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  • ICC meeting on Champions Trophy postponed again

    ICC meeting on Champions Trophy postponed again

    A crucial International Cricket Council (ICC) Board meeting, scheduled for Saturday, to decide on the fate of the hosting of the Champions Trophy has been postponed again. 

     

    Yesterday’s ICC board meeting on the venue of the Champions Trophy could not be decided, after which the meeting was postponed until today.

     

    However, ICC sources now say that the Board meeting will not be held today. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is standing by its stance, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has asked for more time after Pakistan’s refusal to buckle to pressure. 

     

    According to Geo, the ICC board meeting is likely to be held in the next 48 hours, while the term of ICC Chairman Greg Barclay is also likely to be extended by one month.

     

    ICC Chairman Greg Barclay’s term was scheduled till November 30. India’s Jay Shah was to take over as ICC Chairman from December 1.

     

    A decision was to be made at the ICC board meeting today on whether the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan or not.

     

    Pakistan had asked for an acceptable formula for the trophy before the board meeting, and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi informed the ICC of Pakistan’s clear stance.

     

    Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi had said that the Board will bear wounds, but will not let their honour be compromised.  PCB has almost completed all the arrangements for the Champions Trophy.

     

    India’s refusal to come to Pakistan has complicated the matter, and PCB says that a match with India at a neutral venue under a hybrid model is not acceptable.

     

    India is lobbying to take the entire Champions Trophy out of Pakistan, but PCB has prepared to block Indian tactics. The Pakistan Cricket Board will not accept any option without its conditions.

     

    How much will PCB get from hosting the Champions Trophy?

    Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, but do you know how much money the country will get to host the mega event?

     

    According to reports, Pakistan will get $6 million for hosting rights to the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan will also have to pay $1.2 to $1.3 million as a premium to the insurance company to insure the tournament. Pakistan will get more dollars from gate money and hospitality, thus deducting the insurance amount and getting about $6 million.

     

    The ICC provides Pakistan with two instalments of $13 million from its income every year in January and July, while India gets 38 per cent of the annual share of ICC income, which is $90 to $95 million.

  • Josh Hazlewood out of second Test match against India

    Josh Hazlewood out of second Test match against India

    Bad news has come out for the Australian team before the second Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy against India after Josh Hazlewood suffered an injury and got ruled out of the second Test.

     

    Cricket Australia has announced that Shane Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been included in the Australian squad to fill the gap left by Hazlewood, who will be with the team in Adelaide.

     

    The second day-night Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy will be played in Adelaide from December 6, with India leading the five-Test series by one-nil.

     

    On the other hand, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has given a strict deadline for Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami to return to the team. Shami has less than a week to convince the selectors to select him for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

     

    He has recently returned to cricket after an injury and is reportedly being closely monitored by the BCCI medical team.

     

    After an impressive performance in his first Ranji Trophy match for Bengal, Shami will be evaluated in some Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches. It is also reported that Shami needs to lose some weight and regain fitness.

     

    The BCCI medical team feels that he will start losing weight as he continues to play matches, which will help increase his endurance.

     

    The first Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series took place at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22 to 25, 2024. India delivered a commanding performance, defeating Australia by 295 runs and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

     

    Match Summary

    India began the match with a modest first innings total of 150, with Australia’s Josh Hazlewood leading the attack, claiming 4 wickets for 29 runs. In reply, Australia faltered, managing only 104 in their first innings, as Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc with figures of 5/30.

     

    In their second innings, India declared at 487/6, showcasing a superb century by Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and a resilient knock by Virat Kohli (100*). This set Australia a daunting target. Despite a valiant effort, the Australian batsmen crumbled, posting 238 in their second innings, with Bumrah taking another 3 wickets for 42 runs. India secured a comprehensive victory, winning by 295 runs.

  • Three former South African cricketers arrested in corruption case

    Three former South African cricketers arrested in corruption case

    South African police have arrested three former South African cricketers in a corruption case.

     

    Police say that Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Thami Tsolekile, along with former Titans bowler Ethy Mbhalatiare are accused of match-fixing. These three players were suspended from cricket in 2017.

     

    Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Tribunal had banned two players after match-fixing allegations were proven true.

     

    Emirati players Mohammed Naveed and Shaiman Anwar were found guilty of match-fixing by the ICC.

     

    United Arab Emirates cricket team captain Mohammed Naveed and batsman Shaiman Anwar were accused of corruption in 2019, and according to the allegations leveled by the ICC, the had offered match-fixing to players of the Emirati team that qualified for the 2019 T20 World Cup.

     

    The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) later charged Naveed in two corruption cases related to the T10 League.

     

    Emirates bans Usman Khan for five years

    Earlier, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had imposed a five-year ban on top-order batsman Usman Khan for violating their contract.

     

    In a statement issued by the UAE Cricket Board, it was said that Usman Khan misrepresented to the ECB and took advantage of the facilities, he was bound to play for the UAE but now he is not doing so.

     

    ECB had also given an annual contract to Usman Khan while he played as a local player of the Emirates in the recent ILT Twenty20.

     

    According to the ECB, Usman Khan violated the contract with it, as a result of which he will not be able to participate in any event under the UAE Board for five years.

     

    Usman Khan represented Multan Sultans in the PSL as an overseas player, after which the Pakistan Cricket Board included Usman Khan in the camp of the Pakistan team.

     

    After coming to the Pakistan camp, Usman Khan sent a notice to the UAE to terminate the agreement.

     

    Afghanistan board bans three cricketers

    Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has banned Mujeeb ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, and Naveen ul Haq for two years.

     

    A dispute has arisen between the players and the Afghan Cricket Board for not signing the central contract.

     

    The three players decided to prefer foreign T20 leagues instead of giving priority to their national team, prompting the Board to take strict action against them. The Afghan Cricket Board has now imposed a two-year ban on Mujeeb ur Rehman, Fazl Haq Farooqi, and Naveen ul Haq while also denying them the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for any T20 league for two years after being banned.

  • Champion Trophy meeting ends without a decision; Pakistan sticks to its stance

    Champion Trophy meeting ends without a decision; Pakistan sticks to its stance

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting to decide the fate of Champions Trophy 2025 has ended without a resolution, as Pakistan stood firm on its stance against the hybrid model for hosting the tournament.

     

    According to Geo, the meeting held today was short-lived, getting postponed until tomorrow. Both parties presented proposals in today’s meeting, which will be discussed in detail at the meeting tomorrow.

     

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remained steadfast on the issue of the hybrid model. Pakistan briefed the Board regarding its position and showed no flexibility. An acceptable formula regarding the Champions Trophy is likely to be revealed by tomorrow.

     

    Pakistan had asked for an acceptable formula for the trophy before the board meeting, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi informing the ICC of Pakistan’s clear position.

     

    He said, “We will bear wounds, but we will not let our honour be compromised. The PCB has almost completed all the arrangements for the Champions Trophy.”

     

    India is lobbying to move the entire Champions Trophy out of Pakistan, but the PCB has also completed preparations to block Indian tactics. PCB will not accept any option without its own conditions.

     

    Pakistan is not ready to accept the proposal to play the match against India at a neutral venue, while broadcasters have opposed the proposal to keep Pakistan and India in separate groups. Pakistan has expressed its displeasure over the delay in resolving the Champions Trophy crisis in a timely manner.

    How much will PCB get from hosting the Champions Trophy?

    Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, but do you know how much money the country will get to host the mega event?

     

    According to reports, Pakistan will get $6 million for hosting rights to the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan will also have to pay $1.2 to $1.3 million as a premium to the insurance company to insure the tournament. Pakistan will get more dollars from gate money and hospitality, thus deducting the insurance amount and getting about $6 million.

     

    The ICC provides Pakistan with two instalments of $13 million from its income every year in January and July, while India gets 38 per cent of the annual share of ICC income, which is $90 to $95 million.

     

    Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear to the ICC that the Pakistan Board is firm on its stance regarding the Champions Trophy and that they will bear the scars and not allow themselves to be dishonoured.

     

     

     

     

  • How much will PCB get from hosting the Champions Trophy?

    How much will PCB get from hosting the Champions Trophy?

    Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy 2025, but do you know how much money the country will get to host the mega event?

     

    According to reports, Pakistan will get $6 million for hosting rights to the ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan will also have to pay $1.2 to $1.3 million as a premium to the insurance company to insure the tournament. Pakistan will get more dollars from gate money and hospitality, thus deducting the insurance amount and getting about $6 million.

     

    The ICC provides Pakistan with two instalments of $13 million from its income every year in January and July, while India gets 38 per cent of the annual share of ICC income, which is $90 to $95 million.

     

    An important International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting will be held today regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan.

     

    A few hours before the decisive meeting for the future of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was in Dubai on an emergency basis since Thursday, where he held important talks with ICC CEO Jeff  Allardyce and top officials to inform them of Pakistan’s firm stance.

     

    Naqvi made Pakistan’s position clear to the ICC that the government has banned us from the hybrid model, so India will have to come to Pakistan. If the ICC wants to move forward, it should bring a new proposal in the best interest of cricket and member countries. Discussing the hybrid model proposal with Pakistan in the meeting will be a waste of time.

     

    Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear to the ICC that the Pakistan Board is firm on its stance regarding the Champions Trophy and that they will bear the scars and not allow themselves to be dishonoured.

     

    The ICC has not yet been able to announce the new schedule for the Champions Trophy due to Indian stubbornness, which is also worrying broadcasters, who fear a loss of millions of dollars.

     

    The ICC has called a board meeting for Friday, November 29. An ICC spokesperson has confirmed that this meeting will be held online, and the agenda has been sent to all board members.

     

    The scheduling and future of the Champions Trophy will be considered during the meeting, and various options for the Champions Trophy will be discussed.

     

    The PCB also told the ICC that if a formula is devised to play matches with India at a neutral venue, Pakistan will never go to India to play.

     

    On the other hand, according to a report by the cricket website Cricinfo, the option of holding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan without India may be discussed in the ICC board meeting. The choice of a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy will also be addressed, in which most of the events will be played in Pakistan, but India’s matches will be held in another country.

     

    According to the cricket website, the board meeting will also discuss the proposal to hold the entire tournament in another country, with PCB as the host. However, the chances of a “minus India” formula are low due to commercial value.

     

    The PCB has already discussed the “minus India” proposal based on past examples.

     

     

  • New ECB rules restrict English players from PSL but allow IPL participation

    New ECB rules restrict English players from PSL but allow IPL participation

    The English Cricket Board (ECB) has banned its players from playing in any franchise league during the English domestic season.

     

    British media say that English cricketers cannot play in several leagues, including PSL, MCL, LPL and CPL. ECB’s decision will also affect the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to be held in April next year. However, ECB has given players an exemption from playing the India Premier League (IPL) in the new policy.

     

    Due to the Champions Trophy, PSL Season 9 window has been kept in April and May. The English county season also takes place in the same months. The ECB’s decision is likely to cause financial loss to players playing franchise cricket, and there is a fear that this decision may cause some players to leave red-ball cricket.

     

    ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould said, “We have to protect the dignity of our game and the strength of our cricket competitions. No player will be given a No Objection Letter (NOC) to participate in any other competitions during the English Vitality Blast and The Hundred League.”

     

    The ECB says that the decision will improve the quality of domestic cricket.

  • We will bear the wounds, but not let ourselves be dishonoured: Mohsin Naqvi’s blunt stand for Champions Trophy

    We will bear the wounds, but not let ourselves be dishonoured: Mohsin Naqvi’s blunt stand for Champions Trophy

    The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, has taken an unapologetic stand in light of the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s stance on hosting the Champions Trophy.

     

    Speaking on Geo News’ Geo Pakistan program, senior sports journalist Abdul Majid Bhatti revealed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi went to Dubai yesterday, where he spent a busy day at the ICC headquarters.

     

    “Mohsin Naqvi held one-on-one meetings with ICC officials. The PCB Chairman met ICC CEO Jeff  Allardyce and other officials, but many PCB officials in Lahore are unaware of his departure for Dubai,” he revealed.

     

    “Mohsin Naqvi presented Pakistan’s position sternly to the ICC officials and also outlined Pakistan’s legal stance regarding the Champions Trophy. He is still in Dubai today, where he will join the ICC board meeting via video link,” Bhatti added.

     

    “Voting in the ICC emergency meeting regarding the hosting of the Champions Trophy is the last option.

     

    “If we talk about the hybrid model, then undoubtedly, the most popular venue is Dubai, which is close to both Pakistan and India and has a large number of citizens from both countries. However, Pakistan is not considering this option at the moment. If such a situation arises, Mohsin Naqvi will consult the Pakistani government again and respond to the ICC,” he said.

     

    He also speculated that there is a possibility that a decision regarding the Champions Trophy may not be made in today’s meeting, and the matter will be deferred to the next meeting, during which Jay Shah will take over the ICC presidency.

     

    “Jay Shah will be expected to fulfil the requirements of justice, but obviously, he will not do so and will follow the policies of the BJP,” Bhatti said.

     

    The ICC board meeting will begin at 3 pm Pakistani time. This will be the last meeting of Greg Barclay as ICC Chairman.

     

    According to Geo, Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear to the ICC that the Pakistan Board is firm on its stance regarding the Champions Trophy and that they will bear the scars and not allow themselves to be dishonoured.

     

    The ICC has not yet been able to announce the new schedule for the Champions Trophy due to Indian stubbornness, which is also worrying broadcasters, who fear a loss of millions of dollars.

     

    The ICC has called a board meeting for Friday, November 29. An ICC spokesperson has confirmed that this meeting will be held online, and the agenda has been sent to all board members.

     

    The scheduling and future of the Champions Trophy will be considered during the meeting, and various options for the Champions Trophy will be discussed.

     

    The PCB also told the ICC that if a formula is devised to play matches with India at a neutral venue, Pakistan will never go to India to play.

     

    On the other hand, according to a report by the cricket website Cricinfo, the option of holding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan without India may be discussed in the ICC board meeting. The choice of a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy will also be addressed, in which most of the events will be played in Pakistan, but India’s matches will be held in another country.

     

    According to the cricket website, the board meeting will also discuss the proposal to hold the entire tournament in another country, with PCB as the host. However, the chances of a “minus India” formula are low due to commercial value.

     

    The PCB has already discussed the “minus India” proposal based on past examples.

  • Pakistan refuses to play in India in future: report

    Pakistan refuses to play in India in future: report

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made its position clear to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the issue of holding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

     

    According to Geo, PCB has approached the ICC on the issue of holding the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, making its position clear. 

     

    Pakistan has demanded that an acceptable formula for the Champions Trophy be provided before the board meeting. The PCB also told the ICC that if a formula is made to play a match with India at a neutral venue, Pakistan will never go to India and play there. 

     

    Now, the PCB is waiting for the ICC’s response.

     

    India has refused to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, while Pakistan has completely rejected the formula of shifting the tournament to another location or a hybrid model. Due to Indian stubbornness, the ICC has not yet been able to announce the new schedule for the Champions Trophy, which is also worrying broadcasters as they fear losing millions of dollars.

  • Big names return as probable names for South Africa series revealed

    Big names return as probable names for South Africa series revealed

    The consultations on squad for the national cricket team’s tour of South Africa have entered their final stage, and big names are likely to return to the team.

     

    A strong squad will be selected for the ODI series and could mark the return of former skipper Babar Azam as well as fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi.

     

    With Champions Trophy just around the corner, Fakhar Zaman’s return has been declared “necessary”, and so, it is possible that the star batter will be selected for Pakistan’s white-ball squad. Imam-ul-Haq’s name is also being considered for the red-ball team while senior batters and bowlers can be rested in the T20 series to give a chance to young players, reports said.

     

    The squads are expected to be announced after the end of the ongoing ODI series against Zimbabwe. The board is also mulling setting up a camp for Test players in South Africa.

     

    Pakistan are scheduled to play a series of three ODIs, three T20Is and two Test matches in South Africa. The series will be played from December 10 to January 7.

  • Hopefully, Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan: Mohsin Naqvi

    Hopefully, Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan: Mohsin Naqvi

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the Board is in constant contact with the International Cricket Council (ICC), adding that, “Hopefully, the Champions Trophy will be in Pakistan.” 

     

    While talking to media in Lahore, Naqvi said, “It is not possible for us to go and play in India, and they do not play in Pakistan. Hopefully, the Champions Trophy will be in Pakistan; whatever decision is made, we will come out with the best for Pakistan.”

     

    Pointing out that the Gaddafi Stadium has been upgraded to international standards, he said, “The reconstruction work of the stadium started on October 10. The capacity of the stadium will be increased to 35 – 40 thousand, and the view will be much better. I wanted the Rawalpindi stadium to be ready at the same time; if I had received the report of the Pindi Stadium earlier, it would have been better. After seeing the whole situation, we will come out with something better from the ICC meeting.”

     

    The ICC board meeting will be held on Friday to consider the future of the ICC Champions Trophy.

     

    The option of adopting a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy will be presented in the board meeting, and an attempt will be made to convince Pakistan. However, Pakistan has already rejected the hybrid model, and if the decision to vote is against Pakistan, PCB will respond in consultation with the government.