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Australia’s Mitchell Marsh Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Due to Injury

Khashif Sarfraz
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Australia’s Mitchell Marsh Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Due to Injury

Australia has suffered a major setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with key all-rounder Mitchell Marsh ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

The National Selection Panel (NSP), in consultation with the team’s medical staff, made the decision after Marsh’s lower back pain did not respond to rehabilitation efforts.

🏏 Marsh’s Road to Recovery:

  • Marsh has been dealing with back pain in recent weeks.
  • The NSP opted for an extended rest period to aid his recovery.
  • He will now focus on rehabilitation before making a return to cricket.

🏏 Who Will Replace Marsh?

  • The NSP will soon meet to finalize a replacement.
  • Final squads for the Champions Trophy must be submitted by February 12.

🏏 Tournament Details:

  • Champions Trophy 2025 begins on February 19.
  • Hosts & defending champions Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

Stay tuned for further updates on Australia’s squad changes and Marsh’s replacement. 🚨

Sarfaraz Ahmed Joins Pakistan Champions for World Championship of Legends

Khashif Sarfraz
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Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is making a much-anticipated return to limited-overs cricket, as he officially joins Pakistan Champions for the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL).

The wicketkeeper-batter confirmed his participation with a photo on social media, which was also shared by the official Pakistan Champions handle. The announcement was accompanied by a video captioned:
“CAPTAIN. LEADER. LEGEND! Sarfaraz Ahmed is bringing his winning mentality to Pakistan Champions for WCL Season 2.”

A Tournament of Legends

The WCL is a premier T20 tournament that brings together retired and non-contracted cricket stars, featuring six nations:
🏏 Pakistan
🏏 India
🏏 England
🏏 Australia
🏏 South Africa
🏏 West Indies

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy, adds further star power to an already competitive Pakistan Champions squad. Under his captaincy, Pakistan also won 11 consecutive T20 series, defeating top teams like Australia, England, New Zealand, and West Indies.

Key WCL 2025 Fixtures

📅 July 18 – Pakistan Champions vs. England Champions at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham
📅 July 20 – India vs. Pakistan clash at Edgbaston
📅 July 31 – Knockout stages
📅 August 2 – Grand Final

With Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership and a star-studded lineup, Pakistan Champions will be aiming to lift the WCL 2025 trophy. Will they avenge their previous season’s final loss to India? Fans eagerly await the action!

Fan Breaches Security to Touch Virat Kohli’s Feet During Domestic Cricket

Khashif Sarfraz
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Fan Breaches Security to Touch Virat Kohli’s Feet During Domestic Cricket

Virat Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after 12 years took an unexpected turn when a passionate fan breached security to touch his feet during Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Fan’s Emotional Gesture Stuns Kohli

The incident occurred in the 12th over, just as Money Grewal was preparing to bowl. The fan rushed past security lines and ran straight toward the slip cordon, where Kohli was stationed. In a moment of pure admiration, the fan bent down to touch Kohli’s feet, catching the former India captain off guard.

Kohli, maintaining his composure, urged the fan to stay calm and not to perform such acts, as seen in viral videos circulating online. Security officials quickly intervened and escorted the fan away, ensuring the match resumed without further disruption.

A Record Crowd Welcomes Kohli’s Return

Despite the brief interruption, the atmosphere remained electric, with a record 15,000 fans in attendance—well above the expected 10,000—eager to witness Kohli’s homecoming.

Kohli’s return comes after the BCCI mandated centrally contracted players to participate in domestic cricket. His struggles in Australia, where he scored only 190 runs in nine innings during India’s 3-1 Test series loss, have made this domestic stint crucial ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The last time Kohli played in the Ranji Trophy was in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh. His return to the tournament after a decade has marked a significant new chapter in his storied career.

Giant ‘Running Man’ Statue to Be Installed at Gaddafi Stadium for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Khashif Sarfraz
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Giant ‘Running Man’ Statue to Be Installed at Gaddafi Stadium for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

As part of the renovation efforts for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a massive 25-foot-high, two-ton iron statue of a ‘running man’ will be installed at the entrance of Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Symbol of Energy and Motion

Commissioned by the Government of Punjab, the statue is designed to capture the energy and motion of a cricketer in full sprint. Located near the Nishtar Park Sports Complex, this monumental sculpture was completed in just 18 days and is set to become a major attraction for fans during the tournament.

To enhance the matchday atmosphere, the statue will also be illuminated with colorful lights, adding to the vibrant celebrations of the eight-team event, which will take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

Grand Opening Ceremony Plans Finalized

In addition to the statue unveiling, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremonies and promotional events.

  • February 7 – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as Chief Guest)
  • February 11 – National Bank Stadium, Karachi (President Asif Ali Zardari as Guest of Honor)
  • February 16 – Hazoori Bagh, Lahore (Official Opening Ceremony with Top Government Officials, ICC Representatives, and Cricket Legends)

With extensive stadium renovations, promotional events, and the grand unveiling of the ‘Running Man’ statue, Pakistan is preparing for a historic Champions Trophy after 29 years.

PCB Unveils Grand Opening Ceremony Plans for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Khashif Sarfraz
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PCB Unveils Grand Opening Ceremony Plans for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially finalized the schedule for the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, setting the stage for a spectacular launch of the much-anticipated tournament.

Opening Ceremony Schedule

The tournament will begin on February 19, but the celebrations will start much earlier with multiple opening ceremonies planned across different venues:

  • February 7 – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Chief Guest: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif)
  • February 11 – National Stadium, Karachi (Chief Guest: President Asif Ali Zardari)
  • February 16 – Hazoori Bagh, Lahore (Official Opening Ceremony)

The official grand opening on February 16 will feature top cricketers, ICC officials, and national figures, marking a historic moment as Pakistan hosts the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time in 29 years.

Champions Trophy 2025 Tournament Format

The tournament will be played in a hybrid model, with India’s matches and knockout rounds hosted in Dubai due to political reasons.

The eight participating teams are divided into two groups:

Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia

Key Matches:

  • February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi (Opening Match)
  • February 23 – Pakistan vs India, Dubai (Most Anticipated Clash)

Renovations & Preparations

Both Lahore and Karachi stadiums have undergone extensive renovations to meet international standards. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently updated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the preparations, earning praise for his efforts in making this event a success.

Ticket Information

How to Buy:

  • For Pakistan matches: Available via ICC’s official ticketing portal and TCS Express Centers starting February 3.
  • For UAE matches (including India’s games): Ticket details will be announced soon on the ICC website.

Ticket Prices:

  • General Stand: Starting at Rs1,000
  • Premium Seating: Starting at Rs1,500

Fans are encouraged to book tickets early to witness one of the biggest cricket events of 2025!

Title: The Emotional Story Behind Virat Kohli’s Iconic Jersey Number 18

Khashif Sarfraz
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Title: The Emotional Story Behind Virat Kohli’s Iconic Jersey Number 18

Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, has always been seen wearing the number 18 jersey across all formats—ODI, T20, and Test cricket. However, not many know the deep emotional connection he has with this number.

Why Number 18?

According to reports, Kohli didn’t initially choose 18 for his jersey, but over time, it became a significant part of his life for multiple reasons.

  1. Personal Loss – December 18, 2006, is a heartbreaking day for Kohli. His father, Prem Kohli, passed away due to a heart attack. Despite the tragedy, a young Kohli chose to continue playing his Ranji Trophy match the very next day, displaying his dedication to cricket.
  2. Career Milestone – Kohli made his international debut for India on August 18, 2008, further strengthening his bond with the number.
  3. Symbol of Success – Kohli believes wearing the number 18 marked the beginning of his achievements in cricket, making it a lucky number for him.

Beyond cricket, Kohli has incorporated 18 into his personal and business ventures, from his restaurant name to customized number plates on his luxury cars.

His journey with jersey number 18 stands as a testament to his resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Pakistan’s Noman Ali Breaks into Top 5 ICC Test Bowlers Rankings

Khashif Sarfraz
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Pakistan’s Noman Ali Breaks into Top 5 ICC Test Bowlers Rankings

Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali has made a remarkable leap in the latest ICC Test bowlers rankings, climbing four places to secure the 5th spot. His rise follows a sensational 10-wicket haul in Pakistan’s recent Test match against West Indies in Multan, a performance that helped the hosts level the series 1-1.

At 38 years old, Noman continues to prove his mettle, securing 806 rating points—making him only the 12th Pakistani bowler to surpass the 800-point mark in Test cricket rankings. His ability to outfox batters with precision and consistency underscores Pakistan’s growing dominance in spin bowling.

Other Major Ranking Updates

  • West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican climbed 16 places to 25th after claiming 19 wickets in the series, earning him the Player of the Series award.
  • India’s Jasprit Bumrah remains No. 1 in the Test bowlers rankings, following his dominant performances against Australia.

T20I Rankings Shake-up

  • England’s Adil Rashid reclaimed the No. 1 T20I bowler spot after a strong showing against India.
  • India’s Varun Chakravarthy surged 25 places to 5th, while Jofra Archer jumped 13 spots to 6th.
  • Australia’s Travis Head retained

Steve Smith Joins Elite 10,000-Test Run Club in Historic Achievement

Khashif Sarfraz
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Steve Smith Joins Elite 10,000-Test Run Club in Historic Achievement

Australian batting maestro Steve Smith has etched his name in cricketing history by surpassing 10,000 Test runs during Australia’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The 35-year-old, captaining the side in Pat Cummins’ absence, reached the landmark with a single off his first delivery after stepping onto the crease. Smith started the match at 9,999 runs and came to bat following the dismissals of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.

With a well-placed shot to mid-on, Smith became the fourth Australian to cross the 10,000-run mark, joining legends Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting. Speaking about his achievement, Smith said:

“Fortunately hit that one in the gap, so nice to get that one away,” he told Australia’s 7Cricket after reaching the milestone. At tea on Day 1, he remained unbeaten on 64.

Steve Smith’s Place Among Cricketing Greats

India’s Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs, followed by Ponting (13,378) and Jacques Kallis (13,289).

Smith is now eyeing Pakistan’s Younis Khan, who sits 14th on the all-time Test run-scorers list with 10,099 runs.

This achievement further solidifies Smith’s legacy among Australia’s greatest cricketers, as he continues to build on his remarkable Test career.

PCB to Announce Squad for Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy 2025

Khashif Sarfraz
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PCB to Announce Squad for Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy 2025

PCB to Announce Squad for Tri-Nation Series and Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce its final squad for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 within the next two days.

After extensive consultations with national selectors, sources indicate that Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel are likely to be included in the squad.

However, Saim Ayub’s selection remains uncertain due to an ongoing injury, while Abbas Afridi and Aamir Jamal are under consideration. Meanwhile, Abdullah Shafique, Irfan Khan, Sufyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Hasnain are unlikely to make the final cut.

Pakistan’s Road to the Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s ODI team will kick off preparations for the Tri-Nation Series on February 4. This series will be crucial as the team looks to defend its Champions Trophy title against New Zealand and South Africa.

Tri-Nation Series Schedule (Single-League Format)

  • February 8 – Pakistan vs New Zealand (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
  • February 10 – New Zealand vs South Africa (National Stadium, Karachi)
  • February 12 – Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
  • February 14 – Final (National Stadium, Karachi)

The Tri-Nation Series champion will head into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting February 19, with momentum.

Champions Trophy 2025 – Complete Match Schedule

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches across Pakistan and Dubai.

  • February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand (Karachi, Pakistan)
  • February 20 – Bangladesh vs India (Dubai)
  • February 21 – Afghanistan vs South Africa (Karachi, Pakistan)
  • February 22 – Australia vs England (Lahore, Pakistan)
  • February 23 – Pakistan vs India (Dubai)
  • February 24 – Bangladesh vs New Zealand (Rawalpindi, Pakistan)
  • February 25 – Australia vs South Africa (Rawalpindi, Pakistan)
  • February 26 – Afghanistan vs England (Lahore, Pakistan)
  • February 27 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi, Pakistan)
  • February 28 – Afghanistan vs Australia (Lahore, Pakistan)
  • March 1 – South Africa vs England (Karachi, Pakistan)
  • March 2 – New Zealand vs India (Dubai)
  • March 4 – Semi-final 1 (Dubai)
  • March 5 – Semi-final 2 (Lahore, Pakistan)
  • March 9 – Final (Lahore, unless India qualifies, then Dubai)
  • March 10 – Reserve Day

Excitement Builds for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

With Pakistan aiming to defend its Champions Trophy title, all eyes are set on the tournament. The Pakistan vs India showdown on February 23 in Dubai is expected to be the biggest highlight of the tournament.

Pakistan cricket fans are now eagerly waiting for PCB’s official squad announcement as the countdown to a thrilling cricketing season begins!

PCB and USA Cricket Strengthen Ties as Champions Trophy 2025 Ticket Sales Begin

Khashif Sarfraz
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PCB and USA Cricket Strengthen Ties as Champions Trophy 2025 Ticket Sales Begin

PCB and USA Cricket Strengthen Ties as Champions Trophy 2025 Ticket Sales Begin

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, recently met with USA Cricket CEO, Johnathan Atkeison, in Washington to discuss expanding cricket in both nations. Also present at the meeting was PSL CEO, Salman Naseer.

Strengthening Pakistan-USA Cricket Relations

During the discussion, both cricket boards agreed on organizing a bilateral series to promote the sport in the United States. PCB also pledged training opportunities for American coaches in Pakistan, showcasing its commitment to global cricket development.

To further strengthen relations, Naqvi invited Atkeison to attend the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, an invitation that was warmly received.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Tournament Details

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, running from February 19 to March 9, will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches. The games will take place across Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, with select fixtures in Dubai.

  • Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
  • Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia

The opening match will see Pakistan face New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. The most anticipated Pakistan vs India clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.

Pakistan will host 10 matches, including the final, while Dubai will stage four games, including India’s group-stage matches and the first semi-final.

Tickets Now on Sale for Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that tickets for the tournament went on sale on January 28 at 14:00 PST.

Fans can purchase tickets through:

  • Online sales for Pakistan-based matches
  • TCS Express Centers across Pakistan (from February 3)
  • Dubai tickets for India’s matches (availability to be announced soon)

Ticket prices vary by stand, with general seating starting at Rs. 1,000, while premium seats begin at Rs. 1,500.

Tickets for the final match on March 9 will be released after the first semi-final in Dubai.

Excitement Builds for the First ICC Event in Pakistan Since 1996

ICC Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Dahiya, expressed excitement over Pakistan hosting its first global cricket tournament in 29 years, calling the Champions Trophy an “unmissable event”.

Similarly, Tournament Director Sumair Ahmad Syed stated:
“The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a monumental event, offering fans an unparalleled opportunity to witness the game’s biggest stars live.”

With Pakistan eager to defend its 2017 title, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly securing their seats for what promises to be a thrilling tournament!

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