The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to get clarification for the hosting country Pakistan's name missing during the Group A match India vs Bangladesh during the second game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 started on Wednesday (February 19) with the Group A match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. While New Zealand won that match by 60 runs, the whole match was broadcast with the name of Pakistan under the Champions Trophy 2025 logo in the left corner of the broadcast. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ben Duckett thrashes tournament record; England record first-ever 350+ CT total

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Bangladesh broadcast experienced "Pakistan" missing from logo

On the next day, the other Group A team India and Bangladesh started their tournament journey, which was played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The entire match carried the Champions Trophy 2025 logo without the name of Pakistan as well as UAE. However, the next two fixtures, which were played at the National Stadium in Karachi (Afghanistan vs South Africa) and at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore (Australia vs England), carried the hosting country's name along with the tournament logo.

The ICC has reportedly told the PCB that it was an early technical error, but the PCB hasn't been reportedly satisfied. The PCB has reportedly asked for assurance of no further similar mistakes, the ICC has reportedly clarified that the issue won't happen in future matches. The Group A match India vs Pakistan has been scheduled for Sunday (February 23) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: UAE added to the schedule only for Indian matches

The hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were a big issue as Pakistan has the complete rights to the tournament. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to travel to Pakistan, and after a long wait, Pakistan ultimately confirmed that Dubai in the United Arab Emirates would host all Indian matches of the tournament. 

Hosts and defending champions Pakistan had a horrible start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In addition, the team has been fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan lost the opener by 60 runs

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 started with the Group A Pakistan vs New Zealand match at the National Stadium in Karachi last Wednesday (February 19). After the Blackcaps were sent to bat first, they scored 320/5, thanks to twin centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips’ firing batting performance. 

In reply, Pakistan's top-order batters provided a very slow start, which never matched the chase despite some aggressive batting performances later. The hosts were all out for 260 runs. The 60-run loss was a big defeat for the hosts, as the tournament hardly provided a second chance. 

On Thursday, Pakistan expectedly got bad news as Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out from the tournament after suffering an injury on the second ball of the tournament. Imam-ul-Haq has replaced him. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Group A) Pak vs NZ: Pakistan manage shameful home record; New Zealand create history

Pakistan players penalised for slow over-rate

Now, the ICC has penalised the Pakistan team for a slow over-rate offence in the tournament opener. The team was found one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. Due to not completing 50 overs on time, Pakistan were forced to bowl the last two overs of the New Zealand innings with only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

Due to one over short of the target after time allowances, Pakistan players have been fined five percent of their match fees. The fine has been imposed under Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences.

After the on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Sharfuddoula, third umpire Joel Wilson, and fourth umpire Alex Wharf levelled the charge, match referee Andy Pycroft imposed the sanction. There is no formal hearing required after Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s acceptance of the charge and penalty. 

The international cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), is in a big shake-up, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Geoff Allardice has stepped down. This big decision has come just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is less than a month away to begin.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 was completely messed up by the ICC, which was hosted by the West Indies and the United States. Also, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 progression is far away from setting up a strong statement. According to media reports, the ICC is under pressure for poor handling of the recent global tournaments, which is huge for its stakeholders, including the broadcasters. 

In such a pressure moment, Geoff Allardice has stepped down from the CEO role of the ICC. The governing body has confirmed this news on Tuesday (January 28). After serving the role for eight months as an acting member, he was appointed to the role in November 2021. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah Honored as ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024

I am confident that cricket has exciting times ahead: Geoff Allardice

At his step down, Allardice said, "It has been a privilege to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council and I am incredibly proud of the results we have achieved, from enhancing the global reach of cricket to the commercial foundation put in place for ICC Members.

"I'd like to thank the ICC Chair, the board of directors and entire cricket community for their support and collaboration over the past 13 years. I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges. I am confident that cricket has exciting times ahead, and I wish the ICC and the global cricket community every success in the future."

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is facing huge blocks

Pakistan has the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where eight teams will participate, including the hosts Pakistan. Due to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan, they will play all their matches in the tournament in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run between February 19 and March 9.

The fixtures of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were continuously delayed, while Pakistan's stadiums for the tournament are still a work in progress. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has assured to provide the best arrangements for the tournament, including security, there are still some doubts about the completion of the remaining works before the beginning of the tournament. 

In a major twist of events, former South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock who is also part of ICC's cricket committee, has spilled beans on ICC's inner workings on the relaxation of wide rule in limited-overs cricket. He has said that the governing body is working on a plan to ease the restrictions on wide deliveries, especially when the batter moves around in his/her crease. Pollock believes that the introduction of such a change can tip the balance in the favor of the bowlers ever so slightly, in a game that is heavily dictated by the batters. 

See also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Indian squad announcement likely to be delayed

Pollock assures something is in the works for the bowlers

In his recent conversation with PTI on the sidelines of the SA20, Pollock assures everyone that he is in touch with the working committee who are working on a solution to ease restrictions on wide rules. 

"So it's in the pipeline, we're all discussing. We need to give a little bit back to the bowlers."

In a game largely dominated by the batters, Pollock feels something has to go in the favor of the bowlers to make the game more balanced and enjoyable for the viewers to watch. Pollock does not appear to be a big fan of the current wide rule and feels that it is a little unfair on the bowler's part. 

"The current rule tends to suggest that if he [the batter] moves and it's that point of delivery where the batter is, and that's according to where the wide will be called, I want a little bit of a change. I want them to know exactly when they're running up why or how - how can a bowler be expected to change his game plan at the last second when he's bowling? He needs to have a clear idea where he can go." 

Prior attempts to address the wide rule

Prior to Pollock's recommendation, attempts have been made in the IPL and the WPL to use DRS to accurately adjudicate wides. Both the bowlers and the batters were given the provision to challenge the on-field decision for a wide call. However, the former Australian umpire has a different opinion on this matter and is not in favor of reviewing wide decisions with the help of DRS. Furthermore, he also states that the call of a wide is purely a judgment call which is likely to differ or vary from one umpire to another umpire and therefore, deems the intervention of a TV umpire in this matter to be unwarranted.

While Pakistan has the hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has tried hard to host the entire tournament in Pakistan. However, due to the strong objection from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the PCB is reportedly ready to change the ICC CT 2025 venues under some conditions. 

PCB is desperate to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

While the ICC Champions Trophy is set to return in 2025, the PCB is desperate to host the entire tournament in Pakistan between February and March 2025. It is the first ICC tournament for Pakistan since hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996. The PCB has selected Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi as the venues for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

See Also: Pakistan opener Shahzaib Khan creates history in the ACC U19 Asia Cup

According to the PCB and media reports, while all the remaining six boards are ready to play in Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the BCCI has refused to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB is desperate to welcome the Indian cricket team to Pakistan, but the BCCI has shown security reasons for not traveling to Pakistan.

Last Friday (November 29), the International Cricket Council (ICC) scheduled a virtual board meeting to decide on hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the ICC has reportedly brought the hybrid hosting model to the table, some of the PCB members have reportedly objected to the hybrid model. 

The conditions

While the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting decision is likely to be finalised this weekend, some news reports are claiming that the PCB has finally accepted the hybrid model to host the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 under some conditions.

Some of the reported conditions are as follows:

• An increase in the revenue from the ICC. 
• While the hybrid model will take away the final from Pakistan, the PCB wants Lahore to be a backup option for the Champions Trophy final in case India fail to qualify for the final.
• In the future, Pakistan won’t travel to India for any tournament. If India get the hosting rights, the BCCI also has to bring up the hybrid hosting model for Pakistan. 

If the ICC accepts the PCB’s conditions, the PCB is reportedly open to hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the hybrid model. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) reprimanded one South African fast bowler due to showing dissent in one umpiring decision during the series-decider match of the four-match T20I series between South Africa and India. Apart from a fine from the match fees, the Proteas’ player has been handed one demerit point. 

Johannesburg hosted the last game of the four-match T20I series between South Africa and India last Friday (November 15). Leading the series by 2-1, India scored 283/1 in 20 overs thanks to twin unbeaten centuries by Sanju Samson (109*) and Tilak Varma (120*). In reply, South Africa were all out for 148 runs, and India won the series by 3-1 after winning the series finale by 135 runs. 

SEE ALSO: Star player dropped as India women announced squad for Australia series

Gerald Coetzee unhappy with a wide 

The 24-year-old South African pacer Gerald Coetzee has been found guilty during the first innings of that Johannesburg T20I. During the 15th over of the Indian innings, Coetzee made an inappropriate comment to the umpire after his delivery was given a wide. While the behaviour was noted by the umpire, Coetzee has been charged with the Level 1 offence.

Apart from adding one demerit point to his name, Coetzee has been fined 50 percent of his match fee by the match referee Andy Pycroft. As Coetzee admitted the offence and accepted the sanctions, there will be no more formal hearing.

Temba Bavuma returns to the squad

Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the full squad for the upcoming two-match home Test series against Sri Lanka. Captain Temba Bavuma returns to the squad after recovering from an elbow injury. Durban will host the Test series opener from November 27, and Gqeberha will host the second Test from December 5. 

Full South African squad for the home Test series against Sri Lanka

Temba Bavuma (Captain), David Bedingham, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne.

Demerit points for Netherlands and Oman players

On the other hand, Netherlands captain Scott Edwards and Oman pacer Sufyan Mehmood also faced sanctions for their actions during the third and last game of the three-match T20I series on November 16. Edwards received two demerit points, one point for showing his bat to the umpire after he was given an lbw and the other point for throwing his bat and gloves on the field during his return to the dressing room. He also received a match fee fine of 10%. 

In the meantime, Oman cricketer Sufyan Mehmood received one demerit point along with a 10% match fee fine for giving a send-off to the Dutch batter Teja Nidamanuru.

Both Edwards and Mehmood admitted their respective offences and also accepted the sanctions, which were proposed by Neeyamur Rashid Rahul. 

As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed its decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and International Cricket Council (ICC) are busy to find solutions quickly. 

Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. It is the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan will host an ICC tournament. 

India last toured Pakistan in 2008. Even in the last Asia Cup (2023), which was played in the ODI format, Pakistan was the host nation, but the BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan forced the PCB to host the tournament in a hybrid model. Sri Lanka majorly hosted the Indian matches and the final. 

So, the BCCI’s negative decision to tour Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was highly expected. 

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma to miss first Test against Australia in Perth

What did the BCCI tell the ICC?

According to media reports, the BCCI has clarified that the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy is acceptable to them only if Dubai hosts the tournament final.  

A source told PTI, “Unless the PCB decides to pull out of hosting the Champions Trophy the current plan is to hold India’s matches in UAE and the final in Dubai. The Indian Cricket Board has told the ICC that a Hybrid Model is acceptable to them only if the final is held in Dubai and not in Pakistan. The ICC has told the PCB that if it decides to go ahead with the hosting of the mega event on a Hybrid Model it would get its full hosting fees and majority of the matches.”

Present status on hosting the ICC Champions Trophy on a hybrid model

Meanwhile, the PCB wants clarifications from the ICC on BCCI’s decision to not travel to Pakistan. According to media reports, the PCB is still not thinking of hosting the tournament on a hybrid model and is hopeful to host the complete tournament in Pakistan. 

A PCB source told PTI, "There is no talk about having the Champions Trophy on a Hybrid Model system as of now. An email is to be sent to the ICC with the advice of its legal department in which the Board wanted clarifications from the ICC on the Indian decision. As of now, the entire situation is being gauged by the PCB. No decision has been taken on the next step. Yes, the PCB is in touch with the government for consultation and directives if required."

The ICC Champions Trophy is returning after eight years. England and Wales hosted the last ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where Pakistan won their first title in the competition after beating the defending champions India in the final of the tournament.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will run between eight teams. Apart from the hosts and defending champions Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand, and England will participate in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the 13-member all-female panel of match officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 between October 3 and 20, 2024. Dubai and Sharjah will host 23 matches of the tournament. Ten teams will participate in the ninth edition of the women’s T20 World Cup. 

The ICC has announced ten female umpires and three female match referees for the upcoming women’s T20 World Cup.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Claire Polosak is the most experienced women's T20 World Cup umpire

Australian Claire Polosak is the most experienced among the selected umpires for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. She has already experienced four ICC Women’s T20 World Cup tournaments. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand Kim Cotton and Jamaican Jacqueline Williams have already experienced three ICC Women’s T20 World Cups. Cotton was the on-field umpire in the last two women’s T20 World Cup finals, while Williams officiated as the on-field umpire in the last women’s T20 World Cup final.

English umpire Sue Redfern has also experienced three women’s T20 World Cups. In the last tournament final, Redfern was a TV umpire.  

On the other hand, Lauren Agenbag from South Africa has experienced two women’s T20 World Cups, while Anna Harris, Nimali Perera, Vrinda Rathi, and Eloise Sheridan made their women’s T20 World Cup debuts in the last edition.

Only the Zimbabwean Sarah Dambanevana will make her women’s T20 World Cup debut in the forthcoming edition. 

All match referees have women's T20 World Cup experiences

Among the match referees, Indian GS Lakshmi has experienced the last two women’s T20 World Cups, while South African Shandré Fritz and Sri Lankan Michell Pereira made their women’s T20 World Cup debuts in the last edition. 

Full-member match officials for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Umpires: Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Anna Harris, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacquiline Williams.

Match Referees: Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira.

A five-member delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC) has landed in Karachi on Tuesday for an important inspection visit ahead of next year's Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. The team, comprising top officials from the ICC's Events and Security Departments, as well as the General Manager of Cricket and the Production Manager, will be evaluating the security and logistical preparations for the tournament.

Inspection of construction and accommodation

During their visit, the ICC delegation will review the ongoing construction work in Karachi, which is essential for hosting the event. They will also assess the arrangements for team accommodations to ensure that all facilities meet the required standards. The delegation's itinerary includes inspections in Islamabad and Lahore, where they will continue to evaluate the infrastructure and security measures.

See Also: Rohit Sharma focusing on workload management before Bangladesh Test series

Discussion on tournament schedule and travel concerns

A significant aspect of the delegation's visit is to discuss the tentative schedule of the Champions Trophy, which has been prepared and submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). A key point of discussion will be the Indian team's accommodation and match locations, with Lahore planned as their base. The delegation will also consider scenarios where travel restrictions imposed by the Indian government could impact the team's participation. Additionally, the ICC Security Manager will receive briefings from Pakistani security officials to ensure comprehensive safety measures are in place. The finalization and announcement of the tournament schedule will depend on the outcomes of these discussions and inspections.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the record prize money for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 between October 3 and 20, 2024. Ten teams are ready to participate in the forthcoming T20 World Cup, while Bangladesh Women will play as the hosting team, who lost the opportunity to organise the tournament due to a tense situation in the country after political turmoil.

SEE ALSO: ICC announces updated Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 schedule

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Total prize money value is US$7,958,080

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will see a rise of 225% from the 2023 edition of the total prize money, which is valued at US$7,958,080. 

The champions of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will earn US$2,340,000, 134% more than the 2023 edition. Similarly, the runners-up will also earn 134% more than the previous edition, US$1,170,000. 

Teams, who will be eliminated from the semi-finals, will earn US$675,000 each. It will be 221% more than the previous edition. 

While the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 experienced a US$17,500 reward for every group stage win, the upcoming tournament will experience a 78% hike with US$31,154 for every victory in the group stage. 

 

 

 

 

 

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ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Other teams will not leave the tournament with empty hands

Moreover, teams finishing fifth to eighth will earn US$270,000 each, while the ninth and tenth teams will earn US$135,000 each. 

The ICC official website also added that there was a base price set of US$112,500 for every participating team in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. As ten teams are ready to participate in this competition, the total award for this section is US$1,125,000. 

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be the ninth edition of the tournament. Australia Women have won six trophies, including winning the last three editions. Talking about the other two trophy successes, England Women won the inaugural edition at home (2009), and West Indies won the trophy in 2016 in India.