The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will start on February 19, 2025. Fans of cricket all over the globe are looking forward to seeing their favorite teams face each other in this elite competition. The event will host major cricketing nations, which will ensure exciting games and heated rivalries. Live coverage from several platforms will mean that viewers get to enjoy good-quality broadcasts in different languages, making the experience smooth and effortless.

CHAMPIONS TROPHY GROUPS

Group A: Pakistan (hosts), India, New Zealand, Bangladesh

Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

Notable Things

• Tournament Start Date: February 19, 2025
• India's First Match: February 20, 2025 (India vs Bangladesh)
• India vs Pakistan Clash: February 23, 2025

First match: Pakitan vs New Zeland

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS

ALSO READ:PAK vs NZ Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 01, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

India Champions Trophy Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy

•  Coach: Gautam Gambhir
• Best performance: Champions (2002, 2013)

Mumbai Indians (MI) is also among the top-performing teams in the IPL history. They have won more than one Indian Premier League championship, and along the way, they have forged a legacy that reflects excellence, consistency, and superiority. Their long history shows them developing up-and-coming talent while incorporating world-class material to keep ahead of the rest.

Mumbai a united Team :

Mumbai Indians (MI) have made themselves more than a mere IPL franchise. They are constructing the future of Indian cricket, and there is no doubt regarding their contributions to promoting young talent. Nita Ambani, the team owner, never shies away from claiming that MI is the "Nursery of Cricket in India," and success stories of the majority of cricketers vouch for her claim.

Nita Ambani said - "Mumbai Indians are rightfully called the Nursery of Cricket in India. I bought Hardik Pandya Krunal Pandya, now Hardik is proud Captain of MI. Then Jasprit Bumrah & Rest is history. We launched Tilak Verma, now he's a proud member of Team India". (ANI). pic.twitter.com/UjbS6obpbx

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 17, 2025

Build a team for MI and India :

ALSO SEE :  Shreyas Iyer: ICC's Pick to Shine in the 2025 Champions Trophy

One of the finest examples is of Hardik Pandya. Drafted by MI as an uncapped player, Hardik matured to be a star all-rounder and now owns the distinction of being the captain of the franchise. His elder brother Krunal Pandya too was fostered under the tutelage of MI, before joining the Indian team eventually.

Another precious find of MI is Jasprit Bumrah. From being a young pacer with an unusual action to being India's top fast bowler in all formats, Bumrah's success is a testament to the way MI can spot and nurture talent.

A New Star and Building Future of Cricket :

The franchise also produced Tilak Varma, who has now got a place in the Indian national team. The system of finding raw talent in MI and offering them world-class training followed by opportunities to perform on the biggest stage has helped in developing Indian cricket to a great extent.

Mumbai Indians are not merely lifting trophies; they are making Indian cricket for the future. With a powerful scouting network, brilliant coaching faculty, and adherence to player progress, MI is still the nursey for India's next level of cricket stars.

Rohit Sharma said he needed "to be smart" and "open up all sides of the field" to counter the strong breeze at the Daren Sammy Stadium in a Super Eight game of the T20 World Cup 2024 against an Australia bowling attack that tried to use that same breeze to make life difficult for him. He was smart enough on the day, hitting a 41-ball 92 with seven fours and eight sixes to lead India to a 24-run win and a spot in the semi-finals as the Group 1 toppers.

Rohit Sharma  92 vs Australia
T20 World Cup Super Eight, Gros Islet
Rohit's ultra-aggressive approach brought him great success during the 2023 ODI World Cup, but he wasn't able to replicate it at the T20 World Cup. Then came the match against Australia. In a high-stakes contest, he smashed 92 off 41 to seal India's semi-final spot. As long as he was at the crease, it was a one-man show. Of India's first 52 runs, 50 came from Rohit's bat alone. He hit Mitchell Starc for four sixes and a four in one over before depositing a Pat Cummins slower ball on the roof of the stadium. In all, he hit seven fours and eight sixes and paved the way for a 200-plus total.

ESPN Cricinfo picks Rohit Sharma's 92 vs Australia as the best batting performance of the year 2024 in Men's T20I. 🔥

- The Hitman magic....!!!! pic.twitter.com/3soU1mjRuW

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 13, 2025

ALSO SEE :  Rajat Patidar's reaction after becoming captain

Rohit Performance against Australia :

U.P Police gets a new DSP – Indian Women's Cricket Team Deepti sharma

All-rounder Deepti Sharma of the Indian women's cricket team gets appointed as DSP by the govt of Uttar Pradesh. she was  born in Agra, 26 years old. Along with this honor, she has been given ₹3 crore cash award by the CM Yogi Adityanath as a token of appreciation for her dedication to Indian cricket.

A Dream Come True
Deepti  overheld with Joy and Gratitude as she was called to be a Police Officer [i.e., the honor was bestowed and CM Yogi adityanath gifted her with 3 crores in cash for the great job of our proud son]I always wanted to be a police officer. I watched it and thought that it must be tough a job, but I always wanted to be in uniform one day, added Deepti.Her family who are all in her achievements, supporting her ever since she started playing cricket to fulfill not just the athletic but personal aspirations.

ALSO READ:[WATCH]Fan Enters Field, Touches Virat Kohli’s Feet During Ranji Trophy Match

Cricket's Best of the Year
Deepti Sharma is the most important cricketer from the Indian Women's cricket team and has supported them in gathering a lot. The Board of Control for Cricket in India or BCCI while presenting its annual report recognized the performances of Sharma and has chosen her as the Women's International Cricketer of the year for 2022-23.Deepti in her 18 months at it had an incredible record all told with 38 wickets and 313 runs at an economy rate of just under two runs per over. Her all-rounder abilities have recently helped in a serious role with the Indian team.Medals for India.Apart from her individual performances, she played a significant role in the Indian team that won the gold medal at Asian Games and secured a silver medal in Commonwealth Games. Her performances internationally have stamped her as one of India purest all-rounders

Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma takes charge as DSP in the Uttar Pradesh State Police Department 🇮🇳👮🏻#India #DeeptiSharma #Cricket #Police #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/JJ4Z1JgzrR

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) January 30, 2025

India made a winning start to their Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 6 wickets in a tense match in Sharjah on Sunday. India chased down a modest target of 106, with seven balls to spare, despite losing their captain Harmanpreet Kaur to a neck injury. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, in a different role for the day, attended the match to show support for the women's team, praising their spirit and performance. Bumrah expressed his pride in the team, saying that his presence was to boost morale and support their efforts on the field.

Bumrah as supporter 

In a unique twist, India's star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was seen in the stands, showing his unwavering support for the women’s team. While he’s usually known for his match-winning performances, Bumrah shared that he was there in a different capacity, helping to uplift the team spirit and cheer for the women as they took on Pakistan. 

Bumrah also appreciated the strong bowling display led by Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil, who played key roles in India’s victory. He added that such collective performances build momentum, and the team looks set to carry forward this energy in upcoming matches.

 

 

 

 

 

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India’s bowling shine against Pakistan 

After Pakistan opted to bat first, India’s bowlers were on point from the beginning, restricting Pakistan to 105/8 in 20 overs. Arundhati Reddy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs, while Shreyanka Patil also contributed with 2 crucial wickets. The Indian bowling attack, maintaining a tight line and length, stifled the Pakistani batters who struggled to find any momentum. Pakistan's Nida Dar was the top-scorer with 28 off 34 balls, but the Indian bowlers ensured wickets kept falling at regular intervals, never allowing the opposition to settle in.

In the chase, India faced a setback when captain Harmanpreet Kaur retired hurt after suffering a neck injury. Despite this, the Indian batters remained composed, with vital contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana, who helped India reach the target in 18.5 overs.

See Also: Varun Chakravarthy spins magic, bamboozles Bangladesh in first T20I

India completed a successful chase in 18.5 overs, securing their first win of the tournament by 6 wickets. Pakistan's total of 105 was never enough as India comfortably chased down the target despite the early exit of their captain. The victory gives India the momentum they need heading into the rest of the tournament, while Jasprit Bumrah’s presence as a supporter further uplifted the team’s spirit.

India’s fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, is recovering from ankle surgery and is expected to return during the home Test series against Bangladesh. Shami’s absence during the recent Test series against England was felt, and he will continue to miss the IPL due to surgery. With India hosting Bangladesh in September, Shami’s return will be eagerly awaited by fans for bolstering the bowling attack.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah provided updates on other players’ injuries and rehabilitation efforts. KL Rahul, who missed the final four Tests against England due to injury, has started rehabilitation at the NCA. Rishabh Pant, recovering from a car accident, is progressing well and aims to make a comeback in the IPL, with potential implications for the T20 World Cup.

Shami’s Comeback: Anticipated Return and Road to Recovery

Shah also addressed the topic of foreign investment in the IPL, highlighting the regulatory constraints faced by the BCCI. The BCCI’s status as a society limits its ability to accept external investment without government approval. This clarification underscores the complexities involved in financing Indian sports leagues and the need for regulatory compliance.

The discussion around foreign investment reflects broader regulatory frameworks governing sports governance in India. Adherence to legal requirements is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in sports administration. While foreign investment can bring substantial capital, regulatory compliance remains paramount to ensure the integrity of Indian sports leagues.

SEE ALSO: Prioritizing loyalty: RCB adds a KGF twist to Virat Kohli’s 16th IPL anniversary

Jay Shah’s updates provide valuable insights into player recoveries and regulatory challenges facing the IPL. Shami’s anticipated return brings hope for the Indian cricket team, while the progress of players like Rahul and Pant demonstrates resilience. As discussions continue on the future of the IPL and potential investment opportunities, adherence to regulatory norms will remain essential for sustainable growth in Indian sports.

Due to a shortage of players, England had to bring in assistant coaches Marcus Trescothick and Paul Collingwood to serve as substitute fielders in the current fifth Test against India at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

In response, Trescothick and Collingwood, former players themselves, were drafted in as substitute fielders. This move mirrors a similar instance in 2020 when New Zealand enlisted an assistant coach as a fielder during an ODI against India.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England, led by Ben Stokes, made a solitary change in their playing eleven for the final Test, with Mark Wood stepping in for Robinson.

SEE ALSO: [Watch] Milestone and Memories: Prithi Ashwin shares emotional insights about husband’s 100th Test

Assistant Coaches Trescothick and Collingwood Sub in as England’s Fielders

Despite a victorious start to the tour with a win in the first Test in Hyderabad, England succumbed to India’s resurgence, losing the subsequent three matches, which led to India securing an insurmountable 3-1 lead.

Stokes, acknowledging the challenges, emphasized the significance of representing the country and commended the team’s resilience, stating, “It’s another opportunity to represent our country. Great experience for the boys to be part of this series and they have shown great character in their fight.”

England’s Playing XI for the fifth Test comprised Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes (w), Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, Mark Wood, and James Anderson.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the lineup for the last Test in the ongoing series against India. With just one alteration from the previous match, where they endured a defeat in Ranchi, England seeks redemption in the fifth Test commencing at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday, March 7.

Mark Wood steps in for Ollie Robinson, while James Anderson retains his spot despite featuring in three consecutive Tests, merely two wickets away from the coveted 700 mark.

Battling for Redemption in Dharamsala Amidst Series Defeat

Robinson’s lackluster performance in Ranchi saw him exit the XI, despite his notable contribution with the bat alongside Joe Root. The official statement from England Men confirmed the change, asserting the team’s readiness for the final showdown.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson, and Shoaib Bashir.

Ben Stokes, the England captain, accentuated the positives gleaned from their tour despite the series loss, highlighting significant improvements in fitness and overall performance.

SEE ALSO: [Watch] The wait is over, Dhoni’s new venture spotted in IPL 2024 Ad

England’s journey in India saw debutants Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley showcasing promising bowling displays, with Hartley’s seven-wicket haul in the series opener being particularly notable. Despite such individual efforts, England’s quest for victory remains unfulfilled, conceding the series 3-1 to the hosts.

In addition to his prowess with the bat, Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, is renowned for his occasional humorous remarks that often amuse fans. Though not intentionally comical, his laid-back style of expression seldom fails to bring a smile to the faces of supporters.

This characteristic was evident during India’s clash against Afghanistan in the third T20I in January. Rohit Sharma had endured a rough patch in the series, being dismissed for ducks in the first two games of the three-match series. Notably, this was his first T20I series since the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Expectations were high for the captain to make an impact in the shortest format of the game, but he struggled to get off the mark in the initial matches. Eager to open his account in the third T20I, Rohit found himself in a light-hearted dispute with the on-field umpire when the latter awarded leg byes after the right-handed batsman seemingly struck the ball for a boundary in the first over.

Confident that he had made contact with the ball, Rohit questioned the umpire’s decision, only realizing the ruling after the over had concluded and he glanced at the scoreboard.

Rohit Sharma Shares Comical Exchange with Umpire: The Inside Story

“Hey, Viru, was that given as leg-bye on the second ball? The bat made significant contact,” Rohit Sharma quipped to the umpire.

Reflecting on the incident during the inauguration of the third edition of the Khel Mahakhumbh in Bilaspur district on Tuesday (March 5), Rohit Sharma shed light on the humorous exchange.

SEE ALSO: Ashwin’s Inquiry Ahead of His 100th Test: Why Do Others Encounter Multiple Failures While I Only Experience One?

“When you’ve registered two ducks, getting that first run becomes crucial. The ball had indeed struck the bat and reached the boundary, but the umpire perhaps didn’t see it and awarded leg byes instead. I don’t usually check the scoreboard while batting; my focus remains on my innings,” Rohit Sharma explained.

“After the over, I happened to glance at the scoreboard and noticed it still showed ‘Rohit Sharma on zero.’ I thought, ‘But I hit a boundary; why does it still say zero?'” he added.

Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel, the Indian batsmen, displayed remarkable composure as Rohit Sharma guided the team to a five-wicket triumph in the fourth Test match. The head coach of the Indian team, Rahul Dravid, was visibly animated as the hosts secured the victory, expressing rare emotion.

Known for his composed demeanor, Dravid’s elation highlighted the significance of the win, especially considering India’s 1-0 deficit after the initial Test. However, India’s stellar resurgence saw them clinch three consecutive victories, securing an insurmountable lead in the five-match series.

Dravid’s Emotional Response and Team Dynamics

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Dravid’s jubilant presence in the dressing room was evident as he cheered when Dhruv Jurel struck the winning runs, followed by warm embraces for both Jurel and Shubman Gill as they returned to the dressing room.

This win held particular significance as it marked India’s first Test victory in India while chasing a target of over 150 runs since 2013. Additionally, it was India’s seventh Test series win after trailing 1-0. England, under the leadership of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, faced defeat in their first Test series. Despite holding a first-innings lead, England faltered in the second innings due to a lackluster batting performance.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge by claiming three early wickets in England’s second innings. His dismissals included Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, both falling for low scores. Ashwin further dented England’s hopes by removing Joe Root, leaving them struggling at 65/3.

SEE ALSO: IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes believes Test cricket’s future is in the safe hands of youngsters

Kuldeep Yadav joined the onslaught by dismissing Zak Crawley and later accounted for Ben Stokes, while Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Jonny Bairstow. Yadav’s dominance continued with the scalps of Tom Hartley and Ollie Robinson, completing a four-wicket haul. Ashwin wrapped up the innings with two more wickets, completing a five-wicket haul.

Chasing a target of 192 in the second innings, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma provided a solid start, adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Rohit Sharma notched up a well-deserved half-century before falling for 55 runs. Despite the dismissals of Jaiswal and subsequent batsmen, Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel ensured India’s victory with a composed display, guiding the team to a five-wicket triumph.