Asia Cup 2023: If recent reports of "The Telegraph India" are to be approved, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is planning an Asia Cup without Pakistan in 2023. It would be quite unlikely for Babar Azam and company to compete in the ODI World Cup 2023 slated to be played in India if this media narrative turns out to be correct and Pakistan is left out of the Asian tournament.



The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) proposed "hybrid model" has been rejected by other nations, said Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, and ACC chairman. Shah recently brought up the subject with the top officials of the member countries and pitched that the tournament should take place in just one nation, particularly Sri Lanka.



According to reports, all ACC nations, with the exception of Pakistan, (who were the official hosts of the Asia Cup tournament), have agreed to participate in the continental championship. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still committed to the "Hybrid Model," which calls for certain games, including those against India, to take place in a neutral location like the United Arab Emirates while the other matches take place in Pakistan.



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Sources claim that the forthcoming executive board meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) would have a direct message for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The notification will state that all of the other competing nations have voted overwhelmingly in favor of hosting the event in Sri Lanka. Despite being chosen to host this edition of the tournament, the PCB failed to get support for its plan. As a result, the PCB has little choice but to either accept Sri Lanka as the tournament's host country or withdraw from hosting the Asia Cup 2023 altogether.



India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will be the four countries that might compete in the Asia Cup 2023 if the Pakistan Cricket Team decides not to go. However, India's rejection to visit Pakistan and its refusal to accept the hybrid model might prompt PCB to take further actions, such as boycotting the ODI World Cup in India.



A report from PCB said, "The PCB has reportedly informed ICC officials that their participation in the World Cup depends on government clearance."



Greg Barclay, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and Geoff Allardice, the CEO, traveled to Lahore to speak with the PCB about their participation in the ODI World Cup. What topics are discussed at this meeting is anticipated to be made public later on Thursday or Friday?when the PCB issues an official media release.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/aussies-fast-bowler-jos-hazlewood-praised-mohammad-siraj-ahead-of-the-wtc-final/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aussies fast bowler Jos Hazlewood praised Mohammad Siraj ahead of the WTC final.</a>



Visit the<a href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> official Website of ICC</a> for more recent updates.

Asia Cup without Pakistan? Pakistan's Participation Also Doubtful For World Cup 2023 In India: Report

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Asia Cup 2023: Days after the Asian Cricket Council admitted that the Asia Cup 2023 will be conducted under a hybrid model, Zaka Ashraf, the PCB's likely next chairperson, delivered a bombshell on June 21 voicing his doubts. Zaka Ashraf rejected his predecessor Najam Sethi's prepared "hybrid model" for the Asia Cup 2023.



Zaka Ashraf, who soon will be the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), criticized the "hybrid model," arguing that Pakistan should host the entire tournament by itself. According to the existing arrangement, Sri Lanka and Pakistan would each host a portion of the continental competition, but Ashraf isn't pleased that the island nation was getting more than half of the matches of Asia Cup 2023.



"The first point is that I had rejected the hybrid model (for Asia Cup) in the past itself - because I do not agree with it. The board of the Asian Cricket Council had previously decided that it should be held in Pakistan, then we should host it," Ashraf stated.



"All the main matches are happening outside (of Pakistan). Nepal and Bhutan are going to play in Pakistan - which is not fair for Pakistan. I do not know what the board has decided previously, I do not have access to the information. I will check, whatever is doable in the shortest possible time, will do that for the betterment of Pakistan," he concluded.



ACC also responded to the matter and they looked quite solid in their stance of conducting the ASIA CUP 2023 in a Hybrid Model. 



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An ACC member was found quoting PTI, "The Asia Cup model has been accepted by ACC and there would be no change. Ashraf is free to say whatever he wants." The ACC member was quite confident that nothing is going to change in Asia Cup 2023 accepted hybrid model. 



Ashraf modified his tone when his remarks sparked intense discussion among cricket fans on social media and received a blunt unofficial response from ACC, saying he "can't do anything about it" now that the decision has been made.



"In my personal opinion, this whole hybrid model isn't beneficial for Pakistan and I didn't like it. Being a host, Pakistan should have negotiated better to make sure that the entire tournament should have played in Pakistan. Sri Lanka taking the bigger lot of games, leaving Pakistan with only four games, isn't in the best interest of our country" said Ashraf.



"But I see the decision has been made, so we have to go with it. I will not block or have any intention not to comply with the decision. I cannot do much about it but to honor the commitment. But going forward, every decision we make will be made for and in the interest of the country," he added.



Ashraf affirmed that he would not attempt to invalidate the agreement that the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Asian Cricket Council had previously reached.



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-wtc-points-table-updated-after-england-vs-australia-1st-test-world-test-championship-2025-final/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC WTC Points Table Updated after England vs Australia 1st Test | World Test Championship 2025 Final</a>



For More Details Head to ICC?s official?website.

Asia Cup 2023: PCB's Likely Chairman Rejects 'Hybrid Model'; ACC Responded!

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is the next designation of all top teams and their fans. The tournament is all set to kick off in Pakistan on February 19. India are part of Group A, which also has Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Team India will play their first match on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
The provisional squad for the ICC event is likely to be announced on or before January 12. There are a number of names that have been considered, and some players might get a nod in the squad. However, there will be some unlucky players who will not be able to make the cut. In this article, we will talk about three big names who might not be picked for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
<h2>Three big stars who might be dropped from rh ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad </h2>
3. Arshdeep Singh 
Indian fans can't forget the performance that Arshdeep Singh delivered in the T20 World Cup 2024. He finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker and helped India win the long-awaited ICC title. Though Arshdeep has only played 8 ODIs so far. But with his ability to swing the new ball and then contain batters in the end, it makes him a complete white-ball bowler. However, India will already have the option of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya in a 15-member squad.
2. Sanju Samson 
Sanju Samson finished 2024 as India's top scorer in T20Is. He slammed three centuries in just 12 innings and is someone who can bat anywhere and also is a keeper. But despite his batting form, Samson might not be able to make the cut. India will go with Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul as wicketkeepers, and the top order is already packed. Hence, Samson might not be able to make it into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
1. Suryakumar Yadav 
India's T20I captain and one of the key members of the team in the shortest format has been in and out of the ODI squad. He played an important role in India winning the T20 World Cup 2024. He is also in good form as compared to some other Indian seniors. But he won't get a chance as India might back Rahul, Pant, and Shreyas Iyer in the middle order.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/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</a>

India are likely to announce provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on January 12.

India's provisional squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is likely to be revealed on January 12. We might see some big names missing out a spot in the squad.

India will play their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 20 in Dubai.

3 Indian Stars who might be dropped from India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: As the days go by, the buzz around speculations and predictions continues to intensify. For Team India, squad predictions have become a hot topic of discussion, sparking debates everywhere—from cricket fanatics on social media to casual conversations on the streets. Amid this growing excitement, one key question stands out: who will don the wicketkeeping gloves for India in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
With numerous cricket experts and pundits making bold predictions about India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a common thread runs through most discussions: the inclusion of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson.
However, opinions are far from unanimous. While some former cricketers have opted to leave Rishabh Pant out of their squads, others argue for his inclusion at the expense of Sanju Samson, fueling a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Let's discuss all three options one by one:
<h2>KL Rahul Frontrunner to Keep Wickets?</h2>
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KL Rahul has made a compelling case to be India’s primary wicketkeeping option in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised Rahul’s ability to deliver consistently under pressure, highlighting his crucial contributions at No. 5 and his knack for scoring vital runs when the team needed them most.
Rahul’s reliability behind the stumps was further cemented by his record-breaking performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. With 17 dismissals, including 16 catches and one stumping, he surpassed Rahul Dravid’s 2003 record for the most dismissals by an Indian wicketkeeper in a single World Cup edition.
These achievements underscore his dual efficiency with both the gloves and the bat, solidifying his place as a frontrunner for the role in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
<h2>Is Rishabh Pant Ready for ODI Format?</h2>
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Rishabh Pant has proven his mettle in the Test format, but his performances in white-ball cricket have been inconsistent, as highlighted by his ODI stats: 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.21. Despite his potential, these numbers suggest he lacks the maturity required for high-pressure limited-overs cricket.
However, Pant’s wicketkeeping skills set him apart. Among the three contenders, he is the most agile and reliable behind the stumps, with quick reflexes, sharp accuracy, and adaptability to various conditions. While his batting in ODIs needs improvement, his exceptional glove work makes him a strong contender for a spot in the squad.
<h2>Can Sanju's Form Secure Him a Spot?</h2>
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Sanju Samson’s impressive ODI stats—510 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60—underscore his potential as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter. His ability to capitalize on limited opportunities, including a century and three fifties, makes him a strong contender for the squad.
Sanjay Bangar also stated, “You have to give a place to Sanju Samson because he averages above 50 in ODI cricket. Add to that, he is a man in form as well.”
When compared to Rishabh Pant, Samson’s batting stats are significantly better, highlighting his consistency in white-ball cricket. Moreover, Samson’s wicketkeeping skills are nearly on par with Pant’s, making him a well-rounded option. His current form further solidifies his chances of overtaking Pant in the race for the role.
<h2> Who Will Keep Wickets?</h2>
KL Rahul, with his record-breaking wicketkeeping performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and consistent contributions as a batter, emerges as the frontrunner for India’s primary wicketkeeper role. Sanju Samson, backed by Sanjay Bangar for his stellar ODI average of 56.66 and solid form, is a strong contender for the backup spot.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s exceptional wicketkeeping skills and proven Test success make him a valuable asset, though his inconsistent white-ball batting leaves room for improvement. Together, these options reflect India’s enviable depth in the wicketkeeping department heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
The weight is on KL Rahul to be the first-choice wicketkeeper. Shreyas Iyer is fit and actively playing cricket to provide a good balance in the team and in his presence, KL Rahul would be the best option. Sanju Samson would be a better batter and wicketkeeper in the backup if we take Stats into account. Rishabh Pant might have to wait for a while in the white ball cricket.

With KL Rahul’s consistency, Sanju Samson’s form, and Rishabh Pant’s agility, who should India trust as their wicketkeeper in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? The race is closer than ever.

India’s wicketkeeping dilemma: Rahul’s reliability, Samson’s form, or Pant’s agility? A tough decision awaits ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Who Will Keep Wickets for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, or KL Rahul?

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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

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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

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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. 
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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.