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Sports

Injury Woes for Australia: Cummins and Hazlewood in Doubt for Champions Trophy

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Cummins and Hazlewood

Australia captain Pat Cummins is all but ruled out of the Champions Trophy while fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood is also a doubt for the ODI tournament, coach Andrew McDonald said on Wednesday.

Cummins missed the Test tour of Sri Lanka due to the birth of his second child but has been troubled by an ankle injury that flared up after the Test series win over India at the beginning of last month.

“Pat Cummins hasn’t been able to resume any type of bowling so he’s heavily unlikely,” McDonald told Australian radio station SEN.”So that would mean that we do need a captain. Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we’ve been having conversations with while we’ve been building out that Champions Trophy team.”

Hazlewood missed three of the five India Tests and the Sri Lanka tour with side and calf injuries.McDonald said he was battling to be fit and a decision would be made once medical information landed in coming days.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has already been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a back injury.The tournament starts on February 19 and is being co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

A team spokesperson earlier confirmed Sam Konstas had been released from Australia’s squad ahead of the second Test in Sri Lanka and will return home to play for New South Wales in their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland in Brisbane.

Nineteen-year-old Konstas, who scored a swashbuckling 60 on his Test debut against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day, was dropped for the series-opener against Sri Lanka in Galle.Head moved up from the middle order to replace Konstas and scored 57 in Australia’s innings and 242-run win.

“Konstas has been released from the Australian squad to play his first match at the Gabba and gain further experience at the venue,” a team spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The Gabba will host the second Ashes Test against England in December.Head said he expected Konstas would return to the Test squad for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.

“Most likely I’ll go back in the middle order and Sam will open,” Head told Australian media in Galle.Australia will look to sweep Sri Lanka 2-0 with victory in the second Test in Galle starting on Thursday

Developing Story / Sports

Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) Ganderbal Launches First Basic Snow Skiing Course for Boys in Sonamarg

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Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS)

Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) Ganderbal has taken a significant step towards promoting Winter Sports by organizing its first-ever basic Snow Skiing Course for boys at the picturesque tourist destination of Sonamarg.

The course, which commenced on February 2, was inaugurated by Minister of Sports, Satish Sharma, and is currently in its third day.

Over 30 enthusiastic students from various districts are participating in the training program. Under the guidance of expert master trainers, the students are receiving meticulous training in skiing techniques, with a strong emphasis on safety and skill development.

Expressing their excitement, the young participants conveyed immense gratitude to DYSSO Ganderbal and the expert trainers for organizing such a vibrant and enriching course in Sonamarg.

They emphasized the importance of continuing such initiatives in the future to ensure that more students have the opportunity to experience and excel in winter sports.

The Department remains committed to fostering a culture of sports and outdoor activities in the region and looks forward to organizing more such events in the future.

Sports

Tickets for India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Matches in Dubai Go on Sale Monday Evening

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Champions Trophy 2025

The tickets for India’s three group-stage matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy and the first semifinal, scheduled to take place in Dubai, UAE, will be put on sale from Monday evening, said the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Tickets for the aforementioned four matches will be available for purchase from 4 pm Gulf Standard Time (GST) on Monday, which translates to 5:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST).

ICC said the general stand ticket prices at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will start from 125 Dirhams (approximately 2964 Indian rupees) and are available to purchase online on the official ticketing website.

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ICC further said tickets for the 10 Champions Trophy matches taking place in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, which went on sale last week, are now available for online purchase. “For fans wanting to purchase physical Men’s Champions Trophy tickets for matches in Pakistan, they will be available to buy across 108 TCS centres in 26 cities of Pakistan from Monday 3 February at 16h00 Pakistan Standard Time (PST),” it added.

The ICC also said tickets for the Champions Trophy Final—to be played on March 9—will be available for purchase following the conclusion of the first semi-final in Dubai.

The two-week competition will see the top eight teams play 15 matches over 19 days in Pakistan and the UAE.

Group A features Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

Hosts Pakistan enter the competition as defending champions after last winning the title in 2017 in England. They will open the 2025 tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.

The tournament is also the first global cricket competition Pakistan is hosting since the Men’s ODI World Cup in 1996. India and Australia are the two most successful sides in the Champions Trophy, having won it twice.

Developing Story / Sports

Jammu and Kashmir Defeat Baroda, Advance to Ranji Trophy Quarter-Finals

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Jammu and Kashmir Defeat Baroda

Jammu and Kashmir triumphed over Baroda by 182 runs in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A encounter, sealing their place in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Jammu and Kashmir posted a solid first-innings total of 246.The team J&K followed it up with a second-innings score of 284, setting Baroda a daunting target of 365 runs to win.

Baroda were dismissed for 166 in their first innings and struggled again in their second innings, managing only 182/7 at lunch on Day 4.

They required 184 more runs to win, despite some resistance, they were unable to chase the target. Jammu and Kashmir’s dominant performance with both bat and ball helped them secure the comprehensive win, ensuring their advancement to the quarter-finals of the competition—(KNO)

Sports

LG Manoj Sinha Congratulates Nazia Bibi for Kho Kho World Cup 2025 Victory

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Nazia Bibi

Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on Saturday met Ms Nazia Bibi, an international Kho Kho player from Jammu & Kashmir who was part of India’s victorious women’s Kho Kho team at the recently concluded Kho Kho World Cup 2025 in New Delhi.

Hailing from Nagrota, Jammu, Nazia Bibi played a crucial role in the Indian team’s victory on the world stage. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated her on this remarkable achievement and lauded her contribution to the sport.

As per the government spokesperson, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated Ms Nazia for her remarkable achievement at the international event and conveyed best wishes to her for the upcoming tournaments.

Developing Story / Sports

Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025; Saim Ayub misses out due to injury

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saim-ayub

Opener Saim Ayub failed to win the race against time after he couldn’t feature in Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The Men in Green won the last Champions Trophy event held in 2017. This time, Pakistan are hosting this 2025 edition, along with the UAE.

Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team, having done so since Babar Azam stepped down from the role after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023. This is the first 50-over ICC tournament since then.

Rising star hitter Saim Ayub is a notable absentee, having sustained an ankle injury in Pakistan’s New Year’s Test in Cape Town, South Africa.

“We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognise how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially when he is in such exceptional batting form. However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions,” Asad Shafiq, a member of the National Selection Committee explained as quoted by the ICC official website.

Top-order batter Abdullah Shafique has also missed the cut, paving the way for Babar to secure one of the top-order roles.

Veteran Fakhar Zaman has been brought in the mix, having played a monumental role in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He scored his maiden ODI ton (114 off 106 deliveries) at The Oval, London, as Pakistan beat India by 180 runs to claim the silverware.

Also recalled to the squad are Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel.

“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence,” Shafiq said.

The same squad will feature in the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in the leadup to the Champions Trophy.

They’ll play in the tournament opener against New Zealand, in Karachi, before hype reaches fever-pitch for their hotly anticipated showdown with India in Dubai.

Aaqib Javed will continue his role as Interim Coach, stepping in after Gary Kirsten’s departure last October.

They’ll play in the tournament opener against New Zealand, in Karachi, before hype reaches feverpitch for their hotly anticipated showdown with India in Dubai.

Pakistan’s Group Stage Fixtures:

19 February – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi

23 February – Pakistan vs India, Dubai

27 February – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi

Pakistan squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi. (ANI)

Sports

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Skips Captains’ Meet and Photoshoot Amid Logistical Challenges

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ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will not feature the traditional captains’ meet and official photoshoot, a practice typically held in the host country ahead of major ICC tournaments.

This decision marks a departure from past editions and is attributed to logistical challenges, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that neither the ICC nor the board had announced an official opening ceremony. However, an event supported by the ICC will take place in Lahore on February 16, three days before the tournament’s first match. ICC officials present in Lahore at the time are expected to attend.

One of the key reasons for skipping the captains’ press conference and photoshoot is the tournament’s hybrid model, which involves matches being played across four venues in two countries. With tight scheduling, teams will arrive in Pakistan just before the competition begins. Notably, Australia is set to land on February 19, the same day as the opening match.

This decision also resolves a potential diplomatic issue regarding the presence of India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, in Pakistan. Due to political tensions, India has not played in Pakistan since 2008 and will compete in the tournament under a hybrid model, with all their matches–including a potential final–being played in Dubai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently stated that Rohit’s travel to Pakistan for a captains’ event had not been discussed and was not on the agenda.

Similar adjustments were made during the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, where logistical challenges led to the ICC replacing the traditional captains’ gathering with a digital launch. Captains’ images were projected onto New York’s Rockefeller Center instead of hosting an in-person event.

Meanwhile, the PCB is set to inaugurate two newly refurbished stadiums. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, undergoing a significant revamp, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on February 7, a day before it hosts the first ODI of a tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand. Similarly, the National Stadium in Karachi will be inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari on February 11. (ANI)

Sports

England Defeats India by 26 Runs in Third T20I, Keeps Series Alive

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England Defeats India

England defeated India by 26 runs in the third T20I on Tuesday to keep the five-match series alive, making the scoreline 2-1. England set a target of 172 runs, which India could not chase down despite early fireworks from Abhishek Sharma.

Chasing 172, India lost wickets early, with Abhishek Sharma contributing 24 runs off 14 balls and Sanju Samson falling for just 3 runs.

English tearaway Jofra Archer continued to haunt him with his scorching pace. With a short length delivery straight into the body, Samson (3 from 6 deliveries) got cramped up and spliced it towards mid-on straight to Adil Rashid.

Abhishek (24 in 14) went down fighting in the next over, with Jofra Archer taking a reverse-cupped catch, handing Brydon Carse his first scalp of the game.

Runs continued to elude India captain Suryakumar Yadav (14 in 7). He got off to a brisk start but failed to convert into something of significance. With India’s scoreboard reading 51/3 after the end of the powerplay, the entire chase became exacting for the hosts.

Tilak Varma couldn’t save India from the jaws of defeat, and Washington Sundar’s promotion didn’t turn out to be a fruitful affair.

India stood stunned, in need of a miracle while tattering at 85/5 in 12.1 overs after Sundar’s dismissal. Hardik Pandya (40) and Axar Patel stood (15) at the crease, trying to comprehend if 86 runs could be chased down in the remaining 47 deliveries.

The management’s decision to promote Sundar ahead of Axar in the batting order certainly raised a few eyebrows. Wickets kept falling on both ends, which took India closer to an inevitable defeat.

With 32 runs needed in the final over, India’s defeat was just a matter of time. Brydon Carse removed Dhruv Jurel on the first delivery and restricted India to 145/9 without breaking a sweat.

Earlier in the match, India won the toss and opted to field first, England was once again off to a poor start as Phil Salt played a poor shot on a slow delivery by Hardik Pandya. Brook was gone for five runs in seven balls with a fine catch by Abhishek Sharma at covers. England was 7/1 in 1.3 overs.

Ben Duckett was joined by skipper Jos Buttler, who initially looked sloppy against pace. On the other hand, Duckett was toying with fast bowlers, smashing Pandya for three successive fours and hitting spinner Washington Sundar for two fours and a six in the next over.

England hit the 50-run mark in 5.1 overs.

At the end of six overs, England was 52/1 with Duckett (39*) and Buttler (8*) unbeaten. In the seventh over, Buttler let his arms loose against Ravi Bishnoi, hitting a four and six.

The partnership between Duckett and Buttler was undone by Varun Chakravarthy’s golden arm as a stumping by Sanju Samson removed the English skipper for 24 in 22 balls, with a four and six. England was 83/2 in nine overs.

India ended the first half of the innings with another wicket in their hands, with a fine catch by Abhishek Sharma at long-on giving Axar Patel the scalp of Duckett for 51 in 28 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. England was 87/3 in 10 overs.

Liam Livingstone and Harry Brook got their team to the 100-run mark in 11.4 overs.

After reaching this milestone, it was downhill for England as they lost three quick wickets, with Ravi Bishnoi cleaning up Harry Brook for just eight runs in 10 balls. England was 108/4 in 12.4 overs.

Varun removed Jamie Smith (6) and Jamie Overton on successive deliveries in the 14th over, reducing England to 115/6.

The spinner continued his golden run, bringing his second five-wicket haul in T20Is, removing Brydon Carse (3) and Jofra Archer (0) in the 16th over. England was 127/8 in 16 overs.

Livingstone released some pressure in the next over, hitting Bishnoi for three sixes. However, his fiery knock was ended by Hardik Pandya in the next over, with Dhruv Jurel taking a catch at long-on. The batter made 43 in 28 balls, with a four and five sixes. England was 147/9 in 17.1 overs.

Mark Wood and Adil Rashid took England to a solid total of 171/9 in their 20 overs, unbeaten on 10 runs each. (ANI)

Sports

Tickets for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan Go on Sale Starting January 28

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pakistan cricket team

The excitement for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is building up as tickets for the tournament go on sale starting January 28, 2025. This highly anticipated tournament will be hosted by Pakistan, marking a historic moment for the country as it prepares to welcome international cricket fans for the first global cricket event since 1996. Here’s everything you need to know about the ticket sale, tournament details, and the thrilling cricket action ahead.

1. Ticket Sales Begin on January 28

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that tickets for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be available for purchase starting at 13:00 Gulf Standard Time (GST) / 14:00 Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on January 28, 2025. Cricket enthusiasts around the world will be able to secure their seats online or through more than 100 outlets across Pakistan.

2. Tournament Dates and Venues

The ICC Champions Trophy will be played from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with matches taking place across several venues. The primary venues will include Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore in Pakistan, while matches involving India will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a significant event for Pakistan, as it is the first time the country will host an ICC global cricket tournament in nearly three decades.

3. Group Stage and Match Details

The tournament will feature eight teams divided into two groups:

  • Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
  • Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

The opening match will see Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi, setting the stage for a month-long cricketing extravaganza. Fans can expect high-octane action as some of the best teams in world cricket battle for the prestigious trophy.

4. Ticket Pricing and Categories

Ticket prices for the Champions Trophy will be affordable, starting at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees for general stand seating. For fans who wish to experience the action from a more exclusive vantage point, premium seating will be available starting at 1,500 Pakistani Rupees. These prices are set to make the tournament accessible to a wide range of fans, from casual spectators to die-hard cricket lovers.

5. Affordable and Accessible for All Fans

One of the main goals of the tournament organizers is to ensure that the Champions Trophy is accessible to fans of all backgrounds. Sumair Ahmad Syed, the tournament director, emphasized that the ticket pricing is designed to make the event inclusive, allowing fans from all walks of life to be part of this historic occasion.

Furthermore, the tickets will not only be available online but will also be distributed through over 100 outlets across Pakistan, making it convenient for fans to purchase them in person.

6. Ticket Information for UAE Matches

While the tournament’s matches in Pakistan are the focal point, there will also be matches held in Dubai, where India will be playing. Ticket details for these UAE-based matches will be shared in the coming days, with fans eagerly waiting for more information about how to secure their seats for these high-profile encounters.

7. Final Match Ticket Sales

The final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Dubai. Tickets for this highly anticipated match will not be available for purchase until after the first semi-final. The exact date of the final ticket release will depend on the outcome of the semi-finals, but it is sure to be one of the most-watched events of the tournament.

8. Historic Moment for Pakistan Cricket

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will hold special significance for Pakistan, as it will be the country’s first global cricket tournament since the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Hosting such an event is a momentous occasion for Pakistani cricket fans and players alike, and the tournament will undoubtedly serve as a major milestone in Pakistan’s cricketing history.

9. A Glimpse of the Teams and Rivalries

The tournament will feature some of the biggest names in international cricket, and fans can expect fierce rivalries between teams. The matchup between India and Pakistan is always a highlight of any tournament, and the 2025 Champions Trophy promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in this legendary rivalry. Other exciting encounters, such as Australia vs. England and South Africa vs. New Zealand, are also set to captivate cricket fans across the world.

10. How to Buy Tickets

Fans interested in purchasing tickets can do so through the official online platform, which will go live on January 28, 2025. The tickets will also be available at over 100 physical outlets across Pakistan, offering a variety of seating options for each match. Fans are advised to act quickly, as tickets are expected to sell out fast due to the overwhelming demand for such a prestigious event.

Conclusion

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event in the world of cricket. With tickets going on sale on January 28, fans have the chance to be part of this historic tournament in Pakistan. From affordable ticket prices to easily accessible sales points, the organizers have ensured that the tournament will be inclusive for all. With world-class teams, intense rivalries, and a country brimming with cricket passion, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an event like no other. Don’t miss out—grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable cricketing spectacle!

Sports

Indian Pace Sensation Jasprit Bumrah Named ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024

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Indian Pace Sensation Jasprit Bumrah

Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah has been honoured as the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, following his finest-ever performance in the red-ball format, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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Bumrah was the standout bowler in the world in 2024, excelling in both home and away conditions and playing a key role in keeping India in contention in the ICC World Test Championship standings.

Marking his return to Test cricket in late 2023 after a long absence due to a back injury, Bumrah amassed an incredible wicket tally and set multiple records.

The right-arm quick was instrumental in home conditions as India registered series wins against England and Bangladesh, and he also rose to the occasion in away conditions in South Africa and Australia.

Bumrah was the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket in 2024, topping the charts with 71 wickets, well clear of second-placed Gus Atkinson of England (52 wickets in 11 matches). He bowled an eye-watering 357 overs in the format, maintaining a phenomenal average of 2.96 in a quick-scoring era of Test cricket.

His average across the year was an outstanding 14.92, and he ended 2024 with an annual strike rate of just 30.1.

Bumrah’s 71-wicket haul makes him just the fourth Indian bowler to take more than 70 Test wickets in a calendar year, following in the footsteps of Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, and Kapil Dev.

None of the 17 bowlers in Test history who have taken 70+ wickets in a calendar year did so with an average as low as Bumrah’s.

Bumrah’s remarkable 2024 haul began with India’s memorable Test win in Cape Town against South Africa, where he claimed eight wickets across two innings as India pinned down the Proteas by eight wickets.

He then bagged 19 wickets during the five-Test series at home against England, as India triumphed 4-1.

However, the seasoned pacer delivered his magnum opus in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Series in Australia, finishing with an incredible 32 wickets from five Tests and being named Player of the Series.

It was during the series in Australia that Bumrah crossed the 200 Test wickets milestone, becoming the 12th Indian bowler to do so. He also set a unique record, becoming the only bowler in Test history with a minimum of 200 wickets to have an average of less than 20 (19.4).

Among his standout performances, Bumrah’s best came in the series opener against Australia in Perth. As India started without full-time skipper Rohit Sharma, Bumrah assumed the leadership role and led from the front in a famous win.

After India was bowled out for 150 on the opening day, Bumrah wreaked havoc with the ball, taking five wickets for 30 runs to wrestle back the momentum. Later, after India set a mammoth total of 534, Bumrah returned with three more wickets to seal a monumental 295-run win, taking 3/42 as Australia suffered their first loss at the venue. (ANI)