ICC WTC Final: New Zealand revealed its squad for the ICC World Test Championship final.



New Zealand Squad for World Test Championship Final: Head coach of the New Zealand men?s cricket team Gary Stead on Tuesday revealed the 15 men, strong squad, for the ICC World Test Championship Final.



Stead further said that their regular skipper Kane Williamson will be available to take the field for the marquee clash against India on June 18th.



Williamson was forced to take a rest in the second test game against England due to his left elbow injury. In his absence, Tom Latham led the side and won the game comfortably by eight wickets on the fourth day.



Wicketkeeper batsman BJ Watling, who was also rested for the second test due to back injury, is also named in the squad.



"Kane and BJ have certainly benefited from their week of rest and rehabilitation and we expect them to be fit and available for the final," Stead said at a press conference after the team's arrival here for the WTC final starting June 18.



"Playing in a World Cup Final is a really special occasion and I know the guys are looking forward to getting into their work here in Southampton," he added.



Stead further said that they know their opponent for the finals are a class outfit and we are definitely focused to take on them.



"India are a world-class outfit who possess match winners all through their line-up, so we're under no illusion about how tough they will be to beat," he said.



New Zealand has let go Mitchell Santner from the squad and has added Ajaz Patel in the form of just one specialist spinner. Patel performed brilliantly in the second test against England and scalped a couple of crucial wickets.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/best-of-three-for-icc-world-test-championship-final-not-a-realistic-idea-says-icc/">Best Of Three For ICC World Test Championship Final, Not A Realistic Idea, Says ICC</a>



Will Young and Tom Blundell are in the squad as the backup batsman and wicket keeper respectively. Colin de Grandhomme is also in the squad.



"We've gone with Ajaz as our specialist spinner after an impressive outing at Edgbaston and we believe he could be a factor at the Ageas Bowl," Stead said.



"Colin's been an integral member of our Test set-up for many years and it was great to see him return at Lord?s after a long injury lay-off.



"He's a proven performer at the top level and we back him to do a job with the bat or the ball if called upon."



The New Zealand management have left out five players . The likes of Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra will return home.



<h2>New Zealand Squad for World Test Championship Final:</h2>



Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling and Will Young.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-to-make-changes-on-the-points-system-for-icc-world-test-championship/">ICC To Make Changes On The Points System For ICC World Test Championship</a>

ICC WTC Final: New Zealand revealed its squad for the ICC World Test Championship final

new-zealand-revealed-its-squad-for-the-icc-world-test-championship-final

ICC WTC Final: India announced a 15-men strong squad for the ICC World Test Championship Finals.



ICC WTC Final: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a short 15-men strong Indian squad for the finals of the ICC World Test Championship.



Soon after New Zealand revealed their squads, the Indian think tanks also unleashed the star-studded squad for the clash, which will begin on Friday at Ageas Bowl Southampton.



The Indian management heavily relied on its premier cricketers who have done invariably well in the past couple of years.



KL Rahul has been excluded from the ICC World Test Championship squad along with Mayank Agarwal, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.



The batting unit looks formidable with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant taking the field on June 18th.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-to-make-changes-on-the-points-system-for-icc-world-test-championship/">ICC To Make Changes On The Points System For ICC World Test Championship</a>



The bowling unit will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah along with Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami. Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Siraj have also been added to the squad.



Wriddhiman Saha has been picked up as a backup keeper for India.



<h2>India?s Squad for the ICC World Test Championship:</h2>



Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, Umesh Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Wriddhiman Saha.



<h2>New Zealand squad for the ICC World Test Championship:</h2>



Kane Williamson (C), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling and Will Young.



ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/new-zealand-revealed-its-squad-for-the-icc-world-test-championship-final/">ICC WTC Final: New Zealand Revealed Its Squad For The ICC World Test Championship Final</a>

ICC WTC Final: India announced a 15-men strong squad for the ICC World Test Championship Finals

india-announced-a-15-men-strong-squad-for-the-icc-wtc-finals

India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy achieved a massive feat after his sensational performance with the bat in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia. The right-hander became the third youngest player from India to hit a century in Australia. He joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rishabh Pant in the elite list.
Nitish Kumar Reddy came up with a blistering effort with the bat in Melbourne. When the chips were down, he came up with a magical effort and stood tall for his team when they needed him the most. The all-rounder bailed the team out of trouble and brought them back into the game. 
<h2>Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat after India was under massive pressure</h2>
Nitish Kumar Reddy came to bat after India was under massive pressure, having lost both Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja early on Day two. The all-rounder proved his prowess with the bat as he hit the bowlers all over the park en route to his maiden century in the longest format of the game. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy showed great discipline and made sure that he took his team close to the total of Australia. His innings came at a time when India was facing the threat of follow-on as they had lost 7 wickets in no time, and the hosts were all over them. 
Nitish Reddy, along with Washington Sundar, made sure that India made a strong comeback and frustrated the Australian bowlers. While the left-hander slammed a glorious half-century, the right-hander went on to hit a blistering century in tough conditions. The duo together added 127 runs to stage the Indian comeback. 
Nitish Kumar Reddy, with his maiden ton, also became the first player from India to score a century in Australia while batting at No.8 in Tests. He would want to double his effort and take his team to a comfortable position. A lot of Indian hopes would be on him tomorrow, especially after his effort on day three.
Nitish was unbeaten at 105 runs at the stumps on Day three. He would be keen to add more runs to his tally and reduce the deficit under 100 runs, which is currently his 116 runs. It remains to be seen how much can he score on Day four.
Also read: <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>

India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy achieved a massive feat after his sensational performance with the bat in the ongoing fourth Test against Australia.

Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history; becomes third  youngest Indian player to…

nitish-kumar-reddy-scripts-history-becomes-third-youngest-indian-player-to-

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has dropped a bombshell statement about his battle with Australia batter Sam Konstas. He said that the batter was interesting, and he was enjoying the battle and is looking forward to the next innings of the match. 
Jasprit Bumrah, who has been the best bowler for India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, was made look clueless by the 19-year-old Sam Konstas. The Australia debutant tackled the 'Bumrah' challenge brilliantly as, according to him, the attack was the best option to counter his challenge.
Sam Konstas brought his T20 style in the Tests as he hit Jasprit Bumrah for sixes and boundaries all over the park. It wasn't conventional shots but the batter was at his unorthodox best as he played reverse scoops and hit the fast bowler for runs all over the park. 
Jasprit Bumrah was hit for two sixes by Sam Konstas and it marked the first instance since 2018 when the fast bowler was hit for two sixes in the match. The pacer was taken out of attack in the first spell till the time the batter was back in the hut. 
<h2>He is an interesting batter - I always felt, I was in the game, some days, it pays off - Jasprit Bumrah on his battle with Sam Konstas </h2>
Talking about his battle with Sam Konstas, Jasprit Bumrah claimed that he has experienced a lot in his career and while calling the batter interesting batter, he said that he felt he was always in the game. He also stressed that when the batter fails, he will be criticised a lot. Speaking to 7 Cricket, he explained: 
"I have experienced a lot - played T20I cricket for more than 12 years - He is an interesting batter - I always felt, I was in the game, some days, it pays off, it looks good - some days, it won't and you guys will be criticizing the same person - I love different challenges and looking forward to new challenges". 
Sam Konstas raced away to his half-century in the game and ended with an inning of 60 runs. He set a great platform for the Australia team which allowed them to post a massive first innings total of 474 runs on the board. 
Jasprit Bumrah, on the other picked a four-wicket haul and gave away 99 runs. This was the first time in his career that he was taken for this many runs. He would be looking for a strong response in the second innings.
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-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How much is Virat Kohli's match fee? What will he get after a 20 percent penalty at the MCG?</a>

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has dropped a bombshell statement about his battle with Australia batter Sam Konstas.

Jasprit Bumrah afraid of Sam Konstas? Fast bowler's 'interesting batter' comment goes viral

jasprit-bumrah-afraid-of-sam-konstas-fast-bowler-s-interesting-batter-comment-goes-viral-

After a rained-out draw at the Gabba in Brisbane, the ongoing Boxing Day Test between Australia and India looks to be heading towards a draw. After the stumps on Day 3, India are 358/9, trailing by another 116 runs. The weather spoiled the play in the final sessions, and similarly there is a prediction of rain for the remaining two days.
Australia are currently ahead in the game and will look to take the remaining Indian wicket and have a good first-inning lead and bat early on Day 4. That is the only chance that they can try to force the result from this game. But as predicted by the weather forecast, there might be rain in the coming two days.
If it happens, it will eat the time out of this game, and the result will be very difficult. Hence, there is a chance that the Boxing Day Test can end in a draw. Well, both teams need this win to take an unassailable lead in the series and also to inch closer to a place in the World Test Championship. But what will happen if the game ends in a draw?
<h2>WTC Final Scenario: Here's how India can qualify for the final of the World Test Championship if the MCG test ends in a draw</h2>
Although India need to win the fourth and fifth tests to make a clear progression to the WTC final. But if in case the ongoing test ends in a draw, then the WTC final qualification scenario will be totally different. The draw at the MCG means that India will have to depend on the other teams.
Firstly, they need to win the fifth and final test at the SCG, and they will end with a scoreline of 2-1. Notably, Australia have two tests in Sri Lanka, and South Africa have two tests (one is underway) against Pakistan. If India win the BGT series 2-1, then they will hope that Sri Lanka can draw one of two tests against Australia or Pakistan beat South Africa in one game.
Secondly, if the BGT series ends at 2-2, then for India's qualification, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have to beat Australia and South Africa in both games. If the BGT series ends at a scoreline of 1-1, then the scenario will be Sri Lanka beating Australia in one game or Pakistan winning both matches against South Africa to help India qualify. Notably, if India lose the BGT series, they are out.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/nitish-kumar-reddy-scripts-history-breaks-multiple-records-with-his-boxing-day-ton-at-mcg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nitish Kumar Reddy scripts history; breaks multiple records with his Boxing Day Ton at MCG</a>

The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia is underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia are ahead, but India are fighting hard for survival.

WTC Qualification Scenario: How can India qualify if the Boxing Day Test ends in a draw?

wtc-qualification-scenario-how-can-india-qualify-if-the-boxing-day-test-ends-in-a-draw-

Fierce-rivals Australia and India are currently taking on each other in the fourth Test-Match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and this match is being played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The superb performances of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar with the bat has helped the Men in Blue to get in a strong position on the 3rd day of the contest. 
From here on, the chances of Team India's win in the Melbourne Test have increased significantly. However, rain interruption was seen on the 3rd day of the contest and this has increased the threat of even more rain interruptions on the fourth and fifth days of the encounter. In this article, we will take a look at the weather reports of the fourth and fifth days of the fourth Test-Match which is currently being played in the city of Melbourne.
The third day of the Boxing-Day Test-Match was halted for some time due to rain after which the question started to raise among the fans that will the fourth and fifth days also get intervened by rainfall? Due to constant rainfall, the Gabba Test-Match ended as a draw. In such situation, keeping the World Test Championship Final qualification in mind for the Indian team, the rain can hamper their chances of qualifying for the title-deciding clash in June of next year. 
<h2>Weather forecast of the fourth and fifth days of the Melbourne Test-Match</h2>
According to the weather report of AccuWeather, the chances of rainfall intervening with the third day of the Melbourne Test-Match were 49% and rain intervened with the proceedings of the game too. But, no major impact was caused on the match by the intervention of the Weather Gods.
<h3>Weather Forecast on the fourth day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match</h3>
The chances of rain intervening with the Australia vs India match on the fourth day i.e 29th of December, Sunday are just two percent. The minimum temperature is anticipated to be between 14-25 degrees Celsius. At the same time, winds are expected to blow at a speed of 17km/h.
<h2>Weather Forecast on the 5th day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match</h2>
Talking about the fifth day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test, the rainfall interruption chances are pretty low, sitting at just 3%. The temperature is expected to be around 15 degrees Celsius with a maximum of 28 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the winds will be blowing at the speed of 15km/h. 
Both the weather forecast reports of both days are positive and this decreases the chances of the contest getting washed out due to rain and this is a positive news for the Men in Blue.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/will-rohit-sharma-retire-after-the-border-gavaskar-series-bcci-gives-a-huge-statement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Will Rohit Sharma retire after the Border-Gavaskar Series? BCCI gives a huge statement</a>

It was an overcast morning session at the MCG on the 3rd day of the fourth Test-Match between Australia and India | Image: Associated Press

Rain intervened with the proceedings of the match on the third day of the Melbourne Boxing-Day Test-Match. So will the Rain Gods play spoilsport on the fourth and fifth days too? Let's find out

IND vs AUS 4th Test: Will the fourth and fifth days witness rain interruptions? Know the weather reports of both the days

ind-vs-aus-4th-test-will-the-fourth-and-fifth-days-witness-rain-interruptions-know-the-weather-reports-of-both-the-days

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