening ceremony or captains' photo shoot. ALSO READ | Ranji Trophy, Mumbai vs Meghalaya: WATCH | Shardul Thakur takes hattrick for Mumbai Rohit avoids Pakistan travel? As things stand, if the opening ceremony is cancelled, India skipper Rohit Sharma will avoid a trip to Pakistan. India have not travelled to their archrivals since the 2008 Asia Cup, where MS Dhoni’s side finished runners-up to Pakistan. Political tensions between the nations have seen India avoid visits while no bilateral series has taken place between the sides since 2012-13. The latest development means that the Indian skipper will be next in action during his side’s opening match against Bangladesh on Feb 20 in Dubai.

Champions Trophy 2025: No opening ceremony as India skipper Rohit Sharma avoids Pakistan trip - Report

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/icc" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">ICC</a> will hold the opening ceremony of the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy</a> on February 16 in Lahore.
A source in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pcb" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">PCB</a> told PTI that chairman Mohsin Naqvi had approved a scheduled list of events prior to the first match of the tournament on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The PCB will officially open the renovated Gaddafi Stadium on February 7, for which Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been invited as the chief guest.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/2025-champions-trophy-we-will-be-pcb-reiterates-as-uncertainty-looms-8668590" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'We will be...': PCB reiterates as uncertainty looms aruond Champions Trophy</a>
On February 11, the PCB will launch the renovated National Stadium in Karachi with a ceremony in which President Asif Ali Zardari has been invited as the chief guest.
The source said the PCB and ICC were also working out the schedule of the captains' press conference and photoshoots. They are likely to be held in Lahore on February 16.
The opening ceremony is scheduled at Huzoori Bagh at the historic Lahore Fort, in which officials of different boards, celebrities, legends of the game, and government officials will be invited.
The ICC and PCB are yet to confirm if Indian captain Rohit Sharma would be travelling to Lahore for the events.
India will be playing their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai as part of a hybrid model deal between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI, and if they qualify for the final, then the title clash will also be held in the UAE city on March 9.
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.

On February 11, the PCB will launch the renovated National Stadium in Karachi with a ceremony in which President Asif Ali Zardari has been invited as the chief guest. Cricket SPorts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in conjunction with the ICC will hold the opening ceremony of the upcoming Champions Trophy on February 16 in Lahore. A source in the PCB told PTI that chairman Mohsin Naqvi had approved a scheduled list of events prior to the first match of the tournament on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi between Pakistan and New Zealand. The PCB will officially open the renovated Gaddafi Stadium on February 7, for which Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been invited as the chief guest. Also Read: 'We will be...': PCB reiterates as uncertainty looms aruond Champions Trophy On February 11, the PCB will launch the renovated National Stadium in Karachi with a ceremony in which President Asif Ali Zardari has been invited as the chief guest. The source said the PCB and ICC were also working out the schedule of the captains' press conference and photoshoots. They are likely to be held in Lahore on February 16. The opening ceremony is scheduled at Huzoori Bagh at the historic Lahore Fort, in which officials of different boards, celebrities, legends of the game, and government officials will be invited. The ICC and PCB are yet to confirm if Indian captain Rohit Sharma would be travelling to Lahore for the events. India will be playing their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai as part of a hybrid model deal between the ICC, PCB, and BCCI, and if they qualify for the final, then the title clash will also be held in the UAE city on March 9. 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 2025: ICC, PCB to hold opening ceremony on Feb 16 in Lahore

Delhi vs Railways, Ranji Trophy match Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue:&nbsp;Former India captain Virat Kohli is all set to make his much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy as Delhi take on Railways. The contest set to start on Thursday (Jan 30), will see the return of Virat in the domestic red-ball contest for the first time in over a decade.&nbsp;Ahead of the Ranji Trophy contest between Delhi and Railways, here are all the details, including live streaming, squads, and more.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">When is Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match?<o:p></o:p></h2>
Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will start on Thursday (Jan 30).
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Which stadium will host Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy&nbsp;match?</h2>
Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">What time will Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match start?<o:p></o:p></h2>
Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will start at 9:30 AM IST on Thursday (Jan 30) with the toss taking place at 9:00 AM IST.
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Where to watch Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match on TV?<o:p></o:p></h2>
At the time of writing Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match was not chosen for live broadcast by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the decision could be subject to change in the build-up to the contest.&nbsp;
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-ranji-trophy-return-delhi-railways-contest-unlikely-to-be-telecasted-live-streamed-report-8659828" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: Delhi-Railways contest unlikely to be telecasted, live streamed - Report</a> 
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Where to watch Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match Live Streaming online on OTT?<o:p></o:p></h2>
At the time of writing Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match was not chosen for live streaming on any OTT platform by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the decision could be subject to change in build-up to the contest.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Squads<o:p></o:p></h2>
Delhi: Ayush Badoni (capt), Virat Kohli, Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Navdeep Saini, Money Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddhant Sharma, Shivam Sharma, Pranav Rajvanshi, Vaibhav Kandpal, Mayank Gusain, Gagan Vats, Sumit Mathur, Rahul Gahlot, Jitesh Singh, Vansh Bedi.
Railways: Anchit Yadav, Vivek Singh, Suraj Ahuja, Pratham Singh (c), Upendra Yadav (wk), Mohammad Saif, Bhargav Merai, Karn Sharma, Purnank Tyagi, Himanshu Sangwan, Kunal Yadav, Shivam Chaudhary, Yuvraj Singh, Akash Pandey, Adarsh Singh, Ayan Chaudhari, Rajat Nirwal, Ashutosh Sharma.

Sports, Cricket: Former India captain Virat Kohli is all set to make his much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy as Delhi take on Railways. 

Delhi vs Railways, Ranji Trophy match Live Streaming, Date-Time, Venue: Former India captain Virat Kohli is all set to make his much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy as Delhi take on Railways. The contest set to start on Thursday (Jan 30), will see the return of Virat in the domestic red-ball contest for the first time in over a decade. Ahead of the Ranji Trophy contest between Delhi and Railways, here are all the details, including live streaming, squads, and more. When is Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match? Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will start on Thursday (Jan 30). Which stadium will host Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match? Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. What time will Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match start? Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match will start at 9:30 AM IST on Thursday (Jan 30) with the toss taking place at 9:00 AM IST. Where to watch Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match on TV? At the time of writing Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match was not chosen for live broadcast by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the decision could be subject to change in the build-up to the contest. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: Delhi-Railways contest unlikely to be telecasted, live streamed - Report Where to watch Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match Live Streaming online on OTT? At the time of writing Virat Kohli's Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match was not chosen for live streaming on any OTT platform by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the decision could be subject to change in build-up to the contest. Squads Delhi: Ayush Badoni (capt), Virat Kohli, Sanat Sangwan, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Jonty Sidhu, Himmat Singh, Navdeep Saini, Money Grewal, Harsh Tyagi, Siddhant Sharma, Shivam Sharma, Pranav Rajvanshi, Vaibhav Kandpal, Mayank Gusain, Gagan Vats, Sumit Mathur, Rahul Gahlot, Jitesh Singh, Vansh Bedi. Railways: Anchit Yadav, Vivek Singh, Suraj Ahuja, Pratham Singh (c), Upendra Yadav (wk), Mohammad Saif, Bhargav Merai, Karn Sharma, Purnank Tyagi, Himanshu Sangwan, Kunal Yadav, Shivam Chaudhary, Yuvraj Singh, Akash Pandey, Adarsh Singh, Ayan Chaudhari, Rajat Nirwal, Ashutosh Sharma.

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: When & where to watch Delhi vs Railways match live?

Virat Kohli&rsquo;s fans could be left disappointed as the star India batter is set to return to the Ranji Trophy contest for the first time in over a decade on Thursday (Jan 30). Kohli, who last represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 will play in the domestic red-ball format against Railways in Elite Group D. However, according to a report, the match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium between Delhi and Railways will not be telecast or live-streamed on any digital platform. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Kohli fans disappointed<o:p></o:p></h2>
According to a report from a leading news outlet, Kohli&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy match will not be telecasted on the Sports 18 Network, which holds the rights to broadcast India&rsquo;s domestic matches. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already allocated telecast slots to Karnataka vs. Haryana, Bengal vs. Punjab, and Jammu &amp; Kashmir vs. Baroda, meaning there could be logistical issues in broadcasting the match. <o:p></o:p>
The current broadcaster will either have to drop one match from the already allotted slot to accommodate the Kohli contest on TV or make necessary arrangements for live streaming on the digital platform.
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-naomi-girma-24-years-old-million-dollar-female-footballer-most-expensive-female-football-player-chelsea-women-olympic-gold-winner-8659154" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Meet Naomi Girma - 24-year-old Olympic gold winner and world's first million-dollar female footballer</a>
"We don't know if BCCI will make any last-minute arrangements since Kohli is playing but we haven't been intimated anything about the broadcast of this game. Normally all big centres get one live game allotted (TV or streaming). We had a game against Tamil Nadu which was aired live. The roster for broadcast is set months in advance," a DDCA official told PTI.<o:p></o:p>
It is also reported that the BCCI decision to broadcast Mumbai&rsquo;s Ranji Trophy match last week was made well in advance before Rohit Sharma joined the team. This means no last-minute changes were needed in the broadcasting schedule. However, the BCCI now has less than 48 hours to decide whether the Delhi-Railways Ranji Trophy match will be broadcast or not.<o:p></o:p>
(Inputs from Agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Virat Kohli, who last represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 will play in the domestic red-ball format against Railways in Elite Group D.

Virat Kohli’s fans could be left disappointed as the star India batter is set to return to the Ranji Trophy contest for the first time in over a decade on Thursday (Jan 30). Kohli, who last represented Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 will play in the domestic red-ball format against Railways in Elite Group D. However, according to a report, the match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium between Delhi and Railways will not be telecast or live-streamed on any digital platform. Kohli fans disappointed According to a report from a leading news outlet, Kohli’s Ranji Trophy match will not be telecasted on the Sports 18 Network, which holds the rights to broadcast India’s domestic matches. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already allocated telecast slots to Karnataka vs. Haryana, Bengal vs. Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir vs. Baroda, meaning there could be logistical issues in broadcasting the match. The current broadcaster will either have to drop one match from the already allotted slot to accommodate the Kohli contest on TV or make necessary arrangements for live streaming on the digital platform. ALSO READ | Meet Naomi Girma - 24-year-old Olympic gold winner and world's first million-dollar female footballer "We don't know if BCCI will make any last-minute arrangements since Kohli is playing but we haven't been intimated anything about the broadcast of this game. Normally all big centres get one live game allotted (TV or streaming). We had a game against Tamil Nadu which was aired live. The roster for broadcast is set months in advance," a DDCA official told PTI. It is also reported that the BCCI decision to broadcast Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match last week was made well in advance before Rohit Sharma joined the team. This means no last-minute changes were needed in the broadcasting schedule. However, the BCCI now has less than 48 hours to decide whether the Delhi-Railways Ranji Trophy match will be broadcast or not. (Inputs from Agencies)

Virat Kohli Ranji Trophy return: Delhi-Railways contest unlikely to be telecast, live streamed - Report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the sale of tickets for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy-2025" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025</a> final, scheduled for March 9, will go live only after the first semi-final in Lahore on March 4. The development comes about 20-odd days ahead of the tournament which begins February 19.
<h2>When will the Champions Trophy 2025 Final tickets go on sale?</h2>
The tickets for the Champions Trophy 2025 Final will go on sale after the first semi-final in Dubai, UAE on March 4. The delay is due to the hybrid model of the tournament which is in place after India declined to travel to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pcb" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pakistan</a> for the tournament.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-indias-warm-up-game-opponent-named-date-yet-to-be-finalised-report-8657806" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Champions Trophy 2025: India&rsquo;s warm-up game opponent named, date not finalised &ndash; Report</a>
As a result, India will play all its group-stage matches in Dubai. The first semi-final will also be played in Dubai regardless of India making it or not. The final, if India manage to make it to the semis and win, will also be played in Dubai.
In case <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-cricket-team" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">India</a> fail to enter the semis, the final will be played in Lahore, Pakistan - the venue of second semi-final (March 5). The delay in tickets is due to uncertainty of venue of the final, which depends on India's results in the tournament.
<h2>When will the rest of the Champions Trophy 2025 tickets go on sale?</h2>
The tickets for all the matches to be played in Pakistan will go on sale from Tuesday (Jan 28) at 2:30 pm Pakistan time and 1:30 pm India time.
<h2>When will the tickets for Champions Trophy 2025 India matches go on sale?</h2>
The ICC has not yet announced the date of ticket sale for India's matches in the Champions Trophy 2025, and the "information would be made available in the coming days" as per the apex body.
<h2>India's match schedule for Champions Trophy 2025</h2>
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).

Champions Trophy 2025: The delay in tickets is due to uncertainty of venue of the final, which depends on India's performance and results in the tournament. Sports Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the sale of tickets for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, scheduled for March 9, will go live only after the first semi-final in Lahore on March 4. The development comes about 20-odd days ahead of the tournament which begins February 19. When will the Champions Trophy 2025 Final tickets go on sale? The tickets for the Champions Trophy 2025 Final will go on sale after the first semi-final in Dubai, UAE on March 4. The delay is due to the hybrid model of the tournament which is in place after India declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: India’s warm-up game opponent named, date not finalised – Report As a result, India will play all its group-stage matches in Dubai. The first semi-final will also be played in Dubai regardless of India making it or not. The final, if India manage to make it to the semis and win, will also be played in Dubai. In case India fail to enter the semis, the final will be played in Lahore, Pakistan - the venue of second semi-final (March 5). The delay in tickets is due to uncertainty of venue of the final, which depends on India's results in the tournament. When will the rest of the Champions Trophy 2025 tickets go on sale? The tickets for all the matches to be played in Pakistan will go on sale from Tuesday (Jan 28) at 2:30 pm Pakistan time and 1:30 pm India time. When will the tickets for Champions Trophy 2025 India matches go on sale? The ICC has not yet announced the date of ticket sale for India's matches in the Champions Trophy 2025, and the "information would be made available in the coming days" as per the apex body. India's match schedule for Champions Trophy 2025 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).

Champions Trophy 2025: ICC says sale of tickets for final to be open only after first semi-final | Know Why

Pakistan opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/saim-ayub" rel="dofollow">Saim Ayub</a> suffered a horrific ankle injury during the Newlands Test against South Africa earlier this year, getting ruled of all cricket action since. With the home <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy" rel="dofollow">Champions Trophy 2025</a> looming, starting February 19, the PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi is sweating over Ayub&rsquo;s injury status. Besides monitoring his fitness update regularly, Naqvi said he will not risk his career for one Champions Trophy.
Ayub made his ODI debut late last year and has been on a rampage since.
The left-handed opener enjoyed his brief outings at the top, helping Pakistan clinch a famous ODI series win Down Under. Against South Africa later on, he hit two tons in three One-Dayers, which saw the visitors inflict a series whitewash on the Proteas.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/good-looks-cost-me-a-lot-of-problems-ahmed-shehzad-on-jealousy-in-pakistan-dressing-room-8655370" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Good looks caused me a lot of problems,&rsquo; Ahmed Shehzad on &lsquo;jealousy&rsquo; in Pakistan dressing room</a>
Meanwhile, since getting injured during the New Year&rsquo;s Test in Cape Town, Ayub is being treated for his injured ankle in the UK.&nbsp;Naqvi said Ayub&rsquo;s leg-plaster would come off in a day or two but kept mum over his participation in the eight-team tournament.
"I am closely monitoring Saim's condition. He is currently undergoing rehab. His leg cast will come off in 1-2 days. After that, he will enter the recovery phase, which will take time."&nbsp;
&ldquo;I don't want to put his future at risk because of one Champions Trophy. Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for us, and, God willing, he will recover soon,&rdquo; Naqvi said to the reporters, as quoted by India Today.
<h2>Ayub&rsquo;s rise to the top</h2>
The emerging Pakistan batter was rewarded for his brilliant start to his ODI career, with the ICC naming him in the 2024 ODI Team of the Year. An XI dominated by Sri Lankan, Afghanistan and Pakistani players, also includes seamers from the country&mdash;Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/in-crucial-moments-i-sometimes-lose-focus-shubman-gill-reflects-on-red-ball-struggle-despite-ranji-ton-8655256" rel="dofollow">'In crucial moments I sometimes lose focus,' Shubman Gill reflects on red-ball struggle</a>
While no Indian made it to the list, given the Men in Blue played just three ODIs in 2024, losing two of those, Ayub&rsquo;s mention as among the two openers speaks volumes of his potential at the international stage.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa in a four-match tri-series at home just ahead of the first showpiece event of the year. The home side is placed in Group A with arch-rivals India, New Zealand and Afghanistan.
The Pakistan-India CT match is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

Sports, Cricket: The emerging Pakistan batter was rewarded for his brilliant start to his ODI career, with the ICC naming him in the 2024 ODI Team of the Year.

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub suffered a horrific ankle injury during the Newlands Test against South Africa earlier this year, getting ruled of all cricket action since. With the home Champions Trophy 2025 looming, starting February 19, the PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi is sweating over Ayub’s injury status. Besides monitoring his fitness update regularly, Naqvi said he will not risk his career for one Champions Trophy. Ayub made his ODI debut late last year and has been on a rampage since. The left-handed opener enjoyed his brief outings at the top, helping Pakistan clinch a famous ODI series win Down Under. Against South Africa later on, he hit two tons in three One-Dayers, which saw the visitors inflict a series whitewash on the Proteas. Also read | ‘Good looks caused me a lot of problems,’ Ahmed Shehzad on ‘jealousy’ in Pakistan dressing room Meanwhile, since getting injured during the New Year’s Test in Cape Town, Ayub is being treated for his injured ankle in the UK. Naqvi said Ayub’s leg-plaster would come off in a day or two but kept mum over his participation in the eight-team tournament. "I am closely monitoring Saim's condition. He is currently undergoing rehab. His leg cast will come off in 1-2 days. After that, he will enter the recovery phase, which will take time." “I don't want to put his future at risk because of one Champions Trophy. Saim Ayub is a valuable asset for us, and, God willing, he will recover soon,” Naqvi said to the reporters, as quoted by India Today. Ayub’s rise to the top The emerging Pakistan batter was rewarded for his brilliant start to his ODI career, with the ICC naming him in the 2024 ODI Team of the Year. An XI dominated by Sri Lankan, Afghanistan and Pakistani players, also includes seamers from the country—Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Also read | 'In crucial moments I sometimes lose focus,' Shubman Gill reflects on red-ball struggle While no Indian made it to the list, given the Men in Blue played just three ODIs in 2024, losing two of those, Ayub’s mention as among the two openers speaks volumes of his potential at the international stage. Meanwhile, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa in a four-match tri-series at home just ahead of the first showpiece event of the year. The home side is placed in Group A with arch-rivals India, New Zealand and Afghanistan. The Pakistan-India CT match is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. (With inputs from agencies)

PCB chair provides update on Saim Ayub's injury - ‘Cannot risk his career for one Champions Trophy'

champions-trophy

Champions Trophy, News on Champions Trophy, stories on Champions Trophy, articles on Champions Trophy, Champions Trophy stories at Wion, Champions Trophy news, Champions Trophy latest news

champions trophy