The cricketing world is abuzz with the latest developments between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the Champions Trophy 2025. PCB has recently demanded written proof from the BCCI, verifying the Indian government’s denial of permission for the Indian cricket team to travel to Pakistan.

PCB demands for written proof

The PCB’s stance is clear: they require the BCCI to provide a written document from the Indian government, explicitly stating the denial of permission for the Indian team to travel to Pakistan. This demand is rooted in ensuring transparency and accountability, as verbal communications can be ambiguous and prone to misinterpretation.

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“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” the PCB source working closely with organizing committee told PTI.

BCCI’s position

The BCCI has always maintained that the decision to play in Pakistan rests solely with the Indian government. Given the security concerns, the BCCI has expressed reluctance to commit to the Champions Trophy without governmental approval. This position is consistent with their actions during the 2023 ODI Asia Cup, where they opted for a Hybrid Model to avoid playing in Pakistan.

ICC’s role and responsibilities

The International Cricket Council (ICC) plays a crucial role in mediating such conflicts. While the ICC has not included the Hybrid Model discussion on its agenda for the upcoming annual conference, it has allocated additional funds to address any contingencies. The ICC’s position is to ensure that the tournament proceeds smoothly, irrespective of the participating teams’ locations.

“If the India government declines permission, it has to be in writing and it is mandatory on the BCCI to provide that letter to the ICC now,” the PCB source working closely with organizing committee told PTI.

The Champions Trophy’s logistics and scheduling could be significantly impacted if team India refuse to participate. The PCB has already drafted a schedule, with India’s matches, including a potential semi-final and final, planned in Lahore. If India withdraws, the ICC may need to consider alternate venues or even reformat the tournament.

“It is a fact that the we are insistent that the BCCI must inform the ICC about its travel plans to Pakistan at least 5-6 months before the tournament and in writing,” the top PCB source also stated.

Hybrid model discussion

The Hybrid Model, which allows teams to play their matches in neutral venues, has been proposed as a potential solution. Hosting the Champions Trophy as a two-country tournament would incur additional expenses. The ICC has earmarked funds to cover these potential costs, ensuring that the tournament can proceed without financial hindrances.

“The ICC Management is recommending additional costs just in case it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan if such a situation arises later on,” the source confirmed.

The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will kick off with a thrilling opening match between England and South Africa. Excitement is mounting as cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this major event in the women’s cricket calendar.

Schedule Overview

The tournament opener promises an exciting clash between England and South Africa, igniting the competitive spirit immediately.

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The inaugural day features host nation Bangladesh facing off against a qualifier team in Dhaka. England and South Africa will also compete, setting the stage for an action-packed tournament.

The marquee match between traditional rivals India and Pakistan is scheduled for October 6 in Sylhet, adding to the tournament’s intrigue and excitement.

Groupings

Group A comprises powerhouse teams Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and a qualifier, ensuring fierce competition. Group B includes South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and another qualifier, promising thrilling encounters.

Venue Details

Matches will be split between two venues, with Group A games in Sylhet and Group B in Dhaka, providing cricket fans across Bangladesh with opportunities to witness world-class cricket.

A total of 10 teams will be part of the tournament – two teams to be decided through the Qualifiers – with 23 matches to be held in total. The top two sides from both groups will feature in the semifinals.

Bangladesh proudly hosts the Women’s T20 World Cup for the second time, showcasing its passion for cricket and commitment to promoting the women’s game on the global stage.

Defending Champions

Australia enters the tournament as defending champions, having emerged victorious in the 2023 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Past winners and their legacies add to the tournament’s rich history and anticipation.

Remaining Qualifiers

The final two spots in the Women’s T20 World Cup will be decided through the global qualifying tournament in Abu Dhabi, which will involve Sri Lanka, UAE, Scotland, and Ireland. The outcome of these matches will shape the tournament’s dynamics and competitiveness.

Full schedule

The inaugural T20 World Cup 2007 marked a watershed moment in Indian cricket history, culminating in a historic victory for the Men in Blue. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of that triumph lives on, with the champion players continuing to make significant contributions to the sport and beyond.

Amidst the enthusiasm of the tournament, India, led by the young and dynamic MS Dhoni, embarked on a remarkable journey. Despite being underdogs, the Men in Blue displayed noteworthy resilience and skill, overcoming formidable opponents on their path to glory. The victory not only instilled confidence in the Indian team but also inspired a generation of cricketers to pursue excellence in the sport.

17 years have passed since that historic triumph, and the champion players of the 2007 World Cup have ventured into diverse avenues. Let’s look at what some of these iconic players are doing nowadays.

MS Dhoni:  The wicket keeper-batsman emerged as one of the greatest captains in cricket history, leading India to multiple victories, including the 2011 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. His leadership prowess and calm demeanor earned him widespread acclaim, and he left an indelible mark on the Indian Premier League (IPL) by guiding Chennai Super Kings to five titles. After retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to showcase his skills in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings.

Yuvraj Singh: Yuvraj Singh’s stellar performances in the 2011 World Cup, where he excelled with both bat and ball, solidified his position as a cricketing icon. Despite battling cancer, Yuvraj made inspiring comebacks to the team before retiring from all forms of cricket in 2019. He enjoys his personal life with his family, inspiring millions with his resilience and courage.

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Gautam Gambhir: Gautam Gambhir, the top-scorer in the T20 World Cup final, continued to shine in international cricket after the 2007 tournament. With over 10,000 international runs and successful stints, as he captained Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL trophies and ended up as one of the finest skippers, he established himself as one of India’s finest cricketers. Currently, he serves as the mentor of KKR in IPL 2024.

Dinesh Karthik: Dinesh Karthik’s cricketing journey has been a rollercoaster ride marked by ups and downs. Karthik has showcased his talent in various game formats despite facing challenges and uncertainties. Currently representing RCB in IPL 2024, Karthik’s versatility and resilience make him a valuable asset in Indian cricket.

Virender Sehwag: Virender Sehwag’s explosive batting style made him a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. Despite limited opportunities after the T20 World Cup, Sehwag’s impact on Indian cricket remains unparalleled. Currently engaged in cricket commentary for IPL 2024 on Jio Cinema, Sehwag continues to inspire budding cricketers with his insights and expertise.

Rohit Sharma: Making his international debut just months before the inaugural T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma showcased glimpses of his talent and potential. Initially playing as a middle-order batter, Sharma displayed a decent performance, hinting at his future prowess. However, the strategic decision to slot Sharma at the top of the order transformed his career trajectory. Sharma embraced the new role with finesse, providing India with solid starts and setting the stage for numerous victories.

Besides his batting exploits, Sharma’s leadership growth has been remarkable. Captaining Mumbai Indians in the IPL, he led the franchise to an unprecedented five titles, showcasing his leadership acumen and tactical brilliance. Additionally, Sharma’s role as the skipper of the Indian cricket team in ODIs and T20Is has further solidified his stature as a leader. Currently, he is the skipper of India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Robin Uthappa: Robin Uthappa’s journey post-2007 T20 World Cup has been characterized by his association with Kolkata Knight Riders. Forming a formidable partnership with Gambhir, Uthappa played a pivotal role in the team’s success in the IPL. The Kerala batter played for Rajasthan Royals in 2020 before being traded to Chennai Super Kings. Currently, he is commentating on IPL 2024.

Piyush Chawla: The spinner last played for India in 2012 at 23 but went on to build a reputation in the Indian Premier League. Following his retirement from international cricket, Piyush Chawla transitioned into playing domestic cricket. His expertise and insights continue to enrich the cricketing fraternity. Currently, he is playing for Mumbai Indians as a specialist spinner in IPL 2024.

Joginder Sharma: Joginder Sharma’s journey took a different turn as he transitioned from cricket to serving as a police officer in Haryana. Despite his limited international appearances, Sharma will always be remembered for his last over and famous delivery that got Misbah-ul-Haq’s wicket in the final that won India the T20 World Cup. He played 12 IPL games for Chennai Super Kings.

Yusuf Pathan: Yusuf Pathan’s cricketing journey saw him excel in the IPL and enjoy moderate success in T20Is and ODIs. He wanted more success in ODIs, where he played 57 games, including six in the 2011 World Cup. Despite announcing his retirement in 2021, Pathan continues contributing to Indian politics, showcasing his versatility beyond the cricket field.

Irfan Pathan: From being a promising young talent to becoming the Player of the Match in the 2007 T20 World Cup final, Pathan’s journey is filled with memorable moments. Despite a promising start to his career, Pathan faced challenges and setbacks along the way. His last appearance for India came in 2012 at 27, marking the end of a journey that once held immense promise. In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Pathan dons multiple hats, serving as a cricket commentator and expert on various platforms. 

Ajit Agarkar: Ajit Agarkar’s transition from a prolific cricketer to the chief selector of BCCI underscores his deep-rooted connection with the sport and his commitment to nurturing young talent. He played his last match for India in any format in that tournament. Agarkar continued playing in the IPL and for Mumbai for the next few years before hanging up his boots in 2013. He is currently the chief selector of BCCI. 

Harbhajan Singh: He played 19 T20I matches from 2009 to 2016. His decline in other formats was also evident. Harbhajan averaged over 40 in his last 23 Tests and a little over 35 in ODIs from 2010. Harbhajan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last December 2021. Harbhajan Singh’s retirement from cricket marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life as he ventured into politics. His outspoken nature and leadership qualities continue to make an impact beyond the cricket field.

RP Singh: RP Singh was the highest wicket-taker for India in the 2007 event, grabbing 12 scalps. However, he last played for India before he turned 26. He did have a few impressive seasons in the IPL but lost consistency soon after. Currently, he is also commentating on IPL 2024. RP Singh’s noteworthy contributions to Indian cricket and his insightful commentary in IPL 2024 showcase his multifaceted personality and enduring love for the game.

S. Sreesanth: A lethal bowler in his prime, Sreesanth was involved in the 2013 spot-fixing scandal in the IPL, which effectively ended his career. He was arrested with a life ban imposed by the BCCI.  S. Sreesanth’s cricketing journey, marred by controversies and setbacks, culminated in his retirement from the sport. Despite the challenges, Sreesanth’s passion for cricket remains undiminished as he embraces a new phase of life.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its proposed schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, sparking discussions around the potential visit of the Indian cricket team to Pakistan after a hiatus of nearly 17 years.

Proposed Venue

Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi have been earmarked as the three venues for hosting the two-week Champions Trophy. Notably, Lahore is slated to serve as the base for the Indian cricket team, with all their matches scheduled in the city, including the final.

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Basing India in Lahore is a strategic move aimed at streamlining logistical and security arrangements. It offers a pragmatic solution to potential travel and safety concerns, particularly given the sensitive nature of cross-border sporting events.

Lahore’s proximity to the Wagah border crossing presents Indian fans with a relatively easier option to attend matches. This move aligns with efforts to foster cross-border cricketing ties and promote fan engagement across borders.

Historical Context: India vs Pakistan

The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket is steeped in history, with matches between the two nations generating immense excitement and anticipation. However, political tensions and security concerns have often overshadowed sporting endeavours, impacting bilateral cricketing ties.

The last time an Indian cricket team toured Pakistan was during the 2008 Asia Cup. Since then, bilateral cricketing exchanges have been marred by diplomatic strains and security challenges, leading to a prolonged hiatus in cross-border cricket.

The Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 marked a turning point, exacerbating tensions between the two nations and casting a shadow over cricketing relations. Subsequent developments, including geopolitical shifts and security threats, have further complicated efforts to revive bilateral cricketing ties.

Prospects and Challenges

The final decision regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy rests with the Indian government, underscoring the significance of diplomatic engagement and political considerations in shaping sporting events.

The final decision on whether India do visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy will be in the hands of the Indian government, rather than the BCCI.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism about the participation of all eight teams in the tournament. However, the stance of the Indian government remains a pivotal factor in determining the feasibility of India’s visit to Pakistan.

On Tuesday evening in Karachi, Naqvi expressed the hope that “all eight teams” will come to Pakistan for the event, though he was not drawn into specifics about India’s position.

The Champions Trophy holds special significance for Pakistan, representing a landmark opportunity to host an ICC event after nearly three decades. The prospect of India’s participation adds a layer of historic resonance to the tournament, potentially heralding a new chapter in cross-border cricketing relations.

The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation as to whether Team India will participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in Pakistan. According to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the prospect seems uncertain, with discussions revolving around the possibility of a venue change or adopting a hybrid model for the tournament.

BCCI’s Stance on India’s Travel to Pakistan

Sources within the BCCI have revealed that Team India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan is doubtful. Citing concerns over security and bilateral relations, these sources suggest that a bilateral series with Pakistan is also unlikely in the foreseeable future.

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Pakistan Cricket Board’s Response

Conversely, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has expressed openness to a bilateral series with India if India agrees to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. However, the BCCI’s stance indicates that such a scenario is improbable.

Sources of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said, “Forget bilateral series…Team India may not even travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. There might be a change of venue, s hybrid model is also possible.”

Concerns and Challenges

The primary concern for the BCCI appears to be the safety and security of the Indian team in Pakistan. Given the current geopolitical climate and strained relations between the two nations, traveling to Pakistan for a cricket tournament poses significant challenges.

Government Permissions and Relations

Sources emphasize that any decision regarding India’s participation would require government approval. With diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, obtaining such approval may be challenging. The BCCI acknowledges the complexities involved and emphasizes the importance of adhering to government directives.

“The Indian board would need permission from the government for travel, currently our relations with Pakistan are not that good either,” sources told IANS. “Champions Trophy is an ICC event, so it would be a tough call for India but nothing without the government’s order/green signal. Bilateral series, I don’t see in the near future, that’s next to impossible.”

The history of bilateral cricketing ties between India and Pakistan adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The last bilateral limited-overs series between the two nations occurred in 2012-13 when Pakistan toured India.

Asia Cup Controversy

Last year, India refused to send its team to participate in the Asia Cup hosted by Pakistan. As a result, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had to resort to a hybrid model, splitting the event with matches held predominantly in Sri Lanka.

The Pakistan Cricket Team’s journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has been marked by ups and downs. They commenced with a strong start, notching victories in their initial two matches against The Netherlands and Sri Lanka.

Nonetheless, their winning streak was interrupted as they confronted their enduring rivals, India, along with challenging matches against Australia and Afghanistan. Pakistan has suffered losses in three consecutive fixtures, placing their campaign in jeopardy.

Intense Dispute Erupts Among Players, Babar Azam’s Alleged Isolation

Meanwhile, a significant number of Pakistani journalists have taken to social media to allude to ongoing tensions within the team. They have hinted at purported conflicts and have promised to reveal additional information. It is reported that a physical altercation involving two players occurred, and the team is currently grappling with escalating discord. Additionally, there are suggestions that the team’s captain, Babar Azam, may be experiencing isolation from a faction of players.

See also :Reports: Kashmiri Fast Bowler Samiullah Dar Joins England Camp as a Net Bowler during the Ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

PCB’s Clear-Cut Response

In response to the rumors circulating on social media regarding internal disputes within the team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has addressed the situation. Pakistan’s supreme cricket governing body has emphatically refuted the allegations presented by numerous social media users

“The Pakistan Cricket Board vehemently rejects recent speculations regarding any internal conflicts within the national cricket team currently competing in the ICC World Cup 2023. Contrary to the rumors circulated by a specific segment of the media, the PCB unequivocally affirms the team’s unity and the absence of substantiated evidence for these claims. The PCB expresses its disappointment at the spread of such false information and underscores the critical importance of upholding journalistic ethics before disseminating such allegations,” stated the PCB in a press release posted on X (formerly Twitter).

PAK vs IND Match Preview

On Sunday afternoon at the R.Premadasa Stadium, Pakistan will face India in the Super Fours of the 2023 Asia Cup. Pakistan has won their last three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) by 59 runs, 238 runs, and 7 wickets, while India has won their last two ODIs by 10 wickets and 200 runs. Pakistan has been very impressive in their two completed games in the 2023 Asia Cup, and they will believe they were in a good position when the rain arrived in their last match against India. India were not at their best against Nepal in Group A, but they still won by a 10-wicket margin. There is still much room for improvement, but they are already a very strong team.

PAK vs IND Match Details

Pakistan vs India – Super 4 Match 3

Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium – Colombo

Date & Time: 10th September 2023 at 03:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Fancode App

PAK vs IND Venue Stats

PAK vs IND Pitch Report

Yesterday, we saw a flat track pitch, and the Indian batters got off to a fast start. We anticipate that the pitch will behave similarly today.

PAK vs IND Weather Report

After a rain delay, the match will resume today. Even after the rain stopped, the match could not be played because the ground was flooded with large puddles of water. 

PAK vs IND Last Five Matches

PAK vs IND Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

PAK vs IND Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf

India Probable Playing XIs

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Topmost Picks for PAK vs IND Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Babar Azam- the 28 year old captain has hit over 5300 ODI runs in his career and made 60 in his only previous ODI appearance at this venue last month.
• Haris Rauf- the pace bowler is excellent at finding the right length to bowl on a particular pitch. He comes on first change with the batters getting no rest after the opening bowlers.

Top Picks – India

• Shubman Gill- the opener has just turned 24 years of age and has already scored 7 international centuries including at least one across all three international formats.
• Jasprit Bumrah- the quick bowler should cause plenty of problems and will get plenty of swing at this venue, particularly with the humid conditions which are forecast.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for PAK vs IND Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(C), Shreyas Iyer, Shadab Khan, Ravindra Jadeja(VC), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for PAK vs IND Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam(VC), Imam-ul-Haq, Rohit Sharma(C), Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Shadab Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammed Siraj

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli

Vice-captain – Babar Azam, Ravindra Jadeja

Wicketkeeper – Mohammad Rizwan

PAK vs IND Probable Winners:

Cricket fans around the world will be looking forward to another match between Pakistan and India, hoping that the weather cooperates this time. We anticipate a close game due to the high level of players on both sides. We believe India has an advantage with their batting and spin bowling attack and are rooting for them to win this game. Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.

PAK vs IND Match Preview

Pakistan will face India in the third match of the 2023 Asia Cup on Saturday afternoon in Pallekele. On Wednesday, Pakistan opened their campaign with a comprehensive 238-run win over Nepal, with this being India’s first match in the tournament. Although Pakistan defeated Nepal in the first match of the tournament, this will be a completely different test. To be competitive, Pakistan will need to be at their best throughout. India did not have a full-strength squad in their previous series in this format, but they are very close to fielding their first-choice team in this match. They will be optimistic about their chances against a strong Pakistani team.

PAK vs IND Match Details

Pakistan vs India – 3rd Match

Venue: Pallekele Cricket Stadium – Kandy

Date & Time: 02nd September 2023 at 03:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Fancode App

PAK vs IND Venue Stats

PAK vs IND Pitch Report

The wicket at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium had a bit of everything earlier in the week with turn for the spinners and good carry for the pacers. A par score will be around 300.

PAK vs IND Weather Report

Thunderstorms are expected to interrupt the game during the first innings of the match before calmer weather into the evening in Pallekele. 

PAK vs IND Last Five Matches

PAK vs IND Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

PAK vs IND Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan Probable Playing XIs

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf

India Probable Playing XIs

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav

Topmost Picks for PAK vs IND Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Pakistan

• Babar Azam- the skipper was untroubled throughout his innings hitting 14 fours and four sixes in Match 1 before being dismissed in the final over.
• Shaheen Afridi- Shaheen Afridi will be another key pacer for Pakistan in this crucial match. Afridi has picked 78 wickets in 40 ODIs so far.

Top Picks – India

• Virat Kohli- the 34 year old has been in excellent form across all formats over the last 12 months and he will be looking forward to batting on this pitch after seeing Pakistan’s total on Wednesday.
• Jasprit Bumrah- the pace bowler captained the side in Ireland last month and took the Player of the Match Award after taking 4 wickets from the two completed T20I matches.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for PAK vs IND Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam(VC), Virat Kohli(C), Rohit Sharma, Shadab Khan, Hardik Pandya, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for PAK vs IND Dream11 Team:

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shadab Khan(VC), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja(C), Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli

Vice-captain – Shadab Khan, Babar Azam

Wicketkeeper – Mohammad Rizwan

PAK vs IND Probable Winners:

When these two teams meet, it is a spectacle to behold, and we anticipate plenty of excitement and tension in the hours leading up to and during the game. Both teams have outstanding white ball players, so we anticipate a high-quality match. Overall, we believe India has more top-tier players on their team and are rooting for them to win this game. Considering the team combination, India is expected to win this match.

Pakistan and India last faced off in an ODI back in 2019 where Rohit Sharma made a commanding 140 and Babar Azam was done by a spectacular googly from Kuldeep Yadav. Four years on, Babar Azam and Pakistan are number one in the ODI rankings and Rohit Sharma is coming in with a lot of questions asked of his form and captaincy. Recent results and encounters leave Pakistan favorites given how they look very settled while India is still looking to solve their middle-order issues, a problem that has persisted for them throughout the last four years.

PAK vs IND Match Details

Date: September 2nd, 2023

Time:  3:00 PM IST

Venue: Pallekele

PAK vs IND Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

PAK vs IND Pitch Report

Dew and a flat track make bowling a better option.

PAK vs IND Head-to-Head

Played- 132 | India- 55 | Pakistan- 73 | NR- 4 | Tie- 0

PAK vs IND Predicted Playing XI

IND Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj

PAK Playing XI

Imam Ul Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Usama Mir, Ifthikar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah

PAK vs IND Key Players

Kuldeep Yadav

Babar Azam and Pakistan are both really good players of spin. Kuldeep Yadav though has had the better of Babar Azam, who has slight issues with the Googly once, and could play a key role if the pair face off yet again.

Imam-Ul-Haq

While Gurbaz has been good against pace, Imam Ul Haq has shown that he can handle the Afghanistan spinners, who are among the best in the World. He played a pretty good hand in both games looking the most comfortable of the Pakistani batters.

PAK vs IND Match Tips

Pakistan coming in favorites against India is something that has not happened much in the last decade. However, with India pretty unsettled and Pakistan clear with their strategies Pakistan are likely to edge ahead unless India’s trump card Virat Kohli can pull something special once more.

Match Prediction: Pakistan Will Win the Match