Mohammad Yousuf expressed excitement about Pakistan hosting their first ICC event in 29 years and praised the PCB's effort in renovating the stadiums. He remains realistic, acknowledging New Zealand and India as formidable opponents. Yousuf encouraged the Pakistani team to play calculated cricket and address weaknesses exposed in recent matches to capitalise on home advantage.
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The ICC unveiled the official song 'Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke' by Atif Aslam for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, produced by Abdullah Siddiqui. The song's release aims to build excitement for the tournament, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE from 19 February to 9 March.
Congress MP Vijay Vasanth has urged Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to bestow the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award upon recently retired cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, who announced his retirement after the third India vs Australia Test, boasts an impressive career with 765 international wickets.
The BCCI mourns the death of Padmakar Shivalkar, a legendary left-arm spinner known for his impact on Mumbai cricket. Despite never playing for India, Shivalkar's exceptional career in the Ranji Trophy and his mastery of spin bowling made him a revered figure. Honored with the Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, his legacy remains influential.
Mohammed Shami's return to the India squad has been a major point of interest in the series against England. Although he's fit, his match participation is pending a strategic decision by coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, likely closer to the ICC Champions Trophy. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak citeed planned management of Shami's workload as key.
UP Warriorz Women defeated Delhi Capitals Women by 33 runs in the Women's Premier League 2025 thanks to Chinelle Henry's 62 runs and Kranti Goud’s 4-wicket haul. Grace Harris delivered a hat-trick in the final over. Despite early pressure, UP posted 177-9 and bowled out Delhi for 144, securing their first victory.
Rishabh Pant reflects on his match-winning 89 at the Gabba in 2021, a pivotal moment in India's series victory. Returning to the same venue after recovering from a car accident, Pant discusses his positive mindset, calculated aggression, and the challenges of wicketkeeping. He emphasizes playing percentage cricket and adapting his game plan to the bowlers.
IPL 2025 introduces a new wave of uncapped players eager to make a mark, including Robin Minz, Suryansh Shedge, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, C Andre Siddarth, and Bevon Jacobs. These young talents bring impressive domestic performances and raw potential, highlighting their readiness to shine on the big stage.
Australia faces setbacks as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to injuries, with Steve Smith or Travis Head likely to replace Cummins as captain. Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis are also out, leaving the team with significant selection challenges ahead of the tournament starting February 19 in Pakistan.
Rishabh Pant, the most expensive player in IPL history, faces a crucial season for his international limited-overs career. Despite his Test cricket success, Pant struggles to secure a firm spot in India's white-ball teams, and his performance in this IPL season will be pivotal.
Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concerns about the balance in ODIs, citing that changes like two new balls and an additional fielder in the circle favor batsmen. He suggests that the format might be revitalized by using red balls instead of white, highlighting the diminishing role of reverse swing and finger spin.