India's Hardik Pandya expressed confidence in winning the Champions Trophy again, as the team prepares to start their 2025 campaign against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Dubai and Pakistan. Players from England and Afghanistan also shared their excitement and goals for the tournament. Pakistan, the defending champions, looks forward to hosting and competing passionately.
Related news
ICC chairman Jay Shah attended the Brisbane 2032 Olympic committee meeting, discussing cricket's exciting future in the Olympics. Shah played a key role in cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, highlighting its global fanbase and potential for growth. He believes Olympic participation will boost the sport's reach into new markets.
In the Champions Trophy match in Dubai, Pakistan faced an early setback against India. They lost both openers, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, due to sharp fielding and bowling by Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya. Pakistan needs to win to stay in the tournament. India, meanwhile, can qualify for the semi-finals if they win.
Australia dominated the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka, reducing them to 229-9 at stumps in Galle. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon took three wickets each, while Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal scored a resilient 74. Australia's debutant Cooper Connolly and sharp fielding by Alex Carey marked key moments in the match.
Shikhar Dhawan praised Shubman Gill for his exceptional form in the ICC Champions Trophy, highlighting his elegant batting and professionalism. Dhawan also commended Rohit Sharma's leadership. He acknowledged Jasprit Bumrah's absence but saw it as an opportunity for Harshit Rana to prove himself. India has secured a semi-final spot with wins against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Ashwani Kumar had an exceptional IPL debut for Mumbai Indians, taking four wickets for 24 runs and playing a crucial role in his team's victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Missing lunch due to nerves, he followed captain Hardik Pandya's advice and impressed with his aggressive bowling.
Harshit Rana's initial promise in international cricket might not secure him a spot in the Champions Trophy, with Arshdeep Singh being preferred due to his superior economy rate, swing ability, and experience. Former selectors and coaches vouch for Arshdeep's left-arm advantage and performance on the Dubai track, making him the likely partner for Mohammed Shami.
Afghanistan earned a narrow eight-run win against England in the Champions Trophy, sending them packing from the tournament. Ibrahim Zadran's stellar 177 led Afghanistan to a total of 325 for seven. Despite Joe Root's century, England couldn't chase the target. Ravi Shastri and Michael Vaughan criticised England's performance, urging them to improve their sub-continent play.
Abdullah Shafique etched an unwanted record, becoming the first batsman with ducks in all matches of a three-ODI series. His three ducks against South Africa pushed his 2024 total to seven in 21 innings, surpassing previous Pakistani records. Pakistan registered a 3-0 series victory against South Africa, securing the third ODI by 36 runs via the DLS method.
The Sydney Cricket Ground honored legendary Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi with a tribute in the Indian dressing room before the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The SCG's traditional calico rolls displayed his name, alongside Indian spinner Shivlal or Kuldeep Yadav, noted for their five-wicket hauls at the venue.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured a 42-run victory over MI Emirates in the ILT20 Season 3 match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Player of the Match Alishan Sharafu scored 55 runs, while Jason Holder's cameo bolstered their total to 182/7. MI Emirates faltered early and despite Kieron Pollard's unbeaten 69, they ended at 140/7.