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Rashid Khan Becomes T20 Cricket’s All-Time Leading Wicket-Taker

Khashif Sarfraz
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Rashid Khan Becomes T20 Cricket’s All-Time Leading Wicket-Taker

Rashid Khan: T20 Cricket’s New Wicket King

Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s celebrated wrist-spinner, has etched his name in cricket history, becoming the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket. The 26-year-old achieved this milestone during the SA20 Qualifier 1, where he bowled Dunith Wellalage of Paarl Royals to surpass Dwayne Bravo’s record of 631 wickets.

A Historic Achievement

“It’s a great achievement,” Rashid remarked after the game. “It’s a proud feeling to be from Afghanistan and to be at that level where you top the table. DJ [Bravo] is one of the best T20 bowlers. It’s a great honour, and I’m looking forward to continuing.”

Rashid’s meteoric rise is remarkable. Since his T20 debut in October 2015, he has become one of the most sought-after players in leagues across the globe. With 633 wickets in 461 matches at an average of 18.07, Rashid’s career-best figures of 6/17 highlight his dominance.

The Rashid Effect

Rashid’s success stems from his ability to bowl fast through the air, making it hard for batters to read his deliveries. His lethal combination of accuracy, sharp turn, and relentless pressure has made him one of the most feared bowlers in T20 cricket.

While he is known for his wicket-taking ability, Rashid’s priority has always been creating pressure. Speaking in an earlier interview, he stated, “If someone is going after me, I’m going to make it super hard for him… It’s more about making things harder and harder for the batter.”

All-Round Prowess

Beyond his bowling, Rashid has evolved into a formidable all-rounder. Known for his unconventional “snake shot”, Rashid can hit sixes at will. His all-round brilliance was on display during the IPL 2018 playoffs, where he smashed 34 off 10 balls, took 3 for 19, and grabbed two crucial catches to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad to victory.

His impact is such that his current IPL team, Gujarat Titans, retained him for a staggering INR 15 crore (USD 1.8 million approx).

The Legends He Surpassed

Rashid now leads a prestigious list of T20 bowling legends:

  1. Rashid Khan: 633 wickets at 18.07 (Best: 6/17)
  2. Dwayne Bravo: 631 wickets at 24.40 (Best: 5/23)
  3. Sunil Narine: 574 wickets
  4. Imran Tahir: 531 wickets
  5. Shakib Al Hasan: 492 wickets

A Legacy in the Making

At just 26, Rashid Khan has already achieved what many cricketers can only dream of. His journey from a young Afghan spinner to the T20 cricket’s highest wicket-taker is a testament to his skill, dedication, and resilience. As he continues to dominate, Rashid Khan’s legacy is set to grow even further, inspiring cricket lovers worldwide.

New Zealand Cricket Team Arrives in Lahore for Tri-Nation Series

Khashif Sarfraz
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New Zealand Cricket Team Arrives in Lahore for Tri-Nation Series

New Zealand Cricket Team Arrives in Lahore for Tri-Nation Action

The New Zealand cricket team has landed in Lahore, gearing up for the much-anticipated tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. Scheduled to run from February 8 to February 14, the series will kick off with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

Rest Day for New Zealand

The New Zealand squad is taking a well-deserved rest day after their arrival and will begin their practice sessions tomorrow. Their focus will be on fine-tuning strategies and preparing for the tough competition ahead.

Meanwhile, the South African team is expected to arrive in Lahore on February 7, just a day before the series begins.

Pakistan Prepares for the Challenge

The Pakistan ODI squad has already hit the ground running, with the team engaging in intense practice sessions. A practice match marked the first day of their preparations, focusing on sharpening their fielding, bowling, and overall techniques to meet the challenges posed by their formidable opponents.

Tournament Format and Venue Details

The tri-nation series will follow a single-league format, with each team playing against the other once before the top two face off in the final.

  • First two matches: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
  • Last league match & final: National Bank Stadium, Karachi

The opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 8 is expected to draw a huge crowd as fans eagerly anticipate the series’ high-stakes action.

Tickets on Sale

Tickets for the series are already available, both online and at select TCS outlets. Cricket enthusiasts are rushing to secure their seats to witness this exciting clash of cricketing titans.

As the countdown to the tri-nation series begins, fans can look forward to a week of thrilling cricket that promises fierce rivalries and unforgettable moments.

Pakistan vs. India Champions Trophy 2025 Tickets Sold Out in Under an Hour

Khashif Sarfraz
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Pakistan vs. India Champions Trophy 2025 Tickets Sold Out in Under an Hour

Record-Breaking Demand for Pakistan vs. India Champions Trophy Match Tickets

The cricketing world is abuzz as tickets for the highly anticipated group-stage match between arch-rivals Pakistan and India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were sold out in less than an hour.

The match, scheduled for February 23rd at the Dubai Stadium, promises to be one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters, with fans worldwide eagerly awaiting this epic showdown.

An Unparalleled Ticket Frenzy

Fans from Pakistan, India, and beyond raced online to secure their spots for the blockbuster clash.

  • Ticket sales began at 4 PM on Monday afternoon.
  • Within just four minutes, the website saw overwhelming traffic, with 140,000 fans queued online.

Despite high demand, tickets across all price categories, from 500 AED to 12,500 AED, were completely sold out in under an hour.

Ticket Pricing Details

Tickets for the match were available in a range of price categories to accommodate different fans:

  • 500 AED (cheapest)
  • 1,000 AED
  • 1,200 AED
  • 2,500 AED
  • 5,000 AED
  • 12,500 AED (most expensive)

This ticket frenzy highlights the unmatched excitement surrounding the rivalry, as fans left no stone unturned to be part of this historic event.

The Iconic Rivalry

The Pakistan vs. India cricket rivalry is unmatched in intensity and global appeal. Matches between these two cricketing giants transcend sports, drawing massive audiences both in stadiums and on screens.

With Dubai Stadium set to host this monumental clash, the anticipation for February 23rd has already reached fever pitch.

Missed Tickets? Don’t Worry!

For fans who couldn’t secure a ticket, all hope is not lost. The match will be broadcast live to millions worldwide, ensuring no one misses a moment of the action.

Stay tuned for more updates on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and exclusive insights into this iconic showdown!

Cricket Returns to Peshawar: Arbab Niaz Stadium to Host PSL Matches After 19 Years

Khashif Sarfraz
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Cricket Returns to Peshawar: Arbab Niaz Stadium to Host PSL Matches After 19 Years

Cricket Revival in Peshawar: PSL Returns to Arbab Niaz Stadium After Two Decades

After nearly two decades, Peshawar’s historic Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium is set to host international cricket once again. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that two Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will take place at the newly renovated stadium, marking the revival of cricket in the city.

The last international match held in Peshawar was a high-stakes clash between Pakistan and India in 2006. This long-awaited return highlights the city’s importance in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.

Efforts Behind the Revival

The decision to bring PSL matches to Peshawar comes after relentless efforts by Peshawar Zalmi and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government. Despite the ongoing renovations, the PCB confirmed that both matches will be played during the daytime due to the absence of floodlights.

ICC Champions Trophy Visits Peshawar

Adding to the excitement, the ICC Champions Trophy will arrive in Peshawar on Thursday and will be displayed at the iconic Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium. This move is a nod to the city’s cricketing legacy as it prepares to reclaim its spot on the international stage.

Renovation Milestones

According to Syed Fakhar Jahan, K-P’s Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, construction at Arbab Niaz Stadium is on track for completion by February 15. Civil work is being carried out in double shifts to meet the deadline.

During his visit, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the city is ready to host PSL matches, stating that funding and security will not hinder the stadium’s transformation.

Looking Ahead

The newly renovated Arbab Niaz Stadium promises to reinvigorate cricket in the region. The hosting of PSL matches and the Champions Trophy display reflect Peshawar’s growing capability to hold national and international cricketing events.

With Peshawar Zalmi’s backing and the provincial government’s unwavering support, cricket enthusiasts in the region have much to celebrate. The revival of cricket in Peshawar is not just a step forward for the city but also for Pakistan’s cricketing future.

Stay tuned as Peshawar gears up to host PSL matches and rekindle its passion for the game!

PCB Introduces Pakistan Shaheens Teams for Champions Trophy Practice Matches

Khashif Sarfraz
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PCB Introduces Pakistan Shaheens Teams for Champions Trophy Practice Matches

PCB Forms Pakistan Shaheens Teams for Champions Trophy 2025 Preparations

In a strategic move ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the creation of three separate Pakistan Shaheens teams. These teams will participate in practice matches against the guest teams competing in the tournament, offering both domestic players and international cricketers valuable preparation time.

Purpose and Locations

The Pakistan Shaheens teams will serve multiple purposes:

  1. Practice for Guest Teams: Visiting teams will have the opportunity to fine-tune their performance before the main event.
  2. Exposure for Domestic Players: Young and promising domestic players will gain experience by playing alongside international stars.

Each of the three Shaheens teams will be assigned to a different location:

  • Karachi
  • Lahore
  • Dubai

The matches will help acclimatize the guest teams to local conditions and allow Pakistan’s domestic talent to shine.

Tri-Nation Series as Additional Preparation

In addition to the Shaheens matches, New Zealand and South Africa, who are participating in both the Champions Trophy and the tri-nation series, will also have opportunities to practice against Pakistan. The tri-nation series kicks off on February 8, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match.

Grand Opening Ceremonies Planned

The PCB has also finalized plans for multiple opening ceremonies to set the stage for a spectacular Champions Trophy.

  1. February 7: An opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, will mark the start of the event. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to be the chief guest.
  2. February 11: National Stadium, Karachi, will host its ceremony, with President Asif Ali Zardari as the guest of honour.
  3. February 16: The official Champions Trophy opening ceremony will be held at Hazoori Bagh, Lahore, followed by a brief celebration at the venue.

Looking Ahead

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, beginning on February 19, promises to be a grand spectacle. With meticulous preparations, including the tri-nation series, Shaheens practice matches, and grand ceremonies, the PCB is ensuring both guest teams and local talent are ready for the big stage.

The upcoming practice matches and events also reflect Pakistan’s commitment to hosting a world-class tournament. Stay tuned for updates as the cricketing action unfolds!

Pakistan Squad Prepares for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Tri-Nation Series

Khashif Sarfraz
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Pakistan Squad Prepares for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Tri-Nation Series

Pakistan Squad Prepares for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with Tri-Nation Series

Pakistan’s 15-member squad has kicked off its preparations for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, and Pakistan will be hosting a tri-nation ODI series from February 8 to 14, with New Zealand and South Africa participating.

Starting February 4, the national squad will engage in training sessions, with their first session held at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground. Additional practice sessions are scheduled for February 5 and 6, leading up to the final session on February 8, the eve of the tri-nation series.

This series is vital for Pakistan as they look to defend their title in the Champions Trophy 2025, with the format being a single-league format. The final will take place in Karachi on February 14.

Fakhar Zaman’s Opening Partner: Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel?

Fakhar Zaman, who returned to the ODI squad after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, will open the innings for Pakistan. However, with Saim Ayub out due to an ankle injury and Abdullah Shafique not making the squad, Fakhar’s opening partner is still up for discussion.

Asad Shafiq, the national selector, revealed that Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel are the leading contenders to join Fakhar at the top. The final decision will be made after considering factors such as conditions, opposition, and match strategy.

🗣 “Fakhar Zaman’s return is a significant boost for our top-order. His aggressive approach and match-winning capabilities are vital to our plans. Likewise, Saud Shakeel has been drafted to further bolster the batting. He has a rich vein of form in Test cricket, especially in home conditions,” said Shafiq.

Shafiq added that Babar Azam, who has experience opening in T20Is and performed admirably in the Cape Town Test, is also an option to open alongside Fakhar.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy 2025

The squad for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy includes:

  • Mohammad Rizwan (captain)
  • Babar Azam
  • Fakhar Zaman
  • Kamran Ghulam
  • Saud Shakeel
  • Tayyab Tahir
  • Faheem Ashraf
  • Khushdil Shah
  • Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
  • Usman Khan
  • Abrar Ahmed
  • Haris Rauf
  • Mohammad Hasnain
  • Naseem Shah
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi

Looking Ahead: Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan squad will use the tri-nation series as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which kicks off on February 19. With the team aiming to defend their title, every practice session and match will be crucial in shaping their performance for the upcoming tournament.

Wasim Akram Backs Babar Azam to Open for Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025

Khashif Sarfraz
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Wasim Akram Backs Babar Azam to Open for Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025

Wasim Akram Backs Babar Azam to Open for Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has given his endorsement to the idea of Babar Azam opening the innings for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan recently announced their squad for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy. While Fakhar Zaman made a return to the 15-member squad, Saim Ayub was left out due to an ankle injury. During the announcement, national selector Asad Shafiq mentioned that either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel would open depending on the conditions.

Akram, however, believes that Babar Azam should take up the opening slot alongside Fakhar Zaman.

🗣 “I would like to see [Mohammad] Rizwan as a middle-order batter and maybe ask Babar to open the inning. Babar has a brilliant technique. If he plays 50 overs and scores a hundred, the batting will revolve around him,” Akram shared during a media talk.

Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah Criticized by Wasim Akram

While Akram backed Babar’s role in the top order, he also voiced his concerns regarding the selection of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the squad. Both players’ recent performances have raised questions about their place in the team.

🗣 “Faheem Ashraf has been selected in this squad but in the last few months his batting average is 8 while his bowling average is 100. Apart from this, Khushdil Shah’s performance has also not been good and we have selected only one spinner, but India has selected 4 spinners,” Akram said, criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)‘s decision.

Akram’s remarks were supported by Rashid Khan and Tanvir Ahmed, who echoed similar concerns about the squad selection. Khan suggested that Ashraf’s inclusion was a “political selection”, while Ahmed referred to the squad as “a joke” when compared to India’s depth in spin bowling.

Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 and Tri-Nation Series

The Pakistan squad for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025 includes:

  • Babar Azam
  • Fakhar Zaman
  • Kamran Ghulam
  • Saud Shakeel
  • Tayyab Tahir
  • Mohammad Rizwan (captain, wicketkeeper)
  • Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)
  • Faheem Ashraf
  • Khushdil Shah
  • Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
  • Abrar Ahmed
  • Haris Rauf
  • Mohammad Hasnain
  • Naseem Shah
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan’s Challenges Heading into Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan squad faces heavy scrutiny heading into the Champions Trophy 2025, with experts questioning the inclusion of certain players. Akram, Khan, and Ahmed have all highlighted concerns regarding player form, particularly that of Faheem Ashraf, who has not delivered strong performances in recent months.

The focus now shifts to how Pakistan navigates these challenges and whether Akram’s call to have Babar Azam open will be adopted.

Will Pakistan be able to overcome internal disputes and perform well on the big stage? Let’s wait and see!

Gautam Gambhir Downplays Hype Around India-Pakistan Clash in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Khashif Sarfraz
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Gautam Gambhir Downplays Hype Around India-Pakistan Clash in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Gautam Gambhir Downplays Hype Around India-Pakistan Clash in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India‘s head coach Gautam Gambhir has downplayed the growing anticipation surrounding their high-profile clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) annual awards, Gambhir emphasized that the Indian team is not focusing solely on one match but rather on winning the Champions Trophy as a whole.

🗣 “Look, we don’t go to the Champions Trophy thinking that the 23rd is the most important game for us. I think five games, all the games are important,” Gambhir said.

Focus on the Bigger Picture: Champions Trophy Glory

Gambhir underscored that the mission for India is not just to win against Pakistan, but to secure the Champions Trophy 2025 title. While acknowledging the intensity and emotions surrounding India-Pakistan matches, he remained focused on the broader challenge.

🗣 “The mission to go to Dubai is to win the Champions Trophy, not only win one particular game. But yes, if that is one game in the middle of winning the Champions Trophy, we’re going to try and take it as seriously as possible.”

The Challenge of the Champions Trophy

The Champions Trophy brings a different level of intensity compared to the 50-over World Cup, as every match is crucial. Gambhir stressed the importance of starting well and treating every game as a make-or-break encounter in the tournament.

🗣 “Champions Trophy is a completely different challenge as compared to the 50-over World Cup because literally every game is a make-or-break, so you can’t stop anywhere in this tournament,” he noted.

Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli: Key Players for India

Despite a tough run of form in recent series, Gambhir expressed confidence in the leadership of Rohit Sharma and the batting prowess of Virat Kohli. He believes their experience and hunger for success will be crucial for India’s campaign.

🗣 “Both Rohit and Virat, they add so much value to the dressing room. They add so much value to Indian cricket as well. They’ve got to play a massive role (in the Champions Trophy),” Gambhir said.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

  • February 20: India vs Bangladesh (Dubai)
  • February 23: India vs Pakistan (Dubai)
  • March 2: India vs New Zealand (Dubai)

Gambhir’s Confidence for India’s Success

With a determined mindset, Gambhir remains confident that India’s senior players will rise to the occasion in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. His focus is on winning all matches in the tournament, with the Pakistan clash seen as part of a bigger journey to victory.

Do you think India’s broader approach will give them the edge, or is the Pakistan match the key to their success? 🏆

Ponting & Shastri Predict India-Australia Final in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Khashif Sarfraz
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Ponting & Shastri Predict India-Australia Final in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Ponting & Shastri Predict India-Australia Final in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri have tipped India and Australia as the frontrunners for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.

Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting highlighted the dominance of India and Australia in ICC tournaments, stating:

🗣 “It’s hard to go past India and Australia again. Just think about the quality of players in both countries right now. History shows that when big finals and ICC events come around, inevitably Australia and India are there somewhere.”

Shastri also named England and South Africa as potential semi-finalists but firmly backed India to make it to the final.

Pakistan: A Dark Horse in the Tournament?

Ponting acknowledged Pakistan’s impressive form, especially after series victories over Australia and South Africa, suggesting they could challenge for a final spot.

🗣 “The other team playing some really good cricket at the moment is Pakistan. Their one-day cricket over the last little bit has been absolutely outstanding. We know they’re not always the most predictable team, but they seem to have sorted things out a little bit.”

With Pakistan hosting the tournament, their home advantage could play a crucial role in their title aspirations.

Champions Trophy 2025: Tournament Overview

📅 Dates: February 19 – March 9, 2025
🏟 Venues: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi & Dubai
👥 Teams: 8 Teams, 2 Groups, 15 Matches

Group A

🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇮🇳 India
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇧🇩 Bangladesh

Group B

🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🇿🇦 South Africa
🏴 England
🇦🇺 Australia

🔹 Opening Match: 🇵🇰 Pakistan vs New Zealand – February 19 (Karachi)
🔥 India vs Pakistan Clash: February 23 (Dubai)

Who Will Win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

While India and Australia remain favorites, Pakistan’s recent form and home conditions could turn the tournament into an unpredictable contest.

Do you agree with Ponting and Shastri’s predictions, or do you see a surprise finalist emerging? 🤔🏏

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