Babar Azam?s drop from the Pakistan national side has made a huge stir in international cricket. Defending their daring step, Pakistan's head coach clarified that Babar has only been rested and not dropped, while also declaring him as their no. 1 batter.



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 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azhar_Ali">Azhar Ali</a>?s introduction as the Pakistan selector was not in the best way planned, as his first task to inform Babar about being dropped seemed controversial as a selector. Also, one of the strongest performers in the Pakistan domestic circle, Kamran Ghulam, was also named the best domestic player of the year by the PCB. However, this seemed one of the biggest course-changing decisions in the history of Pakistan cricket. Also, Kamran Ghulam has been named into the playing 11 after being immediately placed into the squad following the exit of veteran batter Babar Azam. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fakhar Zaman?s dig on PCB over the decision to bench Babar Azam</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/10/Fakhar-takes-a-dig-on-PCB-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-148558" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fakhar Zaman issued show cause over taking a dig on PCB over benching PCB (Image Credit: ProBatsman) </figcaption></figure>



Another veteran and exciting Pakistani cricketer of white ball cricket, Fakhar Zaman, has played several splendid match-winning matches for the Pakistan team. He, with a post on his X handle, questioned the PCB selection committee's decision to bench a player of Babar?s calibre. Zaman also drew a comparison of the Pakistani legendary cricketer with Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, as the latter also faced a tough phase in his career between the years 2020?23. He also sparked how Babar Azam, arguably their best batter, is dropped from the team owing to weak form, then it creates a stir of fear and instils a lack of confidence among other players. 



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 ?Azhar made it clear to Babar that he remained an integral part of Pakistan cricket?s future set-up and planning,? the source informed. As one of the Pakistani selectors' panel members, Aqib, mentioned, the break from international cricket would help them to regain their fitness as well as composure, hence making them ensured for future challenges.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/eng-vs-pak-pakistan-and-england-announce-playing-11-as-kamran-ghulam-makes-his-debut-for-pakistan-while-captain-stokes-gears-up-to-take-to-the-field/">ENG vs PAK: Pakistan and England announce Playing 11, as Kamran Ghulam makes his debut for Pakistan while captain Stokes gears up to take to the field</a>

Pakistan's head coach opens up about Babar Azam after Fakhar Zaman slams PCB|

Pakistan's head coach opens up about Babar Azam after Fakhar Zaman slams PCB on the decision to drop Babar Azam; draws comparison with Virat Kohli over major dig in form

pakistans-head-coach-opens-up-about-babar-azam-after-fakhar-zaman-slams-pcb-on-the-decision-to-drop-babar-azam-draws-comparison-with-virat-kohli-over-major-dig-in-form

Indian Cricket Team's captain Rohit Sharma has been in poor form with the bat so far in the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series versus Australia. Playing as an opener, the 37-year-old got dismissed after scoring just three runs in the first inning and it was yet another failure for the Indian skipper versus the Mighty Aussies. His poor form has created a lot discussions regarding his retirement from Red-Ball Cricket. 
Through various Social Media platforms, a lot of claims are being made that Rohit is going to retire from the longest format of the game post the conclusion of the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy series and the BCCI has come ahead and they have given a huge statement regarding the same.
Speaking to Insidesports regarding the possible retirement of Rohit, a BCCI official said, " There have been no discussions regarding the retirement of Rohit (Sharma). All of these are rumours and we don't prefer to respond on rumours. We are hearing these baseless rumours for the first time. It's upto him (Rohit) to decide whether we are in the middle of a Test-match or not. It's about winning matches."
<h2>The poor form of Rohit Sharma continues</h2>
The Indian skipper is currently having a tough time out there in the middle with the bat in Australia. If we take a look at his last 10 Test innings, he has managed to score just a single fifty. In the last 10 Test-innings, the 37-year old has scored 3, 10, 6, 3, 11, 18, 8, 0, 52 and 2 runs respectively. Even in the first inning of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test, the former Mumbai Indians captain got dismissed after scoring just three runs.
<h2>Rohit Sharma's Test career so far</h2>
37-year-old Rohit Sharma has taken part in 66 Test-matches so far in his career. In 114 innings of these contests, he has managed to score 4,289 runs at average of 41.24 with the help of 12 hundreds and 18 fifties with a highest score of 212 runs next to his name. It's worth noting that Sharma made his Test debut in 2013 versus the Windies. 
<h2>The captain himself is proving to be the weakling</h2>
A captain of a team is regarded as the most important and experienced player and their role is to rescue their team from difficult situations and lead them to victory. However, in the case of Rohit Sharma, he is proving to be the weakest link of the Men in Blue. 
His poor performances with the bat are proving to be problematic for the Indian Team and in the last 14 test innings, Rohit has managed to score just 155 runs at a horrendous average of 10.07 which includes just a single half-century.The score of 52 runs has been his best score and besides that, the 37-year-old has not managed to cross the 20 runs mark even once.
Do Read<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-cricket-champions-trophy-2025-schedule-teams-fixtures-full-squads-time-table/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">: ICC Cricket Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Teams, Fixtures, Full Squads, &amp; Time Table</a>

Indian Captain Rohit Sharma walks back to the pavilion after getting dismissed for yet another low score | Image: Associated Press

Rohit Sharma's repeated poor performances with the bat have raised questions regarding his place in the team and many experts and Indian fans want him to retire from Test Cricket

Will Rohit Sharma retire after the Border-Gavaskar Series? BCCI gives a huge statement

will-rohit-sharma-retire-after-the-border-gavaskar-series-bcci-gives-a-huge-statement

Nitish Kumar Reddy has made history. The third day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has ended with the visitors fighting hard to survive in the game. They are still trailing by 116 runs with only one wicket left in the tank.
But it was the 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has made headlines with a Boxing Day century at the MCG. After a number of 30s and 40s earlier in the series, the 21-year-old finally reached his maiden test fifty. But he didn't stop there and stitched a crucial partnership with Washington Sundar, who also played well.
The duo took India past the follow-on score and kept India in the game. Sundar got out after his fifty, and Jasprit Bumrah backed a duck. But it was all determination by Reddy, who succeeded in getting his maiden test century, and what a time and place to get to the triple figure. With his century, he achieved multiple records.
<h2>IND vs AUS 4th Test: Nitish Kumar Reddy made history with his Boxing Day Ton at the MCG</h2>
At the end of Day 3, India are 358/9, with Reddy unbeaten on 105 runs with 10 fours and one six while Mohammed Siraj is on 2 not out. Reddy's hundred came at a crucial time as he came out to bat when India were 221/7. But it was a breakthrough innings for the youngsters. He played some beautiful shots and kept the scoreboard ticking.
When he reached 88 runs, he went past Anil Kumble and registered the highest score by an Indian on Australian soil, batting at no. 8. With his century now, he is the first Indian batter to slam a century batting at No. 8. This is not all. The 21-year-old has hit 8 sixes in the series so far. With this, he has hit the joint-most sixes in a test series on Australian soil.
Michael Vaughan (2002-03 Ashes) and Chris Gayle (2009-10) have hit 8 sixes each in a test series in Australia. Nitish Kumar Reddy still have some innings left, and if he can hit one more six, he will make history. Adding to that, Reddy had an exciting celebration. After reaching fifty, he celebrated in the famous "Pushpa" movie style.
However, after his century, he celebrated in "Bahubali" style, which tells about the great character of the youngster. With one wicket left, India will look to eat up Australia's lead. There are still two days left in the game, and India will look to take time. Sundar also played well for his half-century and added 127 runs for the 8th wicket.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Nitish Kumar Reddy slammed his maiden Test ton in the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history; breaks multiple records with his Boxing Day Ton at MCG

nitish-kumar-reddy-scripts-history-breaks-multiple-records-with-his-boxing-day-ton-at-mcg

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The fixture and Schedule of the ICC Champions Trophy are out now, and excitement and hype are rising. We also have some squad updates for the coveted ICC Tournament and here we have all you need to know before the ICC event. 
It is going to be an eight-team tournament this year as well and the top eight teams of the globe will clash in the 50-over ODI format. As ICC has finalized the hybrid model, the tournament will feature 15 matches and be played across Pakistan and Dubai.
Pakistan are going to be the official host of the tournament with most of the matches taking place in Pakistan with only India matches scheduled to be played outside Pakistan due to geopolitical and border tensions between the host nation and India. 
The eight teams are divided into two groups- Group A and Group B. The tournament is set to begin on 19 February in Karachi with Pakistan taking on New Zealand. The final of the ICC event is set to be played on 9 March.
Let's take a look at the Teams, Groups, Schedule, Squads and more:
<h2 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Groups</h2>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; background-color: rgb(239, 242, 250); border: 1px double rgb(0, 0, 0); margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><colgroup><col style="width: 99.878%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">GROUP A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pakistan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">India</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">New Zealand</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bangladesh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">GROUP B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Australia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Afghanistan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">South Africa</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Venues Details</h2>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><colgroup><col style="width: 33.2927%;"><col style="width: 33.2927%;"><col style="width: 33.2927%;"></colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CITY</td>
<td>STADIUM</td>
<td>CAPACITY</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karachi</td>
<td>National Stadium, Karachi</td>
<td>34,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lahore</td>
<td>Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</td>
<td>27,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rawalpindi</td>
<td>Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi</td>
<td>15,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dubai</td>
<td>Dubai International Cricket Stadium</td>
<td>25,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Fixtures &amp; Schedule:</h2>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 74.0244%; background-color: rgb(237, 244, 252); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: double; height: 380px;">
<thead>
<tr style="height: 40px;">
<th style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 40px;">Date</th>
<th style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 40px;">Match</th>
<th style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 40px;">Venue</th>
<th style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 40px;">Time (IST)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">19 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Pakistan v New Zealand</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">National Stadium, Karachi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">20 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Bangladesh v India</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">21 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Afghanistan v South Africa</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">National Stadium, Karachi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">22 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Australia v England</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">23 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Pakistan v India</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">24 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Bangladesh v New Zealand</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">25 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Australia v South Africa</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">26 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Afghanistan v England</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">27 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Pakistan v Bangladesh</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">28 Feb</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Afghanistan v Australia</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">1 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">South Africa v England</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">National Stadium, Karachi</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">2 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">New Zealand v India</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2> ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Knockout Stage</h2>
The top 2 teams from Group A will Qualify - A1 A2 The top 2 teams from Group B will Qualify - B1 B2
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 74.0244%; background-color: rgb(237, 244, 252); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: double;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Date</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Match</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Venue</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Time</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A1 vs B2 (SF1)</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A2 vs B1 (SF2)</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Reserve Day (SF2)</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Winning teams from SF 1 and SF2 will qualify for the Final
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 74.0244%; background-color: rgb(237, 244, 252); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: double; height: 60px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Date</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Match</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Venue</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Time</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">9 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Final</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**</td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">02:30 PM</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 20px;">
<td style="width: 12.9436%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">10 Mar</td>
<td style="width: 31.7385%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;">Reserve Day (F)</td>
<td style="width: 44.8594%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;"></td>
<td style="width: 10.4613%; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 20px;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
** Venue will be shifted to Dubai if India Qualifies
<h2>ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squads</h2>
<h3>GROUP A</h3>
INDIA- Yet to be announced
PAKISTAN- Yet to be announced
NEW ZEALAND- Yet to be announced
BANGLADESH- Yet to be announced
<h3>GROUP B</h3>
AUSTRALIA- Yet to be announced
ENGLAND- Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.
AFGHANISTAN- Yet to be announced
SOUTH AFRICA- Yet to be announced
READ: S<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/steve-smith-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-and-kohli-sets-the-record-for-the-most-number-of-centuries-in-border-gavaskar-trophy/">teve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 features eight top teams in a 50-over format, with matches hosted across Pakistan and Dubai under a hybrid model, beginning on February 19 and concluding on March 9.

A thrilling eight-team ODI tournament, hosted in Pakistan and Dubai, showcasing cricket’s finest under geopolitical tensions and high stakes.

ICC Cricket Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, Teams, Fixtures, Full Squads,  & Time Table

icc-cricket-champions-trophy-2025-schedule-teams-fixtures-full-squads-time-table

The time is ticking for India captain Rohit Sharma in Test cricket. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the opening batter is all set to play his last match in red-ball cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which will be the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, provided few conditions. 
Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar is in Melbourne, and he will soon be having a conversation with Rohit Sharma related to his future in Tests. As per the reports, if India fails to reach the final of the series, then the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be the last match for India's captain.
This comes after Rohit Sharma's struggles in the Test cricket of last. In the last 8 games, the opening batter has scored just 155 runs at an average of 11.07 and his struggles are visible in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where he has managed just 22 runs from 5 innings. 
After playing two games in the middle order, Rohit Sharma moved back to the top order in the ongoing Melbourne Test. However, the move didn't pay off, as the skipper was back in the hut after facing just 5 balls. He attempted a half-hearted pull shot and was caught by Scott Boland with ease. 
<h2> Rohit Sharma felt uncomfortable while batting in the middle order in the second and third Test matches</h2>
The reports also added that Rohit Sharma felt uncomfortable while batting in the middle order in the second and third Test matches. However, to accommodate him back as an opener, Shubman Gill was dropped from the team for the ongoing game as Washington Sundar replaced him as an all-rounder. 
With their place for the ICC World Test Championship very far away, it is fair to say Rohit Sharma won't be playing any more Tests after the ongoing game. To make it into the final, India will have to win both the remaining games. However, with the way things are going in the ongoing match, Australia look like clear favourites. 
There also have been some other sections of reports that have claimed that a big announcement will be around the corner after the Melbourne Test concludes. It is learned that there will be some big news coming from Indian cricket, especially if the team loses the game. 
If the reports related to Rohit Sharma's retirement after the Sydney Test are true, it's safe to say that the batter will have a great opportunity to turn things around in the remaining three innings. If he sets the stage on fire in three innings, chances are he will continue leading the team.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/how-much-is-virat-kohli-s-match-fee-what-will-he-get-after-a-20-percent-penalty-at-the-mcg-/#google_vignette">How much is Virat Kohli's match fee? What will he get after a 20 percent penalty at the MCG?</a>

As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that Rohit Sharma is all set to play his last match in red-ball cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground

Rohit Sharma to retire after Sydney Test, Ajit Agarkar set to talk to captain about his future

rohit-sharma-to-retire-after-sydney-test-ajit-agarkar-set-to-talk-to-captain-about-his-future-

It's really hard to imagine Pakistan's test team without the presence of Shaheen Shah Afridi and it's a situation which is really hard to occur. However, a shocking call was taken by the National Team's selectors and despite being in excellent form with the ball, elite Pakistani seamer was not considered for selection in Pakistan's two-match Test-Series verus the South Africans.
Afridi delivered am exceptional performance in the One Day International series versus the same opposition, dismissing the highest number of batters (7) and his role with the ball was crucial in his team's success. 
But despite all this, the pacer wasn't even considered for selection for the two-match Test-Series versus the Proteas. According to some news reports, prior to the squad-announcement of the Shaheens, a selector reportedly asked the 24-year-old to take part in a practice Four-day match before the commencement of the Test-Series. 
Due to some personal reasons, Shaheen wasn't able to comply with the instructions of the Pakistani selectors. This was comprehended as "disobedience" by the selectors which led to his eventual exclusion from the Test team. Notably, a similar instruction was given to former skipper Babar Azam too, who also didn't comply with the instructions but was still included in the Test team.
According to some inside sources of Pakistani Men's National Cricket Team, it's believed that the dominating behavior of a certain selector has caused a feeling of dissatisfaction among the national team players. The selector, who recently announced his retirement from Cricket, reportedly maintains a dominating attitude even towards former players. It's believed that the selector is none other than Aleem Dar who was drafted in the selection committee just a few months back. 
According to some close sources of Shaheen, the pacer still has the passion in him to represent Pakistan in the longest format of the game and he was pretty disappointed by the selectors' decision to exclude him from the Test Team for the South Africa series. 
Post the conclusion of the One-Day International series, the 24-year-old even gave the offer to stay in South Africa for the upcoming Test-Series if the national team selectora felt the need to include him in the squad, but no initiative was taken to select him. 
The Shan Masood-led team desperately felt the absence of a left-handed pacer and this was pretty evident in the Centurion Test-match versus the Proteas. Another left-arm seamer Mir Hamza, who is known for his speed and variations, was not considered for selection too. 
Talking about Shaheen Shah Afridi again, the reason for not selecting him was given as workload management but shockingly, he was allowed to participate in the upcoming edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He is a part of the team of Fortune Barishal and the 24-year-old is anticipated to play in five contests for the franchise.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/watch-irfan-pathan-and-sanjay-manjrekar-get-involved-in-a-heated-argument-over-the-run-out-of-yashasvi-jaiswal-on-live-tv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watch:Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar get involved in a heated argument over the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal on live TV</a>

Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan celebrates the dismissal of Australia's Mitchell Starc | Image: AFP

Shaheen Shah Afridi was shockingly not considered for selection in Pakistan's Test Team for the South Africa series and Aleem Dar is reportedly considered the main reason behind his exclusion from the team.

Shaheen Afridi neglected the orders of the selectors and this led to his exclusion from the Test Team

shaheen-afridi-neglected-the-orders-of-the-selectors-and-this-led-to-his-exclusion-from-the-test-team

Jasprit Bumrah bowled the worst spell of his career in the Tests during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Jasprit Bumrah was taken for a lot of runs in the Tests against Australia. The fast bowler returned with the figures of 4/99 in the 28.4 overs. This saw him achieving a wanted record to his name as, for the first time, he gave away more than 90 runs in an innings in his career in Tests. 
Jasprit Bumrah also was hit for four sixes during his spell. It was for the first time in 4562 deliveries that six was hit against him. Sam Konstas slammed the fast bowler for two sixes, while Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc also hit one six each against the premier fast bowler. 
This was only the second time that more than one six in an innings (after England's first innings in 2018 at the Oval) was hit against the fast bowler. This was the first time three or more sixes were hit against the fast bowler. 
<h2>Jasprit Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</h2>
Jasprit Bumrah has been the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The fast bowler has looked a class apart in the series. He picked fifer in Perth and followed it up with the four-fer in Adelaide. The pacer picked 6-fer wickets in Gabba and then four-fer in Melbourne.
Jasprit Bumrah, in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, has taken 25 wickets at an average of 13.12 with five-wicket hauls. With the way he is going, he is expected to take more wickets in the series and it won't be a surprise if he goes past 35-mark in the series. 
Coming to the match, Australia had another dominating outing in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
They came up with a terrific effort with bat and ball on Day two to put India under pressure. The hosts ended their first innings on 474 and then took five Indian wickets. At stumps, India was 165 for five and is still behind 310 runs.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-/">Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance</a>

Jasprit Bumrah bowled the worst spell of his career in the Tests during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Shocking! Jasprit Bumrah bowls the worst spell of his career and achieves two unwanted feats

shocking-jasprit-bumrah-bowls-the-worst-spell-of-his-career-and-achieves-two-unwanted-feats-

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has ordered skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir to drop Mohammed Siraj for the next game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He said that the team should include Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna in the team at Sydney. 
Mohammed Siraj has been one of the poor performers for India in the ongoing series against Australia. The fast bowler has failed to provide support to Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing series, which has been the main reason behind the team's struggles with the ball. 
With Mohammed Siraj failing to take wickets and restrict run flow, all the burden has come on Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler has been single-handedly carrying the bowling lineup of the team and is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with 25 wickets to his name. 
Mohammed Siraj has also leaked a lot of runs and his poor effort is the reason why Australia has piled up over 400 runs in the last two games. In the Melbourne Test, he failed to take a single wicket and gave away 122 runs in the 23 overs that he bowled. 
Sunil Gavaskar feels that Mohammed Siraj needs a break and team management needs to tell him that they are dropping him on the basis of his poor performances. While speaking to Star Sports, he explained: 
"I think Siraj, perhaps, needs a little bit of a break. In the sense that, I am not saying a break, he needs to be told that he is left out of the team for non-performance. There has to be a situation where you can’t beat around the bush." 
<h2>If you want to make two changes. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana to support Jasprit Bumrah - Sunil Gavaskar wants Mohammed Siraj to be dropped </h2>
Sunil Gavaskar mentioned that Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma need to directly say to Mohammed Siraj they are dropping him. The batting great also batted for the inclusion of Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana. He explained: 
"But I think Siraj needs to be told ‘look, you are not bowling as well as we expected you to on pitches that have been helpful’. That is something that needs to be told. If you want to make two changes. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana to support Jasprit Bumrah. By all means, do that," he concluded.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has ordered skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir to drop Mohammed Siraj for the next game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma ordered to drop Mohammed Siraj following his worst performance

gautam-gambhir-and-rohit-sharma-ordered-to-drop-mohammed-siraj-following-his-worst-performance-

In the 2nd day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, the Indian Cricket Team has hit the axe on their own feet. In reply to Australia's first inning score of 474 runs, the Indian batters helped their team reach the score of 153-2 at one point and they were on course of reaching a big score in their first-inning. 
However, in the 41st over, young Indian opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal got run out after playing a good knock of 86 runs. Lack of co-ordination with Virat Kohli on the other end meant he youngster missed out on the opportunity to slam his 2nd ton versus the Aussies in the ongoing BGT series. On one hand, the threat of a follow on being enforeced is looming over the Indian Team while on the other hand, the run out of Jaiswal sparked a heated argument between Cricket experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar and the video of the same has gone viral on social media platforms. 
The Men in Blue ended the 2nd day of the Melbourne test at the score of 164 runs for the loss of five wickets and they are still trailing the Kangaroos by 310 runs. Post the conclusion of the 2nd day, Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan were discussing the run out of Jaiswal in the post match show of Star Sports. Manjrekar on one hand was seen criticising Kohli while the opinions of Irfan were completely opposite.
Watch the full video <a href="https://x.com/Musafirr_hu_yar/status/1872543107272806770?t=08VDV_x1Pzgs82fX6qIX2g&amp;s=19">here</a>
<h2>Manjrekar had some harsh words to say about Kohli</h2>
First, Sanjay Manjrekar put forward his perspective and said, 
<blockquote>
"The ball was coming at a slower speed, I don't think that Virat would have got run-out in that situation. It was the call of Jaiswal and this run was probably not a free one but Jaiswal was the one who was running at the danger-end not Virat. It was his (Virat's) childish mistake that he looked back and decided that it was not a run. If Yashasvi's judgement was wrong then he would have got dismissed on the non-striker's end."

</blockquote>
<h2>Irfan Pathan hit back at the comments of Manjrekar</h2>
Initiating a counter attack on the views of his fellow commentator, Irfan said, 
<blockquote>
"He (Kohli) was probably not confident about taking that run because the ball went to fielder in a quick manner. Kohli, who was standing at the non-striker's end also has the right to deny a run call if he feels he's at the risk of getting run-out."

After this, Manjrekar said, "If you don't want to let me talk, then it's okay.
</blockquote>
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/steve-smith-goes-past-sachin-tendulkar-and-kohli-sets-the-record-for-the-most-number-of-centuries-in-border-gavaskar-trophy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steve Smith goes past Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, sets the record for the most number of centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy</a>

Irfan Pathan (L) and Sanjay Manjrekar (C) in the post match show of Star Sports alongside Jatin Sapru (R) | Image: X (Cricket NDTV)

Cricket Experts Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar got involved in a heated exchange with each other on live television following the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal

Watch:Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar get involved in a heated argument over the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal on live TV

watch-irfan-pathan-and-sanjay-manjrekar-get-involved-in-a-heated-argument-over-the-run-out-of-yashasvi-jaiswal-on-live-tv

India batter Virat Kohli has been the centre of attraction in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The match between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. 
Virat Kohli has become the target of Australian media ever since India has reached the Melbourne. He was involved in a fight with Australian media and then, during the ongoing match, was also seen having a heated exchange with young opener Sam Konstas. 
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas bumped shoulders while moving across the pitch between over, and after that, were seen having a heated argument. This saw Batter facing a lot of criticism for having a go at a young player who was making his debut for Australia. 
The Australian media, along with various Australian experts and former cricketers, went hard at Virat Kohli. Not only this, even the crowd was against the senior India batter as he got boos when the premier batter walked out to bat on the Day Two of the ongoing Test. 
<h2>Virat Kohli looked very solid at the crease and it seemed that he would reply to all the critics in style</h2>
Virat Kohli looked very solid at the crease and it seemed that he would reply to all the critics in style and with his bat. He looked in great touch as he played some crisp shots in his innings and with the way he was going, it was expected that he would get a big score.
Virat Kohli was highly cautious against the balls outside off early on his innings and, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, added over 100 runs partnership. But the demons of the outside off stump came to haunt him again as he was back in the hut after a valuable start. 
Virat Kohli was removed by Scott Boland as he poked at the ball outside off and was caught by Alex Carey behind the stumps. The premier Indian batter was back in the hut after 36 runs, but what caught the attention of many was he fought with the crowd on his way back. 
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>
As he was going inside the dressing room, some of the fans near the entrance told him something. The batter, however, came up back and shared some words with the fans before going back in extreme anger. You can see the video below:

India batter Virat Kohli has been the centre of attraction in the ongoing fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia

Watch: 'Angry' Virat Kohli fights with fans at MCG after getting out for 36 runs

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In what proves to be a massive and a remarkable achievement, Australian Cricket Team's elite batsman Steven Smith has broken the legendary Sachin Tendulkar's prestigious record following his splendid hundred in the ongoing 4th test-match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Batting at the fourth spot in the batting-order, the former Aussie skipper slammed an incredible ton, helping the Kangaroos gain the upper-hand in the do-or-die encounter at the iconic stadium. 
The 35-year-old who failed to meet the expectations of the Australian fans in the Adelaide and Perth Test-Matches, rediscovered his magic with the bat with the help of a wonderful ton in the Gabba Test-match. He didn't let his good momentum go away, slamming yet another important century and helped the Kangaroos post a huge first inning score in the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-match. In this process, the former Australian skipper also broken Tendulkar's record of slamming the highest number of centuries in the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
<h3>List of batters to have slammed the highest number of centuries in the history of Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series</h3>
<table id="table-m561o8g4" border="1" style="width: 100.732%; height: 112px;">
<tbody>
<tr id="row0" style="height: 10px;">
<th id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 10px;">Batter</th>
<th id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 10px;">Innings</th>
<th id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 10px;">Hundreds</th>
</tr>
<tr id="row1" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Steve Smith</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">41</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row2" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Sachin Tendulkar</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">65</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row3" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Virat Kohli</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">47</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row4" style="height: 20px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">Ricky Ponting</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">51</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 20px; text-align: center;">8</td>
</tr>
<tr id="row5" style="height: 22px;">
<td id="col0" style="width: 46.9242%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">Michael Clarke</td>
<td id="col1" style="width: 23.0329%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">40</td>
<td id="col2" style="width: 30.0429%; height: 22px; text-align: center;">7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Prior to his inning of 140 runs at the MCG, Smith had scored the same number of BGT tons as Kohli &amp; Tendulkar. So, elite Indian batter Virat Kohli also has an opportunity to go past the little master and match Smith if he slams a hundred in the Boxing-Day Test.
<h2>Steve Smith goes past Joe Root with his century in Melbourne</h2>
Records keep flowing from the bat of Elite Australian batter Steve Smith and with the help of 34th Test ton in Melbourne, he has now become the player who has scored the most centuries in the history of Test cricket versus the Indian Team i.e 11 centuries.
Before Smith, this record was in the name of England's Joe Root who has slammed 10 incredible tons versus the Men in Blue. Apart from him, the likes of Ricky Ponting, Vivian Richards and Gary Sobers have also scored 8 centuries each against India.
Also, Smith has now equalled Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar, Younus Khan and Mahela Jayawadene in terms of scoring the most centuries in the history of the five-day format. All of these legendary players had scored 34 centuries in Test cricket. This is also Smith's 46th century in his international career.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/yashasvi-jaiswal-went-past-virat-kohli-to-join-sachin-tendulkar-in-an-elite-list-of-indians-with-his-glorious-82-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yashasvi Jaiswal went past Virat Kohli to join Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list of Indians with his glorious 82 at MCG</a>

Steven Smith of Australia celebrates scoring his 34 test ton in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus India at the MCG | Image: Getty Images

Steven Smith of Australia has broken multiple records with the help of his 34th Test century in the Boxing-Day Test-match versus Team India