India's Champions Trophy Participation in Pakistan Uncertain Amid Safety Concerns

India’s Champions Trophy Participation in Pakistan Uncertain Amid Safety Concerns

The participation of the Indian cricket team in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain amidst ongoing political tensions between the two nations. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has expressed his belief that India should not travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing safety concerns.

Kaneria emphasized that the safety of players should be paramount and that the current situation in Pakistan does not provide a conducive environment for the Indian team. He suggested that Dubai would be a more suitable venue for the event.

“Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan,” Kaneria said. “The safety of the players is the first priority. Respect is the second priority.”

Kaneria acknowledged that the Pakistan team traveled to India for the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he noted that the situation in India is more stable than in Pakistan. He believes that the BCCI is making the right decision by not providing any guarantees for the Champions Trophy.

“I think BCCI is doing a great job,” Kaneria said. “I think all the countries will accept the final decision. I think it will be a hybrid model.”

Kaneria also pointed out that the financial benefits of hosting the Indian team are a major factor in the ongoing discussions. However, he stressed that safety and respect should take precedence over financial considerations.

“The main issue is that money will come,” Kaneria said. “But you see the other grey area which you are fixing right now. If you think positively, your mind that the situation is not good, security concerns are there.”

The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the venue for the Champions Trophy in due course. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 18, 2025.

Yorkshire Appoints Mitesh Velani as Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Yorkshire Appoints Mitesh Velani as Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Yorkshire County Cricket Club has appointed Mitesh Velani as its new Chief Financial and Operations Officer, effective September 16. Velani joins Yorkshire from Saracens, where he held various leadership roles, including Finance Director and Chief Executive.

Velani’s appointment comes amidst significant changes at Yorkshire, both on and off the field. The club is currently searching for a new Director of Cricket and Head Coach, and is also considering demutualization, which would require a 75% vote from members.

Velani’s experience at Saracens, which was fined and docked points for breaching the English Premiership’s salary cap, has been noted by Yorkshire. However, the club has emphasized Velani’s contributions to Saracens’ success, including “transformation and innovation” during a decade of sustained success.

Velani expressed his excitement about joining Yorkshire, stating his intention to “use everything I have learned to help support Yorkshire at this exciting time.” He aims to “deliver success at Headingley and produce exceptional results, underpinned by robust commercial foundations.”

Yorkshire also announced the appointment of Sanjay Patel as Interim Chief Executive, effective next month. Patel, who was instrumental in the creation of The Hundred, will join Yorkshire’s board, which has been led by Colin Graves since February.

Graves has been vocal about the need for demutualization, citing financial concerns and the interest of potential investors. He has stated that “Yorkshire’s going to fall into these financial problems time and time again” if members do not vote in favor of demutualization.

Yorkshire’s recent appointments signal a period of transition and ambition for the club. Velani and Patel bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and their contributions will be crucial as Yorkshire navigates its current challenges and strives for future success.

PCB Secures Billion-Rupee Deal for Gaddafi Stadium Naming Rights

PCB Secures Billion-Rupee Deal for Gaddafi Stadium Naming Rights

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has secured a lucrative deal worth PKR 1 billion with a private bank for the naming rights of the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The five-year agreement will see the stadium, previously named after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, bear the bank’s name.

This move follows a similar deal for the National Stadium in Karachi, which is now known as the National Bank Cricket Arena. The PCB has yet to officially announce the Gaddafi Stadium deal, but insiders have confirmed its completion.

“The deal is for one billion rupees, while the board had sold naming rights for the Karachi stadium for 450 million dollars,” said an insider.

The initiative to sell naming rights for cricket stadiums in Pakistan began in 2021 under former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. The deal for the Karachi stadium was completed during his tenure.

Now headed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB aims to use the revenue from such deals to manage renovation costs for three main stadiums in the country ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Additionally, Naqvi seeks to increase revenue streams to support domestic cricket, which is expected to benefit Pakistan cricket overall.

“Naqvi also wants to increase revenue streams to support domestic cricket, which will benefit Pakistan cricket,” the source added.

The Gaddafi Stadium, built in 1959, is one of the most iconic cricket venues in Pakistan. It has hosted numerous international matches, including the 1996 Cricket World Cup final. The stadium has a capacity of over 27,000 spectators and is known for its lively atmosphere.

The naming rights deal is a significant development for the PCB as it seeks to generate additional revenue to support its operations and invest in the development of cricket in Pakistan.

Ahmed Shehzad Blasts PCB, Withdraws from Domestic Cricket

Ahmed Shehzad Blasts PCB, Withdraws from Domestic Cricket

Ahmed Shehzad, a former Pakistani cricketer who was once compared to Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, has ignited a firestorm in the cricketing world with his scathing criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). In a series of tweets, Shehzad announced his withdrawal from the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup and expressed deep frustration with the current state of Pakistan cricket.

Shehzad, now 32, accused the PCB of favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players. He criticized the board for squandering resources on “mentors for doing nothing” and rewarding players who, in his view, have contributed to Pakistan cricket’s “all-time low.”

“In a time when Pakistan is struggling with inflation, poverty, and massive electricity bills, the PCB is wasting 5 million Rs on mentors for doing nothing and rewarding failed players in the current team who brought Pakistan cricket to an All-time Low,” Shehzad tweeted.

He further added, “As a Pakistani and true cricket lover, I cannot support a system that has no value for merit. I refuse to be a part of this failed setup.”

Shehzad’s outburst came in the wake of Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory over Pakistan on their home soil. Shehzad described the defeat as a “new low” for Pakistan cricket, expressing disbelief over the team’s current state.

“Pakistan cricket has reached a point where today Bangladesh defeated Pakistan on home soil for the first time ever. I have never seen Pakistan cricket sink so low in my life,” Shehzad said in a video posted on Twitter.

Shehzad argued that the problem lies not with the players but with the PCB’s lack of vision and poor selection policies. He suggested that the board’s short-term decisions have pushed the team towards a decline similar to that of Pakistan’s once-great hockey team.

“I don’t blame the players. The fault lies with the Pakistan Cricket Board,” he asserted.

Shehzad’s comments have sparked a debate about the future of Pakistan cricket and the role of the PCB in its decline. It remains to be seen whether the board will respond to Shehzad’s criticism and take steps to address the issues he has raised.

Rohit Sharma to Stay Loyal to Mumbai Indians, Says Ashwin

Rohit Sharma to Stay Loyal to Mumbai Indians, Says Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin, the star Indian off-spinner, has expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma will remain loyal to the Mumbai Indians franchise in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Ashwin’s comments come amidst speculation about Rohit’s future with the team following his removal as captain last year.

“Even if you think like Rohit, it’s not wrong at all. I don’t want any headache. I have been a captain for India. I have captained Mumbai many times. Even if I am not a captain, I am going to Mumbai happily. If I play for Mumbai, it’s super. I am sure most players are like that. After a stage, money doesn’t matter for some of those players. That’s the thing,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Rohit has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians since joining the franchise in 2011. He has led the team to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. Despite being replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya last year, Rohit remains a key player for the franchise.

In the 2024 IPL season, Rohit scored 417 runs at an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150. He scored a century and fifty, with the best score of 105*. His performances suggest that he is still a valuable asset to the Mumbai Indians.

Ashwin’s comments echo the sentiments of many fans who believe that Rohit will continue to play for the Mumbai Indians. The franchise has been his home for over a decade, and he has a strong bond with the team and its supporters.

It remains to be seen whether Rohit will remain with the Mumbai Indians beyond the 2025 season. However, Ashwin’s comments suggest that the veteran batter is committed to the franchise and is not looking to move elsewhere.

Shakib Al Hasan to Play for Surrey Before India Tour

Shakib Al Hasan to Play for Surrey Before India Tour

Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder from Bangladesh, is set to make a brief appearance in the English County Championship for Surrey before joining his national team for their upcoming tour of India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted Shakib a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the match against Somerset, scheduled for September 9 in Taunton.

Surrey will be without their England players during that round due to the ongoing Sri Lanka Test series and the start of the Australia white-ball series. Shakib’s inclusion will provide a much-needed boost to Surrey’s squad.

After his stint with Surrey, Shakib will fly to Chennai to join the Bangladesh team for their first Test against India, starting on September 19. The tour will also include two more Tests and three T20Is before Bangladesh returns home for a series against South Africa in October.

Shakib’s participation in the County Championship comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings in Bangladesh. He is among 147 people charged in connection with an alleged murder during protests in early August. However, the BCB has stated that Shakib can continue playing for Bangladesh as the investigation is still in its early stages.

The ECB has the authority to withhold Shakib’s registration to play in England even if he is granted a UK visa. However, Bangladesh’s Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs adviser, Asif Nazrul, has expressed confidence that Shakib will not be arrested.

Shakib’s recent performances for Bangladesh have been impressive. He played a crucial role in their historic Test victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, taking three important wickets on the fifth day. He is also part of the ongoing second Test, which has been affected by rain.

Flintoff Joins England Test Squad as Batting Consultant, Trescothick Takes White-Ball Break

Flintoff Joins England Test Squad as Batting Consultant, Trescothick Takes White-Ball Break

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, will join the Test squad as a batting consultant ahead of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval. Flintoff’s appointment comes as Marcus Trescothick, the current batting coach, takes a short break before assuming the role of interim white-ball head coach for the upcoming series against Australia.

Flintoff has been involved with England’s white-ball setup for the past year, including the T20 World Cup in June. However, he will not be part of Trescothick’s coaching staff for the three T20Is and five ODIs against Australia next month. Flintoff recently gained experience as a head coach with the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, where his team narrowly missed out on qualification.

Flintoff is expected to join the Test squad on Wednesday for two training days and will assist Brendon McCullum’s staff throughout the third Test. His role is short-term, and he is not expected to be involved in the winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.

Trescothick will take a few days off after the second Test at Lord’s before joining the white-ball squad ahead of the first T20I against Australia on September 11. His backroom staff will largely remain the same as Matthew Mott’s, with the addition of England Under-19s coach Michael Yardy.

Trescothick has not yet decided whether he will apply for the white-ball head coach’s role on a permanent basis. He stated, “I’m still very focused on the batting stuff with the Test team. I’m going to let this play out and see what happens for this period of time, and see how much I enjoy doing the head coach’s role and then go from there really.”

Trescothick will work alongside Jos Buttler, his former Somerset teammate, who is expected to continue as captain but may relinquish the wicketkeeping gloves in the T20Is. Trescothick said, “It’s definitely something we’ll think about, because we can try different options, give it a go for a period of time and see what reaction it has on his captaincy and on the team.”

Despite recent setbacks in World Cups, Trescothick believes England’s one-day cricket is in a good place. He added, “Jos is going to lead that forward for a period of time at the moment – and I don’t see it changing.”

Gus Atkinson Joins Elite Club with Lord's Century and 10-Wicket Haul

Gus Atkinson Joins Elite Club with Lord’s Century and 10-Wicket Haul

England’s Gus Atkinson has etched his name into the annals of Lord’s history by becoming only the second player to achieve both a Test century and a 10-wicket haul at the iconic venue in the same season.

Atkinson, 26, followed up his match-winning 118 with the bat on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka with a five-wicket haul on Day 3. He is now part of an exclusive club that includes Gubby Allen, Keith Miller, Ian Botham, Stuart Broad, and Chris Woakes.

Atkinson’s bowling performance was as impressive as his batting. He bowled with great accuracy and control, consistently finding the right line and length to trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen. He dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, and Asitha Fernando to put England in a commanding position.

Sri Lanka’s only resistance came from Angelo Mathews, who scored a gritty 52. However, Atkinson’s relentless pressure eventually proved too much, and he was caught behind off the bowling of Chris Woakes.

Atkinson’s heroics have put England on the verge of a series victory. They need just four more wickets to secure a 2-0 lead and retain the Pataudi Trophy.

Lucknow Super Giants Appoint Zaheer Khan as Mentor, Aiming for IPL Title

Lucknow Super Giants Appoint Zaheer Khan as Mentor, Aiming for IPL Title

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season with a renewed determination to capture the coveted title. The team has undergone significant changes, including the appointment of legendary pacer Zaheer Khan as a mentor.

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka emphasized the importance of having an Indian mind in the support staff to maximize the potential of the players. He believes that Zaheer’s unwavering desire to win and his experience as a player will be invaluable assets to the team.

Goenka expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in the previous season, citing a lack of experienced decision-making. He believes that Zaheer’s role will be crucial in addressing this issue and guiding the team towards success.

Goenka also highlighted the importance of experience in the team, drawing lessons from the Rising Pune Supergiants’ journey to the IPL final in 2017. He believes that the team’s lack of experience at the time ultimately cost them the title.

With Zaheer’s addition to the support staff, LSG aims to create a balanced team with a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The team is confident that these changes will propel them towards their ultimate goal of winning the IPL championship.

CWI CEO Skeptical of ICC Test Fund, Calls for Focus on Development

CWI CEO Skeptical of ICC Test Fund, Calls for Focus on Development

The outgoing Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave has expressed skepticism about the proposed ICC Test fund, suggesting that it will not significantly impact the state of Test cricket. The fund, which aims to provide a minimum match fee of US $10,000 for players in Test matches, has been met with mixed reactions.

Grave believes that the fund is insufficient to address the challenges facing Test cricket, particularly in the West Indies. He argues that the focus should be on increasing the number of three-match series, establishing dedicated Test windows, and supporting ‘A’ team programs.

“I think the idea of paying a Test fee of US $10,000 is not even window dressing,” Grave said. “We pay our players US $10,000. So, I sort of smiled when I saw that come out in the press.”

Grave acknowledges that the Test fund is a “significant amount of money” for CWI, but he believes it is a “rounding error” for other boards. He suggests that the ICC should prioritize measures that will improve the quality and competitiveness of Test cricket, such as providing more opportunities for players to develop their skills.

Despite his skepticism about the Test fund, Grave welcomes the “slight change in mindset” from the Big 3 (Australia, India, and England). He believes that the willingness to host major events outside of their own countries and to support the development of cricket in other regions is a positive step.

“We’ve got to get jeopardy back in, we’ve got to get competitive balance,” Grave said. “To a certain extent, some of that has changed.”

Grave’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the future of Test cricket. While some believe that the format is in decline, others argue that it remains the pinnacle of the sport. The ICC Test fund is one of several initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Test cricket, but it remains to be seen whether it will have the desired impact.

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