Michael Bracewell is set to captain New Zealand in a five-match T20I series against Pakistan. Following their runners-up finish in the ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand aims to build on recent successes despite the absence of key players due to IPL commitments and injuries.
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Pakistan are set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years. The tournament will commence on February 19 with the hosts facing New Zealand. PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi expressed excitement for the event, emphasising its significance for showcasing Pakistan's hospitality and cricket passion.
Nineteen-year-old Australian opener Sam Konstas is poised for a potential Boxing Day Test debut against India, replacing the struggling Nathan McSweeney. McSweeney's dropping after just three Tests has ignited debate, with some questioning the decision's fairness.
Pakistan recalled top-order batter Fakhar Zaman for the Champions Trophy, starting February 19, after his recovery from a knee injury. Saim Ayub misses out due to injury Mohammad Rizwan will captain the team, which also features 2017 champions Zaman, Babar Azam, and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan will play India in Dubai on February 23.
Punjab Kings, under new captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, aim to break their 17-year IPL trophy dsrought. Ponting, emphasizing a winning mindset, has high hopes for young talents like Musheer Khan and Priyansh Arya as the coach aims to transform Punjab into a championship team.
India's Mohit Sharma shared a balanced view of BCCI's revised policy restricting family members on tours. A day earlier, Virat Kohli, however, had strongly emphasised the importance of family presence for players' mental well-being. Players' spouses and families are allowed only after the first two weeks on tours exceeding 45 days or for a week on shorter tours.
Rajasthan Royals' Wanindu Hasaranga's love for South Indian movies inspired his 'Pushpa' style celebration after taking four wickets against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. Hasaranga's performance, dismissing key players including CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, led to Rajasthan's first win in the 18th edition of the tournament.
India have been handed a setback as Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy. Australia, hit the hardest, will miss key players like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. South Africa and Afghanistan also deal with injuries, while Pakistan's Saim Ayub faces exclusion due to an ankle injury.
Mushfiqur Rahim, the 37-year-old veteran cricketer from Bangladesh, has retired from ODI cricket following his team's exit from the ICC Champions Trophy. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for his 19-year career, during which he amassed 7,795 runs and secured 243 catches and 56 stumpings. He remains the second-highest run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODIs.
Ricky Ponting expresses surprise at Shreyas Iyer's absence from India's white-ball squad, highlighting Iyer's outstanding performances in domestic cricket and the 2023 World Cup. Ponting praises Iyer's ability to excel on slower pitches and expects him to shine in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Delighted with Iyer's inclusion in Punjab Kings, Ponting looks forward to their potential success.
India began training in Adelaide after a 10-wicket loss to Australia. The team held a net session to prepare for the third Test in Brisbane. Batters practiced defensive and aggressive techniques. India need a series win to improve their World Test Championship standing. The series is currently tied 1-1. India aim to turn things around in the next match.