The International Cricket Council (ICC) faces a significant challenge as India’s refusal to tour Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy has created a deadlock. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)‘s stance has forced the ICC to explore potential solutions, including a hybrid model or relocating the entire tournament.

Najam Sethi, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), recently outlined three possible scenarios, while ??speaking to Samaa T?V.

How ICC can conduct the Champions Trophy 2025?

Hybrid model: This option involves hosting matches in both Pakistan and a neutral venue, potentially India. However, given India’s firm stance, this seems unlikely.

“One, India comes to play, which they will not. They refused for kabaddi, also blind cricket. Earlier, kabaddi teams used to come, similarly tennis players came for Davis Cup before. This time they (India) have taken a hard line, not just on cricket but on other things (sports) as well. So I think there is something serious here. In that case, it could be a hybrid model, with some matches played in Pakistan and India’s matches held elsewhere,” said Sethi. 

Relocating the tournament: If Pakistan rejects the hybrid model, the ICC may be forced to move the entire tournament to another country. This could have significant implications for Pakistan’s participation in future ICC events.

“The second option is that if the hybrid model is not acceptable to Pakistan, then the ICC moves the entire tournament to another country. Then, what options will Pakistan have? Either they will say ‘we boycott the Champions Trophy’ or they agree to play at another venue. But after having rejected a hybrid model, will they consider playing in another country? I think that will be a difficult situation for Pakistan…It may turn into a big issue in political circles,” said Sethi. The former PCB boss’s third option was more of an advice for Pakistan to tread with caution instead of making an emotional decision. “If you have rejected a hybrid model after India refused to come and also rejected playing in another country, then you won’t play in the future ICC events also. So you are basically going to push yourself out of the ICC. And if you do that, then what will remain besides bilateral cricket? You don’t make much money in bilateral cricket because it is reciprocal,” the 76-year-old opined.

Also READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2??025 to be moved from Paki?stan to South Africa?

Boycotting the tournament: While this is a drastic measure, it could have serious consequences for Pakistan’s standing in the cricketing world.

Sethi cautioned against making emotional decisions and urged the PCB to consider the long-term implications of their actions. He emphasized the importance of participating in ICC events to ensure Pakistan’s continued involvement in international cricket.

“Whoever is making these decisions, they should think what is its logic? India knows its logic behind the boycott; they can sustain it. They have done it before…ICC will then be compelled. But what will Pakistan do?…So my advice is that whoever is making the decisions should think wisely and not emotionally,” added Sethi.

Future of Champions Trophy in jeopardy

With the denial of BCCI sending their team to Pakistan, the future of the Champions Trophy is now in jeopardy, and the ICC will have to navigate this complex situation carefully before ??conducting the tournament.

The Champions Trophy, which is set to make its return to the ICC calendar for the firs?t time since 2017, is currently scheduled to be played in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9 next year.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan gives special invitation to India amidst venue uncertainty

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, reports indicate that the Indian cricket team?? will not travel to Pakistan for their scheduled matches. Instead, they are expected to play their fixtures at a neutral venue, with Dubai emerging as the most likely location, according to a report by The Times of India on Friday.

BCCI denies sending Team India to Pakistan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally communicated its decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other key stakeholders, emphasizing their concerns over hosting Indian matches in Pakistan. “Yes, the BCCI has conveyed their concerns regarding Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. They want to play matches at a neutral venue, and Dubai is the strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue,” a source close to th??e development was quote?d as saying to TOI.

Dubai frontrunner to host Team India matches 

Dubai has previously hosted numerous international tournaments and is considered a practical option for the Champions Trophy. The city’s well-established infrastructure, logistics, and hospitality facilities make it an attractive alternative. “There are no issues in Dubai. Hotels are not a problem, logistics are not a problem; everything can be handled smoothly. And ICC does have things in control when it comes to Dubai,” the source added. The UAE’s past experience hosting high-profile cricket events, including the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, further supports Dubai’s candidacy.

Also READ: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi predicts his four semifin?alists of Champions Trophy 2025

Initially, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had drafted a tentative schedule placing India’s matches in Lahore. However, the BCCI’s request will likely prompt adjustments to the tournament’s schedule before it is finalized. The ICC has therefore postponed the official release of the Champions Trophy schedule, initially expected to be announced on Monday (November 4).

ICC faces schedule adjustments amid diplomatic challenges

The upcoming Champions Trophy is set to commence on February 19, 2025, and culminate with the final on March 9. With the tournament’s timeline in place, the ICC is now focused on adjusting the schedule to accommodate the BCCI’s request, ensuring that Indian matches can be seamlessly hosted at a neutral location.

This development adds to the evolving cricket relations between India and Pakistan, as political tensions have consistently influenced the two nations’ engagements in international cricket. Hosting India’s matches in Dubai could ensure that the tournament proceeds without diplomatic issues impacting the teams or fans.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Here is the proposed schedule for the ICC tournament in Pakistan and the warm-up window

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has encountered a notable decline in the latest ICC Test batting rankings, falling to his lowest position since December 20??18. As per the rankings released on October 30, the reshuffle saw considerable movements among players, but Rohit’s drop was particularly striking.

Rohit Sharma’s ranking decline alongside Virat Kohli

Initially ranked 15th just a week prior, he has plummeted nine places to now sit at 24th. This sharp decline underscores not only his personal struggles but also raises concerns about the overall batting performance of the Indian?? team during critical matches, especially as they ??prepare for upcoming series.

Rohit’s downturn is mirrored by the performances of his teammates, who also experienced setbacks in their rankings. Virat Kohli, a stalwart of Indian cricket, has dropped six spots to now occupy 14th place. Similarly, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant fell five positions to 11th. This collective drop within the Indian batting lineup highlights a concerning trend where multiple key players are underperforming simultaneously. Rohit’s current ranking of 24th is particularly alarming, marking the lowest point since he was placed 44th in the ICC rankings after a disappointing performance in the Melbourne Test against Australia in December 2018.

Poor recent form in Test cricket

Currently, Rohit’s rating stands at 649, which is his lowest since February 2021, when he had dropped to 626. This decline has been exacerbated by a series of underwhelming performances in recent matches. In the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, Rohit managed to score only 2 and 52, followed by dismal scores of 0 and 8 in the Pune Test. These lackluster innings contributed significantly to India’s unexpected defeats in both matches, marking their first home Test series loss in over a decade. The implications of this slump are considerable, especially as India prepares for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), where Rohit will need to rediscover his? form to?? lead effectively.

Also READ: Nasser Hussain re?veals his favourite? player to watch out in modern-day cricket

Jasprit Bumrah loses his position as the top bowler

The latest ICC update also revealed significant changes in the bowlers’ rankings. Jasprit Bumrah, who has long held the prestigious No. 1 position among bowlers, has now been surpassed by South Africa‘s Kagiso Rabada. Rabada’s ascent to the top comes on the heels of an impressive nine-wicket haul against Bangladesh, which was instrumental in South Africa’s victory. His exceptional performance propelled him past Bumrah, who, alongside fellow Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, dropped to third and fourth places, respectively. This shake-up in the rankings highlights the competitive nature of inter??national cricket, as players consistently vie for the top spots.

Joe Root maintains supremacy in batting chart 

The ICC update also highlighted England’s Joe Root, who continues to maintain his lead at the top of the batting rankings, despite facing challenges during a recent Test series against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz has made notable progress, climbing two places to reach third in the all-?rounders rankings.

Amid these changes, several players have made significant gains in the rankings. Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel has soared 20 places to secure the 7th position, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Additionally, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra climbed eight spots to break into the top ten for the first time, reaching 10th place after impressive performances. India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal also made hea?dlines by regaining his spo??t at third after a blistering innings of 77 runs off just 65 balls in the second Test against New Zealand.

Also READ: “It was ??when�� Glenn Maxwell reveals the story behind Virat Kohli blocking him on Instagram

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

On Tuesday (October 16), India’s cricket superstar Virat Kohli paid tribute to his close friend and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate, AB de Villiers, following the latter’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame.

AB de Villiers inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

South African cricket legend De Villiers has been honored with induction into the ICC Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024, joining esteemed cricketers Sir Alastair Cook and Neetu David. De Villiers, affectionately known as “Mr. 360,” enjoyed a stellar 14-year international career, amassing over 20,000 runs across all formats and setting records for the fastest fifty, century, and 150 in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His remarkable ability to adapt to any situation and perform under pressure made him one of the most destructive batters in cricket history.

Celebrated for his extraordinary talent, De Villiers has left a signifi??cant impact on the game, earning admiration from players and fans alike. His contributions to the sport are not only recognized th??rough his records but also through the lasting influence he has had on the players who followed in his footsteps. The induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional career and the legacy he has created in the cricketing world.

The unique bond between two cricketing giants: Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers

Kohli and De Villiers have cultivated a profound friendship rooted in shared experiences, mutual respect, and an unwavering passion for the game. In his tribute for the ICC, Kohli expressed his deep admiration for De Villiers through a heartfelt open letter – a cherished tradition for Hall of Fame inductees. This personal note not only reflects their close bond but also highlights the incredible impact De Villiers has had on Kohli’s career and the cricketing community as a whole, emphasizing the respect and admiration that transcends their nationalities.

Also READ: AB de Villiers spills beans on the speculations of Rohit Sharma movin?g to RCB ahead of IPL 2025

Kohli’s open letter: A personal celebration of excellence

In his poignant open letter, Kohli addressed de Villiers directly, sta?ting:

“To AB, it is an honour to be selected to write these words as you enter the ICC Hall of Fame. You are thoroughly deserving of your place â€?after all, the Hall of Fame is a representation of your impact on the game, and yours has been truly unique.”

He went on to highlight de Villiers’ extraordinary talent, exclaiming,

“People have always spoken about your ability, and rightly so. You are the most talented cricketer I have played with, the absolute number one.”

• Highlighting De Villiers’ Unmatched Confidence on the Field

Kohli ref??lected on the u?nique confidence de Villiers exuded in his game, emphasizing,

“But what truly stood out to me was your belief in that ability. You had a crazy amount of belief that you could execute whatever you wanted to on a cricket field, and you normally did. That is why you ended up being so special.”

• Recalling Memorable Matches: A Glimpse into Their Partnership

Kohli recounted a defining moment from their time together during a thrilling match in 2016, wher??e de Villiers demonstrated his extraordinary sk??ill and instinct:

“There is no better example in my mind than when we were batting together for RCB in Kolkata in 2016. We were chasing 184 against an attack including Sunil Narine, Morne Morkel, Andre Russell, and Shakib Al Hasan. You came in to join me with around 70 on the board and Narine was bowling. You played and missed a couple and told me during a timeout that you weren’t picking him too well.”

Kohli added:

“I felt I was, so I remember telling you to give me the strike and I would try and hit boundaries off him. In the first over Narine bowled after the timeout, I was ready at the non-striker’s end thinking you were definitely giving me a single. So, imagine my surprise when you back away to the leg side, Sunil follows you, and you slog swept him over square leg for a 94-metre six!”

Kohli concluded this anecdote with:

“I don’t know what happened in the timeout to give you the belief you could do that. I just remember saying to you, ‘You’re a freak!'”

• An Unspoken Understanding: Running Between Wickets

Kohli praised their unspoken under??standing during matches, particularly their seamless running between the wickets:

“When we ran between the wickets, for example, we never called for runs. It’s a very difficult thing to explain practically, but there is a feeling to it. There was a complete understanding of where the ball was going, and nothing needed to be said. Fielders were always under pressure when we were batting. I don’t ever remember missing a two with you or being in a position to be run out,” This e??xemplified the synergy they shared as teammates.

• Emphasizing the Champion Mindset: Adapting to Match Situations

Kohli commended de Villiers’ adaptability and mental fortitude, sharing a specific Test match anecdote that illustrated his unwavering focus and dedication:

Through my time playing with and against you, you always had a very clear understanding of how the game should be played, and you never really veered from that, regardless of whether you were doing well or not. Your drive to want to be the guy to win the game for your team was tremendous and something I learned a lot from…” Kohli highlighted how de Villiers’ mindset was central to his success.

• Legacy of excellence: A masterful Test knock against India

Kohli highlighted de Villiers’ ability to adapt to different match situations, mentioning a Test match in Delhi in 2015 where de Villiers faced 297 balls for 43 runs:

“There must have been a temptation at some stage to think, ‘I’ve faced 200 balls, I need to hit a boundary.’ But once you locked yourself into what the situation required, you just kept going on and on.”

He concluded with:

“It all comes back to that belief in your ability. It wasn’t just about the crazy, extravagant shots. You had the ability to defend the ball and had belief in that defence. To play that way because South Africa needed you to do so is a classic example of the team player you were.”

• The Essence of De Villiers’ Game: More Than Just Statistics

Kohli poignantly remarked that de Villiers’ impact on cricket transcended mere statistics, stating:

“A lot of players can have impressive numbers, but very few have an impact on the psyche of those watching. For me, that is the highest value you can have as a cricketer, and that is what makes you so special.”

• Concluding with a Celebration of Legacy: The Hall of Fame Induction

Kohli, in the end, celebrated de Villiers’ well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame, expressing heartfelt congratulations:

“You are in the Hall of Fame for the impact you have left on the game, and I don’t think there is anything more special for a cricketer than to have that honour. Congratulations, biscotti. You are one of the greatest players to ever play the game.”

Also READ: Michael Vaughan reveals his all time IPL XI; no place for? AB de V??illiers, Sunil Narine

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

India continued their dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, securing a convincing victory over Bangladesh in the rain-affected second Test at Kanpur. This emphatic win not only sealed a 2-0 series sweep but also solidified their position at the pinnacle of the WTC table. The opening three days of the Kanpur Test were marred by rain and a wet outfield, threatening a potential washout. However, Rohit Sharma’s men displayed their resilience, capitalizing on limited playing time?? to dismantle Bangladesh twice.

Yashasvi Jaiswal shines again, bowling trio wrecks Bangladesh batting

Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his rich vein of form, scoring another half-century (51 runs) in the second innings. This knock, coupled with an unbeaten 29 from Virat Kohli, helped India chas??e down a modest target of 9??5 runs with ease.

The true heroes of the match, however, were India’s bowling attack. The experienced trio of Ravichandran Ashwin (3/50), Ravindra Jadeja (3/34), and Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) shared nine wickets between them in the second innings, restricting Bangladesh to a paltry 146 runs. This dominant bowling display effectively ended any Bangladeshi hopes of ??a comeback.

Earlier, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Bumrah had already wreaked havoc in the first innings, adding just 120 runs to Bangladesh’s overnight score of 26/2. Overnight batter Shadman Islam offered some resistance with a fifty (50 runs), but it proved insufficient against India’s bowling might.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli playfully winks at Litton Das after India’s emphatic win over Bangladesh in the Kanpur ??Test

WTC 2023-25 standings reflect India’s supremacy

The victory in Kanpur has significantly impacted the WTC standings. India, with 98 points and a Percentage of Points Won (PCT) of 74.24, remain comfortably at the top of the table. Australia, despite having played one more match, sit second with 90 points and a PCT of 62.50. Sri Lanka completes the top three ?with 60 points and a PCT of 55.56.

Bangladesh’s defeat has severely dented their WTC aspirations. They currently hold seventh place with 33 points and a PCT of 34.38. Even if they win their remaining four Test matches (two each against South Africa and West Indies), their points tally wouldn’t be enough to challenge for a spot in the WTC final.

This series win further strengthens India’s position as the team to beat in the WTC race. With their potent batting lineup and a world-class bowling attack, they are well on course to secure a place in the WTC final, scheduled for 2025.

Also READ: Cricket fraternity celebrates ??as India complete 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh in the Test series

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off on October 3, with 23 exciting matches lined up across two iconic venues in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): Dubai and Sharjah. This ninth edition of the tournament will feature 10 top-tier teams battling for the prestigious title. Australia, the reigning champions, will look to defend their crown after they triumph over South Africa in the previous edition’s final. The competition will be intense as the teams are split into two groups, A and B, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

UAE to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 edition

Initially scheduled to be hosted in Bangladesh, the tournament has since been relocated to the UAE. Dubai and Sharjah, known for their world-class cricketing facilities, will now host th??is premier event, adding an exciting element to the competition as teams adapt to the challenging conditions of the Middle East. In this edition, the 10 teams have been evenly divided into two groups. Each group will engage in round-robin matches, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout semi-final stage. This format ensures every game carries significance, adding to the excitement of the tournament as teams? vie for a place in the semi-finals and the chance to lift the coveted trophy.

England’s focus on regaining glory

Led by Heather Knight, the team is motivated to overcome their past di??sappointments and prove their mettle on the world stage. England’s only T20 World C?up triumph came in the inaugural edition in 2009, and since then, they’ve consistently reached the later stages but have fallen short of lifting the trophy again. Since their 2009 victory, England have experienced a series of near-misses, particularly against Australia, their main rival.

The 2012, 2014, and 2018 finals saw England reach the ultimate stage only to be outclassed by the Australians. These defeats highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in handling pressure during crunch moments. England’s consistency in reaching the finals and semi-finals has proven their quality, but the inability to close out those big matches has been their Achi?lle??s heel. However, these experiences have been valuable lessons, and England are now approaching the 2024 tournament with greater maturity and resilience, determined not to repeat the same mistakes.

Group B: England’s roadblocks in 2024

Placed in Group B for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, England faces a challenging pool of teams. South Africa, fresh off their semi-final victory over England in 2023, will pose a significant threat, eager to repeat their success. The West Indies, another dangerous opponent, are former champions of 2016 and have the ability to surprise on their day. Bangladesh and Scotland, though less established, cannot be underestimated, especially as they look to make their mark on the world stage. England will look to approach each match wi??th focus and intent, knowing that their path to the semi-final??s is anything but guaranteed. Navigating through this group will require tactical discipline and strong performances from both the veterans and the younger players.

Also READ: Engl??and captain Heat?her Knight reacts after being reprimanded for ‘blackface�photo

5 England players to watch out for in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:

1. Nat Sciver-Brunt

Nat Sciver-Brunt is one of England’s most reliable all-rounders, known for her powerful hitting and valuable medium-pace bowling. In T20Is, she has played 122 matches, scoring 2,513 runs at an impressive average of 27.02, with 13 half-centuries. Her ability to step up in crucial moments makes her a key figure in England’s World Cup plans.
Previous World Cup Performance (2023): In the 2023 T20 World Cup, Sciver-Brunt played 6 matches, scoring 216 runs at an average of 72.00.  She also chipped in with the ball, taking 1 wicket with a best of 1/14.

2. Sophia Dunkley

Sophia Dunkley has become a consistent presence in England’s top order with her aggressive approach. In 57 T20I matches, she has amassed 862 runs, with a career-best of 61 and a strike rate of over 117.59. Her dynamic batting at the top allows England to set or chase big targets with confidence.
Previous World Cup Performance (2023): In the 2023 T20 World Cup, Dunkley scored 55 runs in 5 matches at an average of 15.60, making key contributions in the grou??p stages ??and knockouts.

3. Sophie Ecclestone

The top-ranked T20I bowler, Sophie Ecclestone, is England’s spin-bowling spearhead. In 86 T20I matches, she has picked up 126 wickets at an excellent economy rate of 5.85, with a best of 4/18. Her ability to control the game in the middle overs makes her invaluable to England’s plans.
Previous World Cup Performance (2023): Ecclestone was a standout performer in the 2023 edition, taking 11 wickets at an economy of 7.54, including a best of 3/13 in a group-stage match.

4. Lauren Bell

Lauren Bell is one of England’s rising stars, known for her sharp pace and swing. She has played 23 T20I matches so far, claiming 32 wickets with an economy rate of 6.94 and a best bowling figure of 4/12. Bell’s pace can unsettle opposition batters early in the innings.
Previous World Cup Performance (2023): In her debut World Cup campaign in 2023, Bell took 3 wickets across 4 matches, playing a crucial role with a best performance of 1/16.

5. Heather Knight

Knight’s experience and leadership are the backbone of England’s T20 squad. In 119 T20I matches, Knight has accumulated 2,067 runs at an average of 25.51, with 7 half-centuries. As a calm and composed middle-order batter, she anchors the innings while also chipping in with her part-time off-spin bowling. Her tactical acumen will be key in navigating the challenges England faces in the tournament.
Previous World Cup Performance (2023): In the 2023 T20 World Cup, Knight scored 109 runs in 5 matches at an average of 27.25, playing crucial knocks under pressure.

Also READ: 5 Indian players to watch out for in the Women’s T20 Worl??d Cup 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Jay Shah has been elected as the next Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), succeeding Greg Barclay, whose four-year term is coming to an end. ??Shah, set to take office on December 1, 2024, will become the youngest ICC Chairman in the organization’s history at the age of 36. His appointment comes after Barclay decided not to seek re-elec??tion, opening the position for Shah, who was the sole nominee for the role.

Career background and achievements

Shah’s career in cricket administration has been notably swift and impactful. He has been serving as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since October 2019 and has been the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) since January 2021.

During his tenure at the BCCI, Shah played a pivotal role in the significant growth of the Indian Premier League (IPL), contributing to its status as one of the most lucrative and prominent cricket leagues globally. His contributions have also extended to the BCCI’s finance and marketing strategies, which have been instrumental in the tournament’s enhanced valuation and commercial success.

Also READ: Indian cricketing fraternity unites in congratulating Jay Shah on becomin?g the new ICC Chairman

Early life and career highlights

Shah was born on September 22, 1988, to Sonal and Amit Shah. He pursued a B.Tech degree from Nirma University in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Shah’s early career in cricket administration began with the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), where he played a ke?y role in the development of the Narendra Mod??i Stadium.

He was appointed Joint Secretary of the GCA in 2013, and his subsequent roles included joining the BCCI’s finance and marketing committees in 2015. His notable achievement as BCCI Secretary includes overseeing the IPL’s rights sale for Rs 48,390 crore, marking a significant milestone in the league’s financial success.

Jay Shah’s net worth and business ventures

According to the Inside Sports media report, Shah’s estimated net worth stands at approximately Rs 124 crore. His financial portfolio includes earnings from his roles in cricket ??administration and various business ventures. Shah holds a 60% ?stake in Kusum Finserve and is a director at Temple Enterprise, reflecting his diversified interests and investments beyond cricket. His substantial net worth underscores his successful career in both cricket and business, positioning him as a significant figure in the cricketing world.

Also READ: Jay Shah reveals why Ishan Kishan and Shreyas I??yer are playing t?he Duleep Trophy

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.