Pakistan team has done well in their recent ODI matches, as they have defeated Australia and South Africa. Before the Champions Trophy, he Men in Green will lock horns with New Zealand and South Africa in a tri-series.

The Pakistan squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 has not been officially announced, but it looks like it should not be very different from the team that has played in South Africa.

Babar Azam, Mohammed Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Harris Rauf are certain to feature in the squad, along with Saim Ayub also confirming his place in the squad as he scored two centuries in the ODIs against South Africa.

Abdullah Shaqifue is likely going to be dropped because he had a horrible outing in the three ODIs, getting dismissed three times on ducks. Fakhar Zaman is likely going to replace him.
Muhammad Irfan Khan and Kamran Ghulam might get retained in the squad as they have shown remarkable performance in the middle order.
Usman Khan might be the one to serve as the backup keeper.

Main concern for Pakistan team lies in the spin bowling. Agha Salman has done well as an all-rounder, but there is no surity that he alone will be able to handle the spin bowling responsibilities. Pakistan can even consider bringing back veteran all-rounder Shadab Khan in the squad, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain will be the pacers.

Pakistan’s expected squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Fakhar Zaman, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

The post 2 Player Rested: Pakistan’s Expected squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 appeared first on Cricket Country.

During the first week of January 2025, the squads will go through a spontaneous training camp in order to prepare for the tournament. This tournament is going to witness seven matches with a final. Indian team will play the tournament opener against Pakistan. there are two matches given to India against every opponent in this tournament.

“India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 is a proud moment for the entire nation. This prestigious tournament in Colombo not only offers a platform for our players to showcase their talent but also highlights the importance of inclusivity in sports,” said Ravi Chauhan, General Secretary of DCCI.

“The DCCI is committed to fostering opportunities for athletes with disabilities, and this event is another step towards setting new benchmarks in the world of cricket. I wish all the participating teams the very best for this tournament,” he added.

:Sminu Jindal Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, said, “We are delighted to support Team India in their journey to the Champions Trophy 2025. This tournament is a testament to the resilience and determination of these remarkable athletes,” he further added.

“At Svayam, we believe accessibility is a fundamental right, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where talent can thrive without barriers. I extend my best wishes to the Indian team and all participants for a successful and inspiring event,” he concluded.

Schedule for Physical Disabled Champions Trophy 2025:

January 12: India Men PD v Pakistan Men PD
January 13: India Men PD v England Men PD
January 15: India Men PD v Sri Lanka Men PD
January 16: India Men PD v Pakistan Men PD
January 18: India Men PD v England Men PD
January 19: India Men PD v Sri Lanka Men PD
January 21: Final

The post India and Pakistan to play THIS tournament before Champions Trophy 2025: Details appeared first on Cricket Country.

PCB is going to be the host of the Champions Trophy 2025, and Pakistan is going to host 10 matches of the tournament. All the three matches involving India will be held in Dubai, including the much-hyped match against Pakistan.

In case India makes it across the league matches, the semifinal and the final will also be held in Dubai. On the other hand, if India gets eliminated in the league matches, the semifinal and final will be held in Lahore and Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

The PCB was earlier seeking compensation from ICC in case India denied travelling to Pakistan for the event, however this request has now been dropped by the ICC. PCB will not be getting any compensation but they are to host an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027.

The post BREAKING: PCB accepts to go with Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy 2025 appeared first on Cricket Country.

In the two games at the event, Wasim scored 19 runs from three games and bagged three wickets at an economy of four. The match against Ireland in Lauderhill was his last game for Pakistan at the highest level. The 35-year-old has stated that he was privileged for being given the chance to sport the national colour.

Wasim also talked about how he wanted to continue playing the sport in the domestic format and appear in the franchise cricket all around the world.

To all fans & supporters:
After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honor of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable.

Your unwavering…

— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) December 13, 2024

In his career of playing 55 ODIs and T20Is, Wasim has scored 1540 runs with six half-centuries to his name. The left-arm spinner has also secured 117 wickets for Pakistan, including two five-wicket hauls and a four-wicket haul.

The post Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim announces his Retirement for the Second time from International Cricket appeared first on Cricket Country.

After consulting with Sri Lanka Cricket Board, the Pakistan Cricket Board gave the confirmation about postponing the last two ODI matches between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A.

After Pakistan Shaheens beat the visitors by 108 runs in the first game, the rest of the two matches that have been postponed were going to be held in Rawalpindi.

The PCB have stated that the two boards will work together to finalise the dates to complete the series.

The former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, started a protest match towards main Islamabad on Sunday.
There have been reports of incidents about clashes and violence between protestors and law-enforcements.

The federal interior minister Mohsin Naqvi, also the chairman of PCB had announced that the army had been called in to put this issue to rest.

The post Sri Lanka set to leave Pakistan due to Political Protest before the Champions Trophy 2025 appeared first on Cricket Country.

Former England star cricketer Kevin Petersen shared his reaction to this historic win by Pakistan. He congratulated the team on their achievement and also suggested that they should make cricket their main priority instead of politics.

“Pakistan WIN in Australia. This is the reason they HAVE TO sort out all the negative ‘noise’ and help the talent show off their skills. Put the politics aside and let the cricket do the talking!” Pietersen wrote on X.

Pakistan WIN in Australia.
This is the reason they HAVE TO sort out all the negative ‘noise’ and help the talent show off their skills.
Put the politics aside and let the cricket do the talking!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 10, 2024

The historic win is the first bilateral ODI series win for Pakistan over Australia in Aussie grounds since 2002. It also came out to be a momentous occasion for Mohammad Rizwan, as he captained his team for the first time in an ODI series. He also shared his happiness about the dedication of his team, along with dedicating the win to Pakistani fans.

“Special moment for me, the nation will be very happy today, we didn’t perform as per expectations in the last couple of years. I’m the captain only for the toss and presentations – everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group. All the credit to the bowlers, Australia in Australia isn’t easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding. Also credit to the two openers, they made the chases easy. They (fans) don’t care a lot about the results, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them,” said Rizwan after the match.

The post Kevin Peterson shares heartfelt words after Pakistan beat Australia and secured ODI series appeared first on Cricket Country.

“Wasn’t one of our best days. They bowled well, but we should have done better and scored more than 160. There was a bit seam around there. We tried to attack (with some close-in fielders) but it wasn’t to be. I will leave it to him (Inglis), he has some experience. So let him be him. We have a week at home. Good training sessions needed, mind now switches to the red ball (for the upcoming Test series vs India),” said Pat Cummins in the post-match presentation.

Pakistan wrapped up Australia in 35 overs for just 163 runs. With his 71-ball 82, Saim Ayub helped Pakistan easily chase down the mark within 26.3 overs. This was his very second time playing an ODI match, and he went all out with bowling attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.

It was Haris Rauf who had earlier stole the show as he picked up five wickets and broken half of the Australian batting lineup. Now, the third and final ODI will be the deciding match for who will come out victorious.

The post Pat Cummins focused on Border-Gavaskar Trophy despite loss against Pakistan in 2nd ODI appeared first on Cricket Country.

“The Afro-Asia Cup, apart from the cricket, brings the much-needed financial input to the organisation, and the appetite is huge from both ends,” said, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, the interim chair of the ACA.

“We have had conversations with our counterparts within the Asia Cricket Council, and obviously our African contingents, they want the Afro-Asia Cup to be revived,” he further added.

Cricketers from India and Pakistan might get an opportunity to play in the same lineup is the Afro-Asia Cup is held. India and Pakistan have not taken part in a bilateral relation since January 2013, and have instead only faced off in ICC and ACC competitions.

The post India and Pakistan set to play together? Afro-Asia Cup to comeback after almost 20 years appeared first on Cricket Country.

Jasprit Bumrah has made a significant impact in Indian cricket without a doubt. His ability to swing the ball and his excellent accuracy have made him a dangerous player in international cricket. His contributions have elevated India’s bowling attack, which is now called to be stronger than the batting lineup.

Naseem Shah is also a fast bowler from Pakistan side. He has made an important impact in his short career. His ability to generate speed and swing the new ball has been playing a key role in the victories of Pakistan across all formats.

Ihsanullah recently made a bold claim addressing both Jasprit Bumrah and Naseem Shah, where he stated that Naseem Shah is superior to Jasprit Bumrah. He highlighted Naseem’s ability to consistently deliver match-winning performances.

Pakistan pacer Ihsan Ullah says Naseem Shah is a better bowler than Jasprit Bumrah 🇮🇳🇵🇰🤯

Do you agree with him or not? pic.twitter.com/n56ZcmDzZR

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 19, 2024

“If I compare Bumrah, then Naseem Shah is a better bowler than Bumrah,” Ihsanullah said on the podcast.

“Naseem Shah was also performing like this in the 2021 (2022) World Cup. It doesn’t matter if someone doesn’t perform too well in a year. Still, Naseem Shah is better than him,” he added.

This declaration by Ihsanullah caused a lot of disturbance on social media and a lot of people criticised him for his statement.

Here is how people have reacted:

According to Ihsan Ullah,

Pakistan has a bigger economy than USA

— Ash (@Ashsay_) October 19, 2024

That’s like saying a bicycle is faster than a Ferrari because it has more wheels spinning! 😂 Bumrah doesn't just bowl—he's out there solving cricketing equations with those pinpoint yorkers. But hey, props to Naseem for the hype—every team needs a hype man!

— Anand (@Anand07792769) October 19, 2024

Koi bhi kuch na kuch kahta rahta hai…

Ihsan Ullah ko kaun janta hai PAK ke bahar….

— SACHIN TIWARI (@GreatTiwari80) October 19, 2024

Koi bhi kuch na kuch kahta rahta hai…

Ihsan Ullah ko kaun janta hai PAK ke bahar….

— SACHIN TIWARI (@GreatTiwari80) October 19, 2024

The post Pakistan pacer’s shocking claim regarding Jasprit Bumrah reeks havoc on social media appeared first on Cricket Country.

The format and schedule of the tournament remain uncertain, and the finals may even be moved to Pakistan in case India qualifies. The lack of clarity with Champions Trophy 2025 has caused concerns for other cricket boards, especially the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, has stated that a Champions Trophy without the involvement of Pakistan or India would not be financially stable.

“(Play) without India? I wouldn’t have thought so. If you play the Champions Trophy without India or Pakistan, the broadcast rights aren’t there, and we need to protect them. It would not be in cricket’s interests for India not to be playing in the Champions Trophy. We’re all waiting to understand whether India are going to travel,” said Gould in a chat with belfasttelegraph.

“That’s the key. I know Pakistan are expecting India to travel but there are lots of different alternatives and contingencies available if that doesn’t happen. Hopefully we can have the fullest possible competition in Pakistan, this is a big moment for the country. If that’s not possible, we know there are options available. There’s geopolitics and then there’s cricketing geopolitics. I think they’ll find a way. They have to find a way. There are always security concerns in this part of the world when those two countries play each other. That will probably drive the key decisions,” he added.

The post Strong warning by ECB during issues regarding Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan appeared first on Cricket Country.