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The ninth edition of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy is scheduled to occur over a span of 19 days.The ICC revealed the fixtures and groupings for the Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday, December 24, indicating that the tournament will kick off on February 19 in Karachi, concluding with the final on March 9.The tournament with eight teams will consist of 15 matches and will take place in Pakistan and Dubai.In Pakistan, the tournament will take place in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi as the three main venues. Three group matches will be held at each location in Pakistan, with the second semi-final taking place in Lahore.Lahore is set to host the final on 9 March, unless India makes it, in which situation it will be held in Dubai. The semi-finals and the final will each include reserve days.The three group matches featuring India, along with the initial semi-final, will take place in Dubai.Pakistan faces New Zealand in the opening match of Group A tournament in Karachi on 19 February. The following day, India takes on Bangladesh on the Dubai stage.ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squads and DivisionsGroup A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New ZealandGroup B: Afganistán, Australia, Inglaterra, SudáfricaThe reigning champions Pakistan will serve as the main hosts for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, with games planned in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.Since the 1996 ODI World Cup, Pakistan will host its first major international competitionThe UAE was designated as the neutral site, with Dubai set to host all the matches involving India.The initial semi-final is scheduled for March 4 in Dubai, with India participating if they make it through. The second semi-final in Lahore on March 5 will include Pakistan if the home team secures a spot in the top four.If India secures a spot in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 9, the championship match will take place in Dubai. In all other situations, Lahore will host the final event.The inaugural edition of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy took place in Bangladesh in 1998, where South Africa was named the first champions. In 2002, India and Sri Lanka jointly claimed the honours.West Indies (2004), Australia (2006 and 2009), and India (2013) secured the following editions before Pakistan triumphed in 2017, the last time the tournament took place.ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Complete Match ScheduleDateMatchGroup/StageTime (Local)VenueFebruary 19, WednesdayPakistan vs New ZealandGroup A2:30 PMNational Stadium, KarachiFebruary 20, ThursdayIndia vs BangladeshGroup A2:30 PMDubai International StadiumFebruary 21, FridayAfghanistan vs South AfricaGroup B2:30 PMNational Stadium, KarachiFebruary 22, SaturdayAustralia vs EnglandGroup B2:30 PMGaddafi Stadium, LahoreFebruary 23, SundayIndia vs PakistanGroup A2:30 PMDubai International StadiumFebruary 24, MondayBangladesh vs New ZealandGroup A2:30 PMRawalpindi Cricket StadiumFebruary 25, TuesdayAustralia vs South AfricaGroup B2:30 PMRawalpindi Cricket StadiumFebruary 26, WednesdayAfghanistan vs EnglandGroup B2:30 PMGaddafi Stadium, LahoreFebruary 27, ThursdayPakistan vs BangladeshGroup A2:30 PMRawalpindi Cricket StadiumFebruary 28, FridayAustralia vs AfghanistanGroup B2:30 PMGaddafi Stadium, LahoreMarch 1, SaturdayEngland vs South AfricaGroup B2:30 PMNational Stadium, KarachiMarch 2, SundayIndia vs New ZealandGroup A2:30 PMDubai International StadiumMarch 4, TuesdaySemi-final 1Semi-finals2:30 PMDubai International StadiumMarch 5, WednesdaySemi-final 2Semi-finals2:30 PMGaddafi Stadium, LahoreMarch 9, SundayWinner Semi-final 1 vs Semi-final 2Final2:30 PMGaddafi Stadium, Lahore/Dubai International StadiumAlso Read: Virat Kohli To Face 1 Match Ban Over Sam Konstas Incident?
India's star cricketer Virat Kohli has landed in the spotlight following an avoidable altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas during Day 1 of the 4th Test at the MCG. As the young Aussie dominated Indian bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Kohli attempted to unsettle him with some on-field tactics. One such instance saw Kohli seemingly shoulder-push Konstas on Thursday, sparking a heated exchange in the middle. Former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Michael Vaughan have even called for ICC action against Kohli over the incident, which is now reportedly under review by the governing body.Sharing his thoughts on the controversy, Ponting remarked that the umpires and match referee are likely to examine the matter thoroughly and take action against Kohli for his behavior. "Virat moved across the full width of the pitch to his right and provoked that clash, "Ponting stated on Channel Seven. "I have no doubts about it". The umpires and referee are certain to review this. Fielders should never be near the batsmen during such moments. Every player knows where the batsmen are expected to gather."Defending Konstas, Ponting explained that the 19-year-old likely looked up late and couldn’t avoid the collision. "It seemed like Konstas looked up too late and wasn’t aware anyone was in his path. Kohli might have some questions to answer," he added.Former England captain Michael Vaughan echoed Ponting's views, asserting that the match referee, Andy Pycroft, is expected to take the matter seriously. "Vaughan emphasized that fielders must stay away from the batsmen at that moment." Konstas probably didn't even notice that someone was standing in front of him.Kohli may have some explaining to do.Both experts agree that the ICC’s response to the incident will be closely watched.Also Read: Thirteen Year Old Vaibhav Shatters Records Youngest Indian to Play List A Cricket
Tanush Kotian, the offspin-bowling allrounder from Mumbai, has been selected as R Ashwin's replacement in India’s squad for the fourth and fifth Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Kotian is set to depart for Melbourne on Tuesday, following Ashwin’s retirement after the third Test in Brisbane. He is currently part of the Mumbai squad competing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, based in Ahmedabad.The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starts on Thursday, as the series stands level at 1-1. Kotian is expected to serve as a backup for spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, as Axar Patel is reportedly unavailable for selection.At 26, Kotian has substantial experience, having participated in 33 first-class matches, where he has taken 101 wickets with an average of 25.70. Moreover, he has accumulated 1525 runs in 47 innings with a noteworthy average of 41.21, featuring two centuries and 13 half-centuries. He was part of the India A squad during their tour of Australia preceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he featured in one match, scoring 44 runs and taking one wicket.Kotian played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s successful 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign, contributing 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and claiming 29 wickets at an average of 16.96. His all-round performance earned him the Player-of-the-Tournament award, making him the only player to achieve the season double of 500 runs and 25 wickets.In the current Ranji Trophy season, which is split into two phases with T20 and List A tournaments in between, Kotian has featured in two of Mumbai’s five matches, as he spent time in Australia. With the ball, he has taken 12 wickets at an average of 16.66, though his batting returns have been modest, managing just 30 runs from three innings. Notably, he showcased his batting prowess earlier in the season during Mumbai’s Irani Cup triumph over Rest of India, scoring 64 and an unbeaten 114 from No. 8, along with three wickets in the match.Alongside Manav Suthar, a 22-year-old left-arm spin-bowling allrounder from Rajasthan, Kotian is regarded as a promising prospect in India’s Test setup. Suthar and Kotian both played one game each during India A’s tour of Australia. Meanwhile, 31-year-old Saurabh Kumar from Uttar Pradesh appears to have fallen down the pecking order.India’s Squad for the Fourth and Fifth TestsRohit Sharma (capt), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tanush Kotian.Also Read: Ashwin Retires: More Senior Players May Follow Before England Tour
In a historic feat, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket by becoming the youngest player to feature in a List-A match. The prodigy represented Bihar against Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.At just 13 years and 269 days, Vaibhav broke the longstanding record of Ali Akbar, who debuted for Vidarbha in the 1999-2000 season at 14 years and 51 days. This milestone adds to Vaibhav’s growing list of achievements. Last month, he became the youngest player to earn an IPL contract, joining Rajasthan Royals at the IPL 2025 auction.However, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s List-A debut didn’t go as planned. After hitting a boundary off the first ball, he was dismissed on the very next delivery by Aryan Anand Pandey, scoring just 4 runs. Bihar managed a modest total of 196, which Madhya Pradesh chased down comfortably. RCB star Rajat Patidar contributed a solid half-century, while KKR's 23.75 crore signing Venkatesh Iyer remained unbeaten to seal the win.Suryavanshi earned his maiden IPL contract in November, being picked up by Rajasthan Royals. Under the mentorship of legendary batter and coach Rahul Dravid at RR, the youngster aims to hone his skills further.He also showcased his talent in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, scoring 176 runs across five matches at an average of 76 and an impressive strike rate of 145.Earlier this year, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar, becoming the youngest Indian to play first-class cricket in the modern era. Vaibhav also holds the title of the youngest Indian to represent the Under-19 team, with a record-breaking 58-ball century against Australia in youth Tests—the fastest by an Indian and the second-fastest overall.In the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024, Vaibhav played a pivotal role in India’s journey to the final, scoring two half-centuries, including a blistering 36-ball 67 in the semifinals against Sri Lanka.While his List-A debut wasn’t ideal—scoring just four runs as Bihar lost to MP by six wickets—Vaibhav aims to bounce back in their next game against Tripura on Monday.Also Read: Ashwin Retires: More Senior Players May Follow Before England Tour
Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement could mark the beginning of a significant transition for the Indian cricket team. As per a report by Cricbuzz, this shift might begin during the England tour scheduled for June-July next year. The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, India's last red-ball series of the year, might also signal the end of an era for India's "OG generation," a term used by Ashwin during his retirement announcement at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 18.Ashwin was a key member of a group that included Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravindra Jadeja—players who became the backbone of the team following the retirement of legends like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman between 2012 and 2013. The fact that Ashwin is the first among this core to step down has taken many by surprise.Indirect signals of a new phase for Team IndiaWhile Ashwin's decision appears voluntary, there is speculation that subtle indications may have influenced it. According to Cricbuzz, the upcoming transition could gain momentum during India's next Test series in England, beginning in the summer of 2025. Though no official directive seemed to prompt Ashwin's retirement, the team’s choices in recent matches might have sent an indirect message. This situation draws parallels with the 2008 transition when multiple senior players retired in quick succession.Ashwin’s omission from the playing XI in the Perth Test, where Washington Sundar was chosen over him and Ravindra Jadeja, raised eyebrows. This marked a significant shift, as Ashwin, India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 675 scalps, has seldom been overshadowed by another off-spinner. While Ashwin has often been benched in overseas Tests in favor of Jadeja, being overlooked for Sundar was seen as a more pointed message.A similar path for other senior players?The murmurs around Ashwin’s performance, particularly after a lackluster series against New Zealand, were likely noticed by the spinner himself. While there’s no confirmation that selectors directly pushed him toward retirement, such developments would not have gone unnoticed by a seasoned professional. With India’s chances of making the WTC final now slim, other senior players might also face similar circumstances.The next Test cycle, beginning with a five-match series in England, could see the baton being passed to a younger generation. Leadership changes may also be on the horizon, potentially marking a new chapter for Indian cricket.Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja Scores 22nd Half Century in Ind vs AUS Test Series
After hitting his 22nd Test half-century, Ravindra Jadeja performed his iconic sword celebration. Jadeja scored a solid century in the IND vs AUS 3rd Test 2024.Ravindra Jadeja displayed exceptional determination, achieving a gritty not-out fifty, helping India reach 180 for six in the rain-impacted post-lunch period on the fourth day of the third Test match.Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy maintained their position at the crease while the weather disrupted play. The team remains behind by 265 runs.Although losing a few wickets, Team India succeeded in scoring 167/6 by lunch. With rain expected later today, Rohit Sharma’s team would be aiming for a draw already. During the afternoon session, a delay occurred because the rain intensified. The game continued after 20 minutes, but the rain came back after just 10 minutes.Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy guided India to Lunch in Brisbane, where India needed 79 more runs to steer clear of a follow-on, with the score at 167/6. KL Rahul’s brave effort concluded at 84 from 139 deliveries when he was dismissed by Nathan Lyon due to an incredible catch by Steve Smith. Rahul remained resolute despite several rain interruptions during Day 3 and a short break in the opening session today. He abandoned the ball and remained patient as his teammates collapsed around him until he eventually discovered some form of support in Jadeja, who is batting for the first time in this series.When Rahul fell, the pair's partnership was at 67 off 115. On Day 4 of the third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba, rain forced a post-drinks break, although their stand reached fifty minutes when play began in the first session.India remain 394 runs off Australia’s total, with the hosts’ mammoth first innings combined with cheap wickets meaning they are not only looking at a win, but the potential of a massive, spirit-sapping kind that India will suffer the hangover from heading into the rest of the series. Australia have the potential to run through India’s batting extremely cheaply, giving them the opportunity to enforce the follow on and still give themselves four or five sessions to try and bowl out India once again.India has not been compelled to follow on in a Test match since their 2011 tour of England, but with Australia seeking wickets and needing 194 runs with only 6 wickets left to evade the follow-on, much will depend on the experience of senior batsmen Rahul and Rohit. They can find some comfort in the presence of skilled batters like Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, but they understand that they must considerably reduce the total on their own instead of depending on the all-round pair.Also Read: Why Arshdeep Singh is the rapid-firing run-killer of Indian T20I team
Life changing movement: Mumbai cricketer Simran Shaikh on Sunday became the most expensive player at the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction 2025, as Gujarat Giants acquired her for Rs 1.90 crore, while veteran Indian player Sneh Rana went unsold in Bengaluru.After Kashvee Gautam, who earned Rs 2cr from the Gujarat Giants previous season, Simran is currently the second-highest paid uncapped player. However, if her father had listened to the doubters, Simran's cricket career might have been cut short. Simran Shaikh said "Being poor and from a Muslim family, playing cricket wasn't an easy decision. My father was told, "Jahid, kya kar raha hai tu" (What are you doing?). She needs to learn how to do home chores, or ghar ka kaam. She won't succeed in sports. However, my dad didn't ask me to quit playing. Simran Shaikh remarked, "The same people have come to congratulate our family today."Jahid and his spouse, Akhtari Bano, found it difficult to make ends meet on the wages of a wireman. With three brothers and four sisters, Simran is the third of eight children. Simran had instructed her father to improve the family's lot by using the large paycheck."Gali-kuchar mein nikal diya zindagi bhar yah. Rahe zhopde mein. In the slum, we have always lived close to little streets with exposed gutters. Our family consists of eleven members who share two rooms. We will now live a respectable life and purchase a nice home with this money. Jahid told this newspaper, "Thank God I didn't follow my friends' advice to discourage Simran from playing cricket.In a bidding competition that took place between Giants and Delhi Capitals, the Giants ultimately triumphed with the successful bid, incorporating a batter with outstanding power into their roster.Gujarat Giants coach Michael Klinger acknowledged that they aimed to acquire Simran and Dottin, who is rejoining the franchise for the 2025 edition, and successfully secured both players. He disclosed that the management was monitoring the domestic tournaments in India closely, and Simran's capability for power hitting and tendency to hit sixes immediately when batting lower in the order is exactly what the team seeks for the upcoming season.In the just finished Senior Women's T20 Trophy, Simran scored 176 runs in 11 games, with a best of 47.Also Read: Mandhana Shatters Records 1st Woman to Hit 4 Centuries in a Year
Smriti Mandhana has done it again! 'What a player!'—as she becomes the first-ever cricketer to hit four centuries in women’s ODIs in a single year, making India proud on the global stage.On Wednesday, December 11, Smriti achieved the feat at the WACA Ground in Perth during the third One-Day International between Australia and India. Smriti opened the innings for Harmanpreet Kaur's squad in the 299-run chase, scoring 105 runs off 109 balls with 14 fours and one six. The left-handed batsman contributed 118 runs for the second wicket alongside Harleen Deol (39) to keep India in contention, but following Deol's exit, India lost momentum and was bowled out for 215 runs in 45.1 overs.Mandhana achieved her half-century from 50 balls in the 14th over, as India's outlook appeared promising with a run rate over five an over and just one wicket lost. She reached her century by guiding a delivery from King to short fine leg, achieving the milestone in 103 balls. Nevertheless, she was out just two overs later for 105, triggering India's downfall.This century marked Mandhana's fourth of the year, coming after two back-to-back centuries against South Africa in June and one more against New Zealand in October. Her accomplishment of four centuries within a single calendar year establishes a new benchmark in women's ODIs, exceeding the former record set by seven players, who each hit three centuries in a year.Also Read: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya set to miss first 2 ODIs against AustraliaMandhana's recent century has also enhanced her rank on the all-time century leaderboard in women's ODIs, increasing her total to nine. She is currently level with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Charlotte Edwards in shared fourth position. Tammy Beaumont, who has 10 ODI centuries, is the next goal for Mandhana.Top ODI Centuries in a Single Calendar YearPlayerCenturiesYearSmriti Mandhana42024Belinda Clark31997Meg Lanning32016Amy Satterthwaite32016Sophie Devine32018Sidra Amin32022Nat Sciver-Brunt32023Laura Wolvaardt32024Mandhana's outstanding performance in 2024 highlights her position as one of the top batters in women's cricket, even with India's difficulties in the series against Australia.
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