Ramiz Raja officially remove as Chairman PCB: Shehbaz Sharif, the patron of the cricket board and the prime minister of Pakistan, formally initiated the ouster of Ramiz Raja as PCB chairman and the present board. Ramiz's chairmanship is now effectively over, despite the need for some procedures to be completed. This puts an end to a few days of escalating and hysterical speculation about an imminent regime transition.



A 14-member management committee, led by former chairman and well-known media expert Najam Sethi, will oversee activities in the interim. The group also includes former Pakistan captains Shahid Afridi and Sana Mir. The PCB's constitution will need to be changed by the committee within 120 days in order to reinstate the 2014 version and replace the present one (put in place in 2019).



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Najam Sethi tweeted a post writing, "The cricket regime headed by Ramiz Raja is no more. The 2014 PCB constitution stands restored. The Management Committee will work tirelessly to revive first-class cricket. Thousands of cricketers will be employed again. The famine in cricket will come to an end."



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The Prime Minister's office had earlier released a summary from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) and a more formal notification of the events, which corroborated speculations that had been circulating over the previous few days as a result of Pakistan's loss to England in Karachi. The 0-3 home defeat ended an unbelievable home winning streak.



Ramiz Raja's expected departure will be the most visible consequence, but the major task for the new committee will be to repeal the present board constitution and reimpose the 2014 version. In actuality, a board change is not specifically mentioned in the IPC's summary that was forwarded to the prime minister's office. The constitutional revision that will allow department teams to play domestic cricket is its main priority. Because the 2019 constitution does not recognize departmental cricket, the outdated constitution that does is being brought back, and an interim management committee will be tasked with carrying out that, which is why the existing administration led by Ramiz is being replaced.



The PCB faced criticism for abolishing departmental cricket because it suddenly left hundreds of cricketers unemployed. It is important to remember that several department sides had already stopped participating in sports before Imran's action, and given the current economic situation, it's possible that these groups would be reluctant to recruit a team of cricket players.



Sethi also shared some of the formal papers which were signed by the Deputy secretary of sports, which rectify that Ramiz Raja has been officially sacked as PCB chairman.



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Check out <a href="https://twitter.com/najamsethi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Najam Aziz Sethi's</a> Twitter for more. 



Visit?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC CRICKET SCHEDULE</a>?for more cricketing updates.

India ko hazam nahi hua PAK aage kaise nikal gaya: Ramiz Raja

BREAKING: Ramiz Raja officially remove as Chairman PCB, PM named 14 member Management committee to run PCB affairs led by Najam Sethi

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"Rest in Pease Pakistan Cricket," Rashid Latif's shocking remarks on PCB: No matter what happens in the sporting world, Pakistani cricket frequently manages to garner attention for the usual reasons. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) changed its management in order to elevate the sport there, but Najam Sethi's tenure as president has led several former national players to criticize the way the organization is being operated. 



Pakistan veteran Rashid Latif, on Tuesday, unleashed a stinging attack at the PCB, even claiming that the Pakistan team can now 'rest in peace'. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under fire from former wicket-keeper Rashid Latif for resting key players ahead of the country's upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan later this month. The former skipper explained the stance to the media, saying that those who ought to have taken a break themselves are now making decisions that will affect Pakistan cricket.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Pakistan-vs-Bangladesh_11zon.jpg" alt="Pakistan" class="wp-image-97178" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: NDTV</figcaption></figure>



Latif made his remarks after the <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketpakcompk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PCB</a> named Shadab Khan as the series captain for the T20Is against Afghanistan, resting Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The board was harshly criticized by Latif for leaving Babar and Afridi out of the T20 squad for the series.



He said, "Our players are featuring in ICC rankings and winning awards after a long time. Babar and Shaheen won ICC awards. They [PCB] couldn't digest it. They said we won't let it happen and now we are here and will take decisions. Those who never took rest and are 70 or 80 years old and need to rest are now deciding the fate of Pakistan cricket. You can say rest in peace Pakistan team. Our team is now resting in peace."



He further explains his point and said, "When you bring new players, you break a team combination. Some new players, who are selected, will perform in the Afghanistan series, so will they bring back the senior players with lesser strike rates? Media will also put pressure on them. This is the first step towards destroying the Pakistan team."



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The PCB chose a brand-new squad based on their performances in the ongoing PSL, and the veteran Imad Wasim, who has been superb for Karachi Kings with both bat and ball, also received a recall. As per Latif, when new players join the team, a combination is disrupted, and if some of those perform well and the top players come back, the situation becomes chaotic.



Pakistan Squad:Shadab Khan (C),?Abdullah Shafique,?Azam Khan,?Faheem Ashraf,?Iftikhar Ahmed,?Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim,?Mohammad Haris?(wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr,?Naseem Shah,?Saim Ayub,?Shan Masood,?Tayyab Tahir, Zaman Khan.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2023-super-league-points-table-updated-ahead-of-ind-vs-aus-odis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Super League Points Table [Updated] ahead of IND vs AUS ODIs</a>



Visit?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC CRICKET SCHEDULE</a>?for more cricketing updates.

"Rest in Pease Pakistan Cricket," Rashid Latif's shocking remarks on PCB | Pak vs AFG T20I series.

rest-in-pease-pakistan-cricket-rashid-latifs-shocking-remarks-on-pcb-pak-vs-afg-t20i-series

The fever for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is on as we are just a few months away from the biggest crown of the game. The tournament will take place in India and it is expected that it will be played from 5th October. A total of 47 matches are likely to take place throughout the tournament. With just a few months remaining before the start of the tournament, it?s fair to say that teams would've started to plan their strategies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Pakistan appoints new Director of Cricket Ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Pakistan_11zon.jpg" alt="Pakistan Cricket Team" class="wp-image-94428" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pakistan Cricket Team (Image Source: BCCI Tv)</figcaption></figure>



Pakistan cricket team have appointed the new Director of Cricket ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The <a href="https://www.pcb.com.pk" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.pcb.com.pk">Pakistan Cricket Board</a> (PCB) have opted for their former head coach Micky Arthur for the role.?



As a Director of cricket for Pakistan, Micky Arthur will look into developing, implementing, and supervising the tactics. Apart from this, PCB has also named him as part of the coaching setup for Cricket World Cup 2023, home series against the West Indies, away tour to Australia and Asia Cup as well.?



Read Also:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2023-ranking-all-ipl-10-teams-based-on-their-potential-set-of-all-rounders/">?</a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2023-ranking-all-ipl-10-teams-based-on-their-potential-set-of-all-rounders/">IPL 2023: Ranking All IPL 10 Teams Based on Their Potential set of All?rounders</a>



Micky Arthur opened up about being appointed as the Director of Cricket. He said that he?s thrilled to rejoin Pakistan and also revealed that he has kept track of players and their performances. Speaking about his tenure, he said:&nbsp;



"I am absolutely thrilled to be rejoining the Pakistan cricket team and look forward to working with the group. Since moving on, I have kept a track of the players and their collective performances.&nbsp;



?This is a talented bunch with the potential to be number one across all formats and my endeavor is to put in place strategies and create an environment that can contribute in further enhancing their performances so that we can extract the best out of them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: ?I am pleased that Mickey has formally rejoined the Pakistan men?s cricket team,? says Najam Sethi&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="http://www.icccricketschedule.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Pakistan.jpg" alt="Pakistan vs Netherlands Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Team, Playing11, Pitch Report, Where to Watch - T20 World Cup 2022" class="wp-image-96626" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: ICC</figcaption></figure>



Pakistan Cricket Board chairman also opened up the reappointment of Micky Arthur in Pakistan Cricket. He opened up about the role the former South African cricketer will perform. He elaborated:?



?I am pleased that Mickey has formally rejoined the Pakistan men?s cricket team with an enhanced role in which he will be responsible for formulating and implementing strategies for the upcoming assignments across all formats.&nbsp;



?Having lived and worked in Pakistan during his previous tenure, Mickey knows the current players, the structure and the system at the back of his hand. I am sure he will incorporate learnings from the previous tenure so that he can have an even more successful second term."



Pakistan Cricket Team are currently locking horns in the T20I series against New Zealand. They are currently leading the five-match series by a margin of 2-1. The final game will be played on 24th April.



Visit?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC CRICKET SCHEDULE</a>?for more cricketing updates.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Pakistan appoints new Director of Cricket ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup

icc-cricket-world-cup-2023-pakistan-appoints-new-director-of-cricket-ahead-of-the-asia-cup-and-world-cup

Pakistan set to host four matches of <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Asia+Cup+2023" rel="nofollow">Asia Cup 2023</a>, ACC to accept PCB's Hybrid Model: As Per The Reports, The PCB's hybrid model for the Asia Cup 2023 has been accepted by other ACC Members, and It will be officially announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) soon.



As Per Pakistan Cricket Board's Hybrid model, Asia Cup 2023 will be played in two phases. In the First Phase, <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Pakistan" rel="nofollow">Pakistan </a>and Other teams will play four matches of Asia cup in Pakistan except India. In the Second Phase, Remaining matches with India vs Pakistan match will be in Sri Lanka, and all Knockout Matches will also be played in Sri Lanka.



Pakistan will host Four or Five matches of Asia Cup 2023, and Sri Lanka will be the neutral venue for hosting remaining matches and Knockout stages. There will be 13 matches in this Tournament, which includes two India vs Pakistan matches. If both Teams reach the Finals, Then Three India vs Pakistan matches could be expected in Asia Cup 2023.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BCCI to accept PCB's Hybrid Model on Asia Cup 2023:</h2>



The BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is the head of The Asian Cricket Council(ACC), and he is expected to accept the PCB's Hybrid model. The four Non-Indian Asia Cup matches are in Lahore (Pakistan), whereas the remaining matches are expected to be played in Galle and Pallekele, Sri Lanka.



Once it is officially announced that ACC has accepted Pakistan's Hybrid Model, Pakistan will travel to India for ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and play India vs Pakistan match at Ahmedabad and the Remaining matches at Chennai or Hyderabad.



"Couple of Days back, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice and chairman Greg Barclay travelled to Pakistan to meet with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Najam Sethi. Pakistan's only concern was to host non-India matches in Pakistan whereas Other Matches at neutral venues but due to political tensions, BCCI was not in favour of PCB's Hybrid model, but now it is expected that BCCI has accepted this model." Said ACC Member to PTI



India, Pakistan and Nepal are expected to be in the same group, whereas Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be in the other group. This time Asia Cup has six nations, and it will be held in the 50-over format so that teams can prepare themselves before the ODI World Cup in India.



Read This Also:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/wtc-final-2023-virat-and-rahane-led-india-in-good-position-still-india-need-280-runs-to-lift-icc-world-test-championship-trophy/" rel="nofollow"> WTC Final 2023: Virat and Rahane led India in Good Position, Still India need 280 runs to Lift ICC World Test Championship Trophy</a>



For More Check Official Site: <a href="https://asiancricket.org/">ACC</a>

Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan set to host four matches of Asia Cup, ACC to accept PCB's Hybrid Model

asia-cup-2023-pakistan-set-to-host-four-matches-of-asia-cup-acc-to-accept-pcbs-hybrid-model

Najam Sethi Criticizes Asia Cup Scheduling: Najam Sethi, a former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), criticized the Asia Cup schedule following the India-Pakistan match washout in Pallekele, claiming that his proposal to play in the UAE was rejected and that "poor excuses" were offered to make room for Sri Lanka.



It was very unfortunate that India vs Pakistan was called off due to heavy rain. India batted first and Shaheen stoned the Indian top order again. Pakistan bowled excellently and bowled out India in just 266. In the innings break, the rain started and never stopped that night.



Najam Sethi, who took over the PCB chairmanship on an interim basis after Ramiz Raja left last year, voiced his dissatisfaction and regret at the lost chance. He specifically targeted the Asian Cricket Council, claiming that their decision to accept Sri Lanka as a co-host instead of accepting his request to hold the event in the UAE had been made in an unjust manner.



Taking a dig at the ACC, Sethi wrote on X, "How disappointing! Rain mars the greatest contest in cricket. But this was forecast. As PCB Chair, I urged the ACC to play in UAE but poor excuses were made to accommodate Sri Lanka."



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Najam Sethi's Statement</h6>



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Najam Sethi also criticized the ACC's justifications for not holding the competition in Dubai. He wrote, "Too hot in Dubai, they said. But it was as hot as when the Asia Cup was played there last time in Sep 2022 or when the IPL was played there in April 2014 and Sep 2020. Politics over sport. Unforgivable!"



In contrast, the Asia Cup from the previous year was held in the UAE at a comparable time period, but with T20 matches scheduled in the late evening. It is noteworthy that the COVID-19 epidemic allowed the UAE to effectively host the Indian Premier League in 2020 and 2021.



India declined to play their Asia Cup games across their western boundary due to geopolitical tension between the two nations, therefore Sri Lanka was appointed as co-hosts with Pakistan, the original event hosts.



READ:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/pallekele-international-cricket-stadium-pitch-report-ind-vs-nep-asia-cup-2023-head-to-head-odi-stats-records-kandy-weather-forecast/"> Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report | IND vs NEP Asia Cup 2023</a>



For More, Check the Official Site:?<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC</a>

Najam Sethi Criticizes Asia Cup Scheduling After India-Pakistan Match Washout | Asia Cup 2023

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The last few months have been below par for Team India in terms of performances. They didn't enjoy much time on the field. But everything can change as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is coming up, and India will be one of the favorites teams entering the tournament.
But can they do it without Jasprit Bumrah? Well, not many will give the Indian cricket team a chance if Bumrah doesn't take part in the upcoming event. That is the reason Rohit Sharma and his men are currently in big confusion over Bumrah's participation.
Notably, the pacer didn't bowl in the final innings of the fifth test at the SCG due to a fitness issue. Though it wasn't serious and we might see the name of Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, it will come with one condition.
<h2>Will Jasprit Bumrah be ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?</h2>
Notably, the last date to submit the provision squad for all teams is January 12. There is no doubt Bumrah will be part of the squad, but his participation in the tournament will be subject to his fitness. As reported by Hindustan Times, the pacer will only step on the field when he feels pain-free.
The report indicates that the pacer has reached New Zealand to consult Dr. Rowan Schouten, who is an orthopedic surgeon. He was the one that treated Bumrah back in 2023, when he suffered from a back injury. The report quoted, "The surgeon is in touch with BCCI’s medical team, and the selectors are expected to be informed.”
India are all set to host England for five T20Is and three ODIs before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tour will begin on January 22 and will conclude on February 12, a week before India will play their first game of the Champions Trophy 2025. India will start their campaign with a game against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
India are already struggling with the bad form of the batters. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are going through rough patches. Adding to that, there is no clarity over Mohammed Shami's return. The pacer has been playing at the domestic level, but he is not getting clearance from the NCA to play for India. And if Bumrah doesn't play, India will be under immense pressure.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/australia-suffered-a-massive-blow-after-josh-hazlewood-captain-pat-cummins-is-also-likely-to-miss-icc-champions-trophy-due-to-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australia suffered a massive blow; after Josh Hazlewood, captain Pat Cummins is also likely to miss ICC Champions Trophy due to injury</a>

Jasprit Bumrah didn't bowl in the second innings of the fifth test against Australia at the SCG. He will be rested for the England series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

India to miss Jasprit Bumrah in ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Ace pacer to travel to New Zealand to undergo scans - Reports

india-to-miss-jasprit-bumrah-in-icc-champions-trophy-2025-ace-pacer-to-travel-to-new-zealand-to-undergo-scans-reports

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just a month away, and the two-time champion, Australia, have been hit with a couple of massive injury-related blows. Star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who was ruled out of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, might not take part in the upcoming mega event, and now, there is another massive injury concern.
ODI captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss the coming event. This news has certainly hit the team and Australian fans, as the captain is a key member of the squad and has been nursing an ankle injury. His participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is hanging by a thin thread.
Notably, Australia are scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for two test matches ahead of the coming ICC event. Cummins has been rested, and Steve Smith has been given the captaincy duties for the upcoming series. Australia have already qualified for the World Test Championship final, which is why the coming tests don't hold much value and their result won't affect anything. Hence, Cricket Australia decided to give Cummins a rest.
<h2>Pat Cummins might miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an ankle injury</h2>
The captain, Pat Cummins, played a crucial role in helping Australia win the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He finished with the second-most wickets in the series after Jasprit Bumrah (32). Cummins took 25 wickets at an average of 21.36. He also scored 159 runs with the bat in this low-scoring series.
However, playing all five tests on the trot has seemed to have affected him, and the captain has sustained an ankle soreness. Meanwhile, the captain is on leave because of the birth of his second child, which was also one key reason for him missing the Sri Lanka tour. That's what George Bailey, the chief selector of Australia, also confirmed in one of his statements.
But the recent news has not just raised questions about his availablity but also his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. He is set to undergo scans for his sore ankle. Bailey said, "We’ll have to wait and see when the scan comes back and see how it's tracking. There’s a little bit of work to do.”
That indicates that the two-time Champions Trophy winner are in jeopardy. If Cummins couldn't make it in time, then Mitchell Marsh is likely to lead Australia in the mega event, which will begin on February 19. Australia are placed in Group B, and they will begin their campaign on February 22 against England.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-to-shift-from-pakistan-to-uae-completely-here-s-why/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to shift from Pakistan to UAE completely? Here's why</a>

Pat Cummins led Australia to to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy win after a wait of ten years. Cummins is likely to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to injury.

Australia suffered a massive blow; after Josh Hazlewood, captain Pat Cummins is also likely to miss ICC Champions Trophy due to injury

australia-suffered-a-massive-blow-after-josh-hazlewood-captain-pat-cummins-is-also-likely-to-miss-icc-champions-trophy-due-to-injury

Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025: Australia, after having a dominating Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, are all set to tour Sri Lanka for a red-ball series. Cricket Australia have announced the squad for the tour today and Steve Smith is named captain of the side as Pat Cummins is rested.
Australia won the Border Gavaskar Trophy after a decade this year. The series started with Perth's loss for them and many ruled them out as a competition against India this time as well. But, they owned strong character and won three out of four test matches clinching the series 3-1. 
The entire bowling department was thoroughly in the best of their forms, the batting looked damped in the first two tests but by the end of BGT 2025, the entire batting lineup got some runs from their bat. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202412/image_430x256_676e141bad740.jpg" alt="">
Now, Australia has unveiled a 16-player squad for their upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, with a few surprising changes. Skipper Pat Cummins will miss the tour as he takes paternity leave to welcome his second child while continuing to recover from an ankle issue that plagued him throughout the home season.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh, who was part of the team that triumphed over India, has been left out. Adding to the injury concerns, Josh Hazlewood remains unavailable due to the setback that sidelined him during the latter stages of the India series. These adjustments set the stage for an intriguing challenge as Australia gears up for the Sri Lankan Tests.
<h2>Australia Squad for Sri Lanka Tour</h2>
Steve Smith (C), Travis Head(VC), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Nathan McSweeney, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, Matt Kuhnemann, Sean Abbott
Australia's squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka signals a clear strategy to tackle spin-friendly conditions. With only two frontline pacers, Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott, the focus has shifted firmly to spin.
Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann join the experienced Nathan Lyon, creating a strong spin arsenal designed for the turning tracks of Galle. This balanced mix of experience and fresh talent shows how the selectors are adapting to the challenges of playing conditions in Sri Lanka.
On the batting front, Nathan McSweeney has earned a spot in the squad despite falling out of favor during the India series. Adding a fresh spark, young Cooper Connolly, a left-handed batter who can also bowl orthodox spin, has received his first-ever Test call-up. His inclusion not only reflects Australia’s faith in young talent but also highlights their intent to embrace versatility.
Sam Konstas also retained his spot in the side. Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are two wicket-keeping options and the presence of Vice Captain Travis Head provides an absolute balance to the squad. With these selections, Australia seems ready to take on the Sri Lankan conditions with both skill and strategy.
READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-champions-trophy-2025-to-shift-from-pakistan-to-uae-completely-here-s-why/">ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to shift from Pakistan to UAE completely? Here's why</a> 
SOURCE- <a href="https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/1877160916057313759">CRICKET AUSTRALIA</a>

Australia's squad for the Sri Lanka Tests emphasizes spin with Lyon, Murphy, and Kuhnemann. McSweeney returns, while debutant Connolly adds versatility. Starc and Abbott lead a trimmed-pace attack.

Australia strengthens spin options for Sri Lanka Tests, recalls McSweeney, and includes debutant Connolly. Starc, Abbott lead reduced pace lineup.

Cummins Rested, Smith to Lead! Cricket Australia Announced Squad for Sri Lanka Tour

cummins-rested-smith-to-lead-cricket-australia-announced-squad-for-sri-lanka-tour

The next big destination for cricket fans is the upcoming mega event. It is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is all set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. We are just five weeks away from the ninth edition, as the tournament will kick off on January 19 in Karachi.
The top 8 teams will be taking part in the tournament and will be divided into two groups of four teams each. But with a little over one month left in the start of the mega event, the drama continues to take new episodes.
Firstly, it was the tensions between the Indian Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board that forced the ICC to go for a hybrid model where India will play all their matches in Dubai after the Indian Board refused to send their team to Pakistan, citing security concerns.
<h3>Pakistan to lose the hosting rights of ICC Champions Trophy 2025?</h3>
As a result, the ICC added the UAE as the venue for Indian matches in Dubai, which will be a neutral venue. But it looks like the clouds of uncertainty have loomed once again over the hosting rights of the events. As per the latest media reports, it has been learned that the construction work at the three shortlisted venues in Pakistan is nowhere near done. There are 35 left in the start of the tournament, and the renovation work, which began in August last year, has not been completed.
The deadline to complete the renovation work was December 31, which has passed. According to the Times of India, the stadiums are still far away from the completion of the work. As per the TOI's source, some parts of the stadium are still under construction, and the finishing work will take a bit longer. The work to be done related to fencing and placing of floodlights and some other detailing work is still pending.
The three venues to host matches are National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This came to notice when the PCB decided to shift the coming ODI tri-series in Pakistan, involving New Zealand and South Africa, from Multan to Lahore and Karachi.
However, the PCB has declined all such rumours and said that the work will be done as planned. Notably, the ICC will schedule an inspection, and a team will be sent to check the arrangements of all three venues. PCB will hand over all three venues to ICC on February 12. But if the shortlisted stadiums don't meet the expectations by then, the ICC can shift the entire ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to the UAE.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/sa2025-schedule-and-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-south-africa-t20-2025-league-in-india-/">SA2025 Schedule and Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch South Africa T20 2025 League in India?</a>

Pakistan are the official host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the renovation work is still going on, which has passed the deadline.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to shift from Pakistan to UAE completely? Here's why

icc-champions-trophy-2025-to-shift-from-pakistan-to-uae-completely-here-s-why

India keeper-batter Sanju Samson might be a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per the reports in India Today, it is learned that the right-hander is likely to be there as the backup keeper for Rishabh Pant in the team. 
The reports stated that Sanju Samson's inclusion in the Indian team will depend on how the BCCI treats Gautam Gambhir. It is learned that if the head coach has the same say in the selection matters that he had during the Australia tour, then the keeper-batter might be included in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
The India squad for the Australia tour was mostly picked on the recommendation of Gautam Gambhir. The head coach played a huge role in the selection of Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy. But the team failing badly there didn't go any good to the head coach. 
Some reports claimed that head coach Gautam Gambhir won't be having a say in selection matters. However, if that isn't the case, then the reports in India Today say that the head coach's favourite, Sanju Samson, will be picked for the team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
 Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, and Sanju Samson will be serving as backup.
It is learned that Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice keeper in the team, and Sanju Samson will be serving as backup. This will be a massive step for the Indian team going forward, as Samson has been in hot form in white-ball cricket, especially in T20 cricket. 
Sanju Samson has made a staggering return to the Indian T20I setup as he slammed three centuries in the two series that were played. The keeper-batter also has a great record in the ODIs as well as he has an average of over 56 in his short career and would want to cash on that as well. 
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to begin from 19th February. The Indian team for the tournament is all set to be announced soon, and it is learned that Rohit Sharma will be leading the team, which will see some of the expected names.

India keeper-batter Sanju Samson might be a surprise inclusion in the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.