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Tag: BCCI

  • BCCI announces Central Contracts for India Women’s team; only 3 players in Grade A

    BCCI announces Central Contracts for India Women’s team; only 3 players in Grade A

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially revealed the annual player contracts for the Indian women’s cricket team for the 2024-25 season. The contracts will be in effect from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

    A total of 16 players of the senior Indian women’s cricket team were given central contracts by the BCCI for the 2024-25 season. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and seasoned all-rounder Deepti Sharma earned the Grade A contract.

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    BCCI announces central contracts for Indian Women for the 2024-25 season

    The Grade B featured Renuka Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Shafali Verma. A total of nine girls managed to secure the central contracts in Grade C. These India Women stars are Yastika Bhatia, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Titas Sadhu, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chetry, Sneh Rana, and Pooja Vastrakar.

    Read Also: Watch- CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed and Ruturaj Gaikwad accused openly for ball-tampering in IPL 2025

    An official media release by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reads, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Annual Player Contracts for Team India (Senior Women) for the 2024-25 season (October 1st, 2024 to September 30th, 2025).”

    To be continued..



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  • No family members in dressing rooms: BCCI implements stringent regulations for IPL 2025

    No family members in dressing rooms: BCCI implements stringent regulations for IPL 2025

    In preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a series of stringent regulations regarding player conduct and logistics. These changes aim to ensure smooth operations and uphold the integrity of the tournament.

    New travel and family rules

    The BCCI has mandated that players must travel to practice sessions via the team bus, a rule already in place during international matches. Franchises have been informed of these changes through a recent email, as revealed by Cricbuzz. The email follows a detailed explanation of the updates to team managers during a virtual meeting held on February 18.

    One significant modification pertains to the presence of family members and friends around the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). Under the new stipulations, family members and friends are prohibited from entering the dressing room on both practice and match days. They must travel separately and may observe the team practice sessions only from designated hospitality areas. Moreover, any extended support staff, such as throw-down specialists and net bowlers, require BCCI approval for non-match day accreditations.

    Practice and fitness testing adjustments

    The BCCI has also outlined specific guidelines to manage practice facilities more effectively. Teams will have access to two nets and one side wicket on the main square for practice. However, open nets are disallowed, and no practice on match days will be permitted.

    Importantly, fitness tests for players are now prohibited on the main square during match days to avoid disruptions. Traditional practice on the central track just prior to matches will no longer be allowed, emphasizing the need for pre-planned fitness assessments.

    Match day protocols and attire

    On match days, accredited staff must carry their credentials, with penalties in place for non-compliance. Players are also required to wear the iconic Orange and Purple caps for at least the first two overs of a match broadcast. During post-match presentation ceremonies, there is now a strict prohibition against wearing floppies and sleeveless jerseys, with financial penalties imposed for breaches.

    Further, on-field protocols include safeguarding against damage to LED boards during practice and ensuring players and staff are not stationed in front of them.

    Also READ: From Sourav Ganguly to Ajinkya Rahane – Full list of KKR captains in IPL history

    Upcoming captain’s meeting

    To further clarify these new guidelines, the BCCI has scheduled an in-person meeting with all team captains on March 20 at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai. Traditionally held in the host city for the league’s inaugural match, this meeting will precede the start of the IPL 2025 on March 22 in Kolkata.

    These comprehensive changes by the BCCI reflect a commitment to maintaining discipline during the IPL season. They highlight the importance of streamlined operations and adherence to protocols in the world’s most-watched cricket league.

    Also READ: Is IPL 2025 MS Dhoni’s farewell season? Sanju Samson’s viral clip sparks retirement speculation

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  • BCCI turns down a request from an Indian player to bring his family along during the Champions Trophy

    BCCI turns down a request from an Indian player to bring his family along during the Champions Trophy

    The Champions Trophy 2025 is around the corner with preparations of the participating teams in full swing. However, amidst the coveted ICC tournament’s arrival, the Indian camp is still clouded with the controversial decision that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took after India’s defeat against Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

    The decision that BCCI took centered around player conduct during overseas tours and guidelines for players around bringing family and other acquaintances during such events. Over time, the board has toned down a bit on the guidelines but has not taken its verdict back. Despite this, a PTI report suggested that a senior Indian team player approached the board to make an exception, but the board rejected it.

    BCCI’s toned-down stance on bringing players’ peers during overseas tours

    In a new development, the BCCI appears firm in its original stance but may allow certain exceptions regarding player accommodations for the Champions Trophy. According to the PTI report, while the board remains steadfast in its policy, players wishing to bring their families along will have to cover the expenses themselves.

    According to the report, a senior Team India player recently sought an exemption, hoping for special consideration, but his request was ultimately denied, reinforcing the board’s strict approach to the matter.

    “If anything changes then it is different, but as of now, the players are unlikely to be accompanied by their wives or partners for this tour. One of the senior players had enquired about it and he was told that the policy decision will be followed, since the tour is of less than one month, families won’t be accompanying the players. But if exceptions are made, I think that individual will have to bear the full expenses as the BCCI won’t be covering any cost,” a BCCI source told PTI.

    Also Read: India’s Parthiv Patel reveals the ‘dark horse’ in Champions Trophy 2025

    What was BCCI’s 10-point diktat?

    The BCCI had implemented new guidelines to enhance team cohesion, discipline, and commitment to domestic cricket. Under these regulations, players must participate in domestic tournaments to remain eligible for national selection, with exemptions granted only in exceptional cases. The board has also reinforced strict team travel protocols, prohibiting individual arrangements unless specifically approved by the Head Coach and Selection Committee Chairman. Additionally, personal staff, such as hairdressers and nannies, will no longer be allowed on tours without prior authorization from the BCCI.

    To foster team bonding and continuity, players are required to stay with the squad until the completion of a series or tour. Non-compliance with these rules may result in disciplinary actions, including fines or suspensions. The BCCI had also introduced a revised family travel policy, permitting players’ families to join tours exceeding 45 days, with shared accommodation costs covered by the board. Furthermore, players must adhere to baggage restrictions, attend full practice sessions, refrain from personal endorsements during tours, and prioritize BCCI-related activities. These measures aim to maintain professionalism, focus, and unity within the team.

    Also Read: Piyush Chawla picks his playing XI for India’s opening game in Champions Trophy 2025

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  • 4 Indian players who didn’t make it to the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after featuring in the 2023 ODI World Cup

    4 Indian players who didn’t make it to the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after featuring in the 2023 ODI World Cup

    In a highly anticipated announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled India‘s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during a press conference held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday.

    The event was attended by Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. The squad announcement comes after a tumultuous period for Indian cricket, especially following their performance in the ODI World Cup 2023.

    India’s challenge for Champions Trophy 2025

    The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in a hybrid model, with India playing their matches in Dubai while other games will take place across three venues in Pakistan. This tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus and will feature eight teams divided into two groups. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. They will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by matches against Pakistan and New Zealand.

    5 players dropped from India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad after featuring in the 2023 ODI World Cup

    Despite a strong showing at the ODI World Cup 2023, where India reached the finals undefeated in the league phase, several key players who participated in that tournament were left out of the Champions Trophy squad. The following players were notable omissions:

    1) Mohammed Siraj

    (Image source: X)

    Despite being a crucial part of India’s bowling attack during the World Cup, Mohammed Siraj was left out of the Champions Trophy squad. His performances in the World Cup were commendable, showcasing his ability to take wickets at critical junctures. However, selectors opted for a different combination for the Champions Trophy, possibly favouring players with more recent experience in international matches or those who fit better into their strategic plans for the tournament. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, as many expected Siraj to be a mainstay in the bowling lineup.

    Also READ: 3 Australian players to miss out on the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in ODI World Cup 2023

    2) Ishan Kishan

    Ishan Kishan wc 23
    (Image source: X)

    Ishan Kishan‘s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad is another surprising decision. Although he had a role in the World Cup, his form fluctuated during crucial matches. With Rishabh Pant returning to form and KL Rahul‘s versatility as a keeper-batter, Kishan’s chances diminished. Additionally, his absence from domestic competitions like the Vijay Hazare Trophy may have played a significant role in the selectors’ decision-making process. The BCCI has emphasized participation in domestic tournaments, and Kishan’s lack of involvement could have been viewed unfavourably by the selectors.

    3) Suryakumar Yadav

    Suryakumar Yadav wc23
    (Image source: X)

    Suryakumar Yadav‘s omission is particularly noteworthy given his reputation as an explosive batter. However, his inconsistency during the World Cup may have led selectors to prioritize players who demonstrated steadiness and reliability. With younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal stepping up, Yadav’s position became vulnerable. The selectors may have decided to invest in players who have shown consistent performance in recent matches rather than relying on Yadav’s potential.

    4) Shardul Thakur

    Shardul Thakur wc2023
    (Image source: X)

    Shardul Thakur‘s all-round capabilities were not enough to secure his place in the Champions Trophy squad. While he contributed with both bat and ball during the World Cup, Thakur’s role was overshadowed by other players who have been more impactful in recent games. The selectors may have opted for a more specialized bowling lineup that could better serve their strategic needs for the tournament.

    The impact of selection decisions

    The decision to omit these players has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. Many believe that Siraj’s exclusion is particularly controversial given his performance metrics during the World Cup. His ability to take crucial wickets at key moments made him a fan favourite, and his absence could affect India’s bowling depth.

    Also READ: 3 England players to miss out on the 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in ODI World Cup 2023

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  • ‘Don’t club Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli together’ – India captain given 5 months to prove his worth

    ‘Don’t club Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli together’ – India captain given 5 months to prove his worth

    Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has ignited a controversial debate on the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Indian cricket team. Dasgupta has suggested that comparing the two Indian cricket icons is not fair, saying their careers and roles should be evaluated separately.

    Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ended their T20I careers on a high after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June last year in the USA and Caribbean. But now questions are raised about their places in India’s Test team following their last disastrous season with the bat.

    Deep Dasgupta sparks fresh debate on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s India future with bold take

    The 2024/25 Test season would certainly be the worst for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The former Indian captain managed just 382 runs in 19 innings at an average of 22.47, including a century, while Rohit’s form has been even more alarming with the bat in Test cricket.

    Read Also: Virat Kohli ordered to play county cricket; Ajit Agarkar told to drop him if form worsens

    The Indian captain scored only 164 runs in 15 innings, averaging a mere 10.93 with a solitary half-century. At 37, Rohit’s age and declining performances have sparked questions about his role in the Test team, especially since he will be 40 when during the next World Test Championship cycle.

    The Indian batting icons’ recent performance on the Australia tour sparked massive debate on their Test future, and even now the BCCI and selectors are reportedly mulling over taking a call on their future with the team after the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

    Let’s not club Rohit and Virat together: Deep Dasgupta urges BCCI, selectors

    Amidst the intense scrutiny over their future in India, Deep Dasgupta has given five months to Rohit Sharma, but he is against the idea of evaluating Virat Kohli on the same parameters. Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter has stressed that Virat and Rohit are different players, just like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, so the selector must evaluate the duo differently.

    Deep Dasgupta said on Star Sports: “Let’s not club Rohit and Virat together. Just like in the previous generation of Indian cricket, where Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid) were different, you have to evaluate each player individually.”

    Read Also: ‘Sachin Tendulkar didn’t have personal bodyguard traveling’: Sanjay Manjrekar’s strong take on BCCI guidelines

    With the next five months packed with white-ball matches and the IPL 2025, the pressure is mounting on Rohit Sharma to deliver, and Dasgupta believes that his performances during this period will play a critical role in determining his future in the Indian cricket team.

    Deep Dasgupta predicts next 5 months are very crucial for Rohit Sharma

    Furthermore, the cricket pundit has pointed out that Rohit’s fitness, form in first-class cricket, and performance in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will also be crucial factors that the national selectors would take into consideration before making their final call.

    Dasgupta signed off by saying, “For Rohit, the next five months of predominantly international white-ball cricket and the IPL will be crucial. The weight of his performances in these formats will be telling. Beyond that, factors like his first-class cricket form, fitness levels, and performance in the Champions Trophy will also be important. The final decision rests with the selectors.”

    Notably, Kohli and Rohit are both currently preparing for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England at home. This series would be crucial for both of them to prove their critics wrong.

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  • Players don’t take him seriously: Gautam Gambhir’s sacking demanded, replacement identified

    Players don’t take him seriously: Gautam Gambhir’s sacking demanded, replacement identified

    Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes that India’s one-coach-for-all-formats formula won’t work with Gautam Gambhir after he lost six Test matches as the head coach. The Indian cricket team’s performance has been shaky since Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid in July 2024.

    They suffered their first ODI series loss to Sri Lanka since 1997 and were shockingly whitewashed 3-0 at home in a Test series by New Zealand. Adding to his woes, India lost the Test series 3-1 to Australia, losing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after ten years.

    However, the Men in Blue are unbeaten in T20I cricket, winning all six matches under the new coach Gambhir, but he is yet to win the ODI match, and now all eyes are on the upcoming three-match ODI series against India at home ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

    Monty Panesar demands Gautam Gambhir’s sacking as India’s Test coach

    Although Gambhir had successful stints as T20 mentor with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the defending IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). As a captain, the former Indian batter won two IPL titles, and he also played crucial roles in India’s T20 and ODI World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2011, respectively.

    Read Also: “Greatest sportsman of all-time”: Adam Gilchrist, Michael Vaughan rate Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah’s impact in BGT

    But his Test numbers are not great in Australia and England, and now India’s Test performance has highlighted his weakness in red-ball cricket, which prompted many to suggest the BCCI have separate coaches for the white-ball and Test teams.

    Well, Monty Panesar backed the idea to have separate coaches for the Indian cricket team for the white-ball and red-ball cricket. He feels coaching all three teams is too much for Gautam Gambhir, and he might be facing the order of the senior players, as he played along with them.

    Are Indian players not respecting Gautam Gambhir?

    Monty Panesar was quoted as saying by the Times of India: “I think so. I think that’s a good option. I think maybe the workload is too much for Gambhir…He’s just transitioned into a coach. Sometimes it can be difficult for some of the senior players who are actually thinking, ‘Well, I was his teammate a few years ago; now he’s telling us how to play cricket.’ It can be difficult, that transition, and also his record (as a batter) isn’t great in Australia or in England.”

    In Australia, Gambhir managed just 181 runs in four Tests at an average of 22.62, while in England, he has only 127 runs in five outings at an average of 12.70. Such figures don’t suit a coach of the Test side, and now BCCI should hand over the Test coaching role to VVS Laxman, said Panesar.

    Read Also: ‘Greg Chappell leaked information, disrespected Indian culture’: Ex-India star’s explosive claim

    India needs a legend like VVS Laxman for the Test team: Monty Panesar

    The former England spinner said that Gambhir’s Test numbers are not that good and that’s posing a challenge to him to command respect in the Indian dressing room. He mentioned that legends like VVS Laxman, with proven success in all conditions, naturally command respect and authority.

    Panesar further explained, “I think the selectors will be thinking, ‘Is Gambhir taking it seriously as a coach, or should we get him to just focus on ODIs and T20Is and maybe bring in someone like VVS Laxman, for example (as Test coach)? Or bring him in as a batting coach to help Gambhir. He’s similar to Rahul Dravid. He’s been successful in all conditions. I think you need some sort of Indian legend, who has done really well in all conditions, to come in as a coach, because then you naturally command that respect.”

    He concluded, “If Laxman tells you, ‘You are not going to play the ball on the up when it is swinging,’ you listen, right? But with Gambhir, I’m not sure if they really take him seriously, or they’re just saying, ‘Okay, yeah, we’ll listen to him, but we’re going to go and play our natural game.’.”

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  • Reports: ICC Chairman Jay Shah leading charge for Two-tier format in WTC

    Reports: ICC Chairman Jay Shah leading charge for Two-tier format in WTC

    The format of the World Test Championship (WTC) has caused a lot of debate among the cricketing world and its experts. This has led to people wanting the ICC to change the format so that there will be more opportunities for the top teams to compete against each other more often in the two-year cycle.

    Notably, the WTC Final will be played between South Africa and Australia at the iconic Lords ground, which will take place in June and according to the reports from India Today, it seems like ICC chairman Jay Shah is leading the charge of making Test cricket a two-tier format for all the teams and wants Cricket boards of England, Australia, India, South Africa and New Zealand to host more marquee Test series in a season going forward.

    This format will make sure that the top teams in Test Cricket will be playing each other more often while the teams who have not been able to give consistent performances will be moved to the second tier. There have been some who do not agree with this format whereas some consider this a great move. The ex-BCCI President, Anurag Thakur, recently shared his views on this format and completely disagreed with it.

    “The BCCI is against the two-tier Test system because the smaller countries will lose out and the BCCI wants to take care of them, It is necessary to protect their interests. In the two-tier system, they will lose out on a lot, including revenue and the opportunity to play against top teams. We don’t want that to happen. We want to work in the best interests of world cricket and that is why our team plays against all the countries,” Thakur said as quoted by India Today.

    Shastri believes two-tier format can help Test cricket survive

    Though the Ex-president had a huge problem Former India cricketer and commentator Ravi Shastri agreed with this format saying that this was the way to go and there have to be contests between teams for Test cricket to survive in this day and age.

    Also Read: Jay Shah lands in Brisbane for potential Olympics meeting

    “I’ve been a firm believer in that if you want Test cricket to survive and be alive and thriving, I think that’s the way to go, The top teams play against each other more often, so there is a contest; you want contests,” Shastri said while speaking on SEN.

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  • ICC Champions Trophy 2025 future at stake!! PCB refuses to move on from Fusion Formula

    ICC Champions Trophy 2025 future at stake!! PCB refuses to move on from Fusion Formula

    The fate of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 met with another twist as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) conveyed their final decision to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding their stance on the fusion model for next year’s prestigious tournament.

    It is being said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear that it will not back down on its stance regarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as if India does not play in Pakistan, then they will not also cross the border for the ICC events.

    ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faces uncertainty as PCB refuses to back down

    According to a report by Cricket Pakistan, the PCB confirmed that they will not bow down to India, so the final decision now lies with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

    Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan given Green Signal to host

    After India refused to play Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the PCB proposed a “fusion model” for the India-Pakistan matches along with some other demands to accept the hybrid model for next year’s eight-nation ODI tournament.

    According to the proposed “Fusion Model,” Pakistan and India will face each other at neutral venues in all ICC events for the next three years. And now the PCB has maintained a firm stance on this decision, refusing to make a compromise after the BCCI denied the acceptance of this demand.

    PCB wants India to accept “Fusion Model” for ICC events

    Earlier, media reports claimed that the BCCI had agreed to the Fusion Model for the Champions Trophy 2025, but they are not ready to follow the same arrangement for Pakistan for the ICC event in India. After that, the Pakistani board decided to stick with their decision not to play in India.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan’s group-stage matches in the ICC events hosted by India could be played at neutral venues. However, if Pakistan advances to the semifinals or finals, the Men in Green will have to play in India.

    Furthermore, it is also being said that if Pakistan decides to boycott ICC events in India, the ICC and the broadcasters will take legal action against the PCB.

    Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jay Shah reveals his sudden Australia trip details

    Later, the Pakistan board proposed a “Fusion Model” for ICC events scheduled in India over the next three years, including the Champions Trophy. The model suggested that if India refuses to play in Pakistan, Pakistan will also not send its team to India.

    The PCB has made it clear that they are firm in its stance and prioritizes its principles in these negotiations, so there will be no backing down.

    Pakistan in discussion with ICC over Champions Trophy deadlock in Dubai

    According to reports from the Times of Karachi, senior officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board are currently in Dubai, engaging in meetings with the International Cricket Council about the arrangements for the Champions Trophy 2025.

    These discussions are taking place at the executive level, with the PCB strongly backing their proposed “fusion model.”.

    Notably, PCB could face financial losses, legal action, and damage to its international relations if it decided to withdraw from the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a deadlock over the fusion model.

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  • ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI shocks PCB with latest move after Jay Shah leaves

    ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI shocks PCB with latest move after Jay Shah leaves

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is hesitant to accept the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) proposed ‘partnership formula’ for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, the BCCI doesn’t want the PCB to use a hybrid model for the upcoming ICC tournaments in India in the next three years.

    The International Cricket Council is trying to resolve the ongoing disagreement between the PCB and the BCCI over the Champions Trophy. While the ICC has proposed a hybrid model during a recent board meeting, the issue remains unresolved, and a final decision is expected to take more time.

    PCB Proposes ‘Partnership or Fusion Formula’ for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

    PCB officials recently engaged with ICC executives in Dubai, while Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had a video call with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. During these discussions, the PCB proposed a “Partnership or Fusion Formula,” allowing India to play their Champions Trophy matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    However, the PCB has set conditions for accepting the hybrid model. They want a similar model for upcoming ICC events in India over the next three years, allowing Pakistan to play its matches at a neutral venue. The Pakistan Cricket Board has also requested a larger share of ICC’s annual revenue.

    BCCI Not Keen on Accepting Proposed Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy

    The ICC and BCCI were expected to approve the proposed hybrid model. However, the BCCI is not keen on accepting the proposed hybrid model, according to a Cricket Pakistan report.

    “We have presented a fair solution. If India does not accept it, they cannot expect us to send our team there in the future. If an ICC event is held in India, their team would also need to play finals or key matches in Dubai, ensuring parity,” a PCB source was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

    In case, Pakistan’s conditions are accepted, the upcoming ICC tournament finals in India will be played at a neutral venue if Pakistan makes it to the final. The BCCI will next host the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, the 2029 Champions Trophy, and the 2031 Men’s ODI World Cup.

    Pakistan Will Have To Take A Strong Decision – Kamran Akmal

    Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal criticized India for their refusal to travel to Pakistan, calling it a double standard. He urged Pakistan to take a firm position, stating that it would help improve the country’s image.

    “Pakistan will have to take a strong decision and stick to it. That will help Pakistan create a good image. On one hand, they don’t want to play us in Pakistan on political issues but on the other hand, they play us in their country and that is a double standard,” Kamran Akmal said.

    The two teams last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India for white-ball matches. India last visited Pakistan in 2008 for the 50-over Asia Cup. The Indian team played their matches in the 2023 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

    Also read: Big setback for Rohit Sharma! Opening & No.5 spot denied, new batting position assigned for BGT

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  • AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Rishabh Pant pokes fun at Harshit Rana with a lollipop ahead of Pink-Ball Test

    AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Rishabh Pant pokes fun at Harshit Rana with a lollipop ahead of Pink-Ball Test

    The stage is set for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, scheduled to begin under the lights at Adelaide on December 6. After a commanding 295-run win in the opening Test at Perth, Team India will enter the pink-ball Test brimming with confidence. Australia, on the other hand, will aim to regroup and deliver a strong response to level the five-match series.

    Before the high-stakes clash, India is gearing up with a warm-up pink-ball game against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. This preparatory match will allow the visitors to acclimatize to the conditions and finalize their strategy for Adelaide.

    Rishabh Pant’s playful gesture with Harshit Rana

    During their journey from Perth to Canberra for the warm-up match, the Indian team was seen in high spirits, showcasing their camaraderie and relaxed vibe. A light-hearted moment between wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and pacer Harshit Rana caught fans’ attention. Pant playfully handed a lollipop to Rana, the debutant from the first Test, bringing smiles to the team and fans alike.

    The moment was captured in a video shared by the BCCI, offering fans a glimpse into the team’s off-field dynamics. The camaraderie among players reflects the positive atmosphere within the squad as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.

    Here is the video:

    Also READ: AUS vs IND 2024: Australia add Tasmanian all-rounder for Pink-Ball Test amid Mitchell Marsh’s fitness concerns

    An exciting battle awaits in Adelaide

    With India holding a 1-0 advantage in the five-match Border-Gavaskar series, the visitors will look to capitalize on their commanding start and take another step toward regaining the coveted trophy. A second consecutive victory in Adelaide would not only solidify their dominance but also put immense pressure on the hosts.

    However, writing off Australia would be premature, as they are renowned for their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. The Adelaide Test, being a pink-ball affair under lights, adds an intriguing dimension to the contest. Australia boasts an enviable track record in day-night Tests, often thriving in the unique conditions.

    Also READ: AUS vs IND: Sanjay Manjrekar picks the ‘greatest ball’ in Jasprit Bumrah’s career



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