The pitch for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final is semi-fresh, having been used two weeks ago in the India-Pakistan group stage match. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed allegations of undue advantage, stressing that conditions were challenging for all teams equally.
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The IPL 2025 opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens faces weather threats, with rain and thunderstorms likely on March 22. An Orange Alert has been issued for the region, potentially disrupting the match and opening ceremony. What would happen if the game gets washed out?
England's Jamie Smith returns for their Champions Trophy opener against Australia in Lahore. Absent from the previous ODI series against India, Smith will bat at No. 3 and keep wickets. England has included Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood in their pace attack.
Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim, 35, has announced his retirement from international cricket, just six months after returning for the T20 World Cup. His comeback was short-lived as Pakistan exited the tournament early. Imad's international career included 55 ODIs and 75 T20Is, where he showcased his skills with both bat and ball.
West Indies women snapped their nine-match losing streak against India with a resounding nine-wicket victory in the second T20I. Hayley Matthews' unbeaten 85 overshadowed Smriti Mandhana's elegant 62 as the West Indies chased down India's 159/9 with ease.
Express pacer Mayank Yadav is set to miss the upcoming white-ball series against England, including five T20Is and three ODIs, due to a back injury. The 22-year-old has been recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and last played a match on October 12, 2023.
India's cricket team celebrated their third Champions Trophy win by donning the iconic white jackets during the presentation in Dubai. The jackets, designed by Babita M, symbolize elite success and were introduced in 2009. India's victory over New Zealand was highlighted by Rohit Sharma's commanding 76 and KL Rahul's unbeaten 34, cementing their legacy as the best.
Sunil Gavaskar addresses the possibility of resuming India-Pakistan bilateral cricket, citing peace at the borders as essential. Political tensions and security concerns hinder discussions. India hasn't toured Pakistan since 2005-06, and major tournaments are held at neutral venues. Gavaskar stresses sustained peace for any dialogue, as back-channel diplomacy might be ongoing.
Matthew Breetzke debuted for the Proteas in the ODI tri-series with an impressive 150 against New Zealand. Breetzke's composure against challenging conditions set the stage for South Africa's strong innings. However, Kane Williamson's unbeaten 133 secured victory for New Zealand.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will open their IPL campaign against Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag in place of injured Sanju Samson. SRH's strong lineup includes top performers like Abhishek Sharma and Pat Cummins. The Royals face a challenge with Jos Buttler absent and reliance on key players like Shimron Hetmyer. The match starts at 3:30pm IST on Sunday.
Several Indian cricketers, including KL Rahul, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and Amit Mishra, along with badminton star Saina Nehwal, took to social media to extend their warm wishes for Holi. They expressed their hopes for happiness, joy, and colorful celebrations, reminding fans to enjoy responsibly. "May the splashes of colour brighten your life with laughter, love, joy and unforgettable memories. #HappyHoli," former India cricketer Virender Sehwag wrote.