As 2024 draws to a conclusion, the One-Day International format (ODI) in men's cricket continues to have a constant and prominent presence. Several players, particularly from Asia, showed their mettle.

The ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 provided an excellent opportunity for the teams to test their assets and evaluate individuals. The Champions Trophy, however, would not feature Sri Lanka or the West Indies. Notably, numerous Sri Lankan players made significant contributions this year. Charith Asalanka, one of the picked players, heads the team.

Overall, this year's primary attention was on the T20 World Cup and Test cricket, and as a result, ODIs were somewhat overlooked as we approached the Champions Trophy, and we should expect a different scene in the coming days. On that note, we present to you, the Cricket Winner ODI Team of the Year, 2024 edition. 

Soon after Imad Wasim called time on his international career for the second time, Pakistani pace-bowling sensation Mohammed Amir also followed suit to announce his retirement from the international arena as well. Both players made their last appearances for Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup in which India triumphed with flying colours. 

Amir had a troubled international career plagued with a plethora of controversies. The biggest of them all was his involvement in the 2010 match-fixing scandal which was exposed by the UK anti-corruption squad. He was jailed and banned for a period of five years but later made a successful return to the international stage in 2016.

See also: Brisbane Test: Virat Kohli touches a historic milestone

Amir goes public with his retirement

Amir's growing discontent with the PCB reached a boiling point and the pacer announced his first retirement in December 2020. But over the years, Amir made plans to revive his international career and in March 2024 he took back his retirement. But as the dust settled on Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign which Amir was a part of, the 32-year-old once again decided to announce his retirement the second time.

In a statement issued by PCB, Amir expressed that it was an honor to wear the Green Shirt and thanked the PCB administration for giving him the opportunity. He feels it is time for him to make way for budding youngsters who can potentially lift Pakistan cricket to new heights. 

“It has been a great honour to play for Pakistan across all three formats. I know this is a difficult decision, but I feel this is the right time for the next generation to take the baton and elevate Pakistan cricket to new heights. I would like to thank the PCB for always extending the much-needed support over the years, and I look forward to watching the team excel. I would also like to thank Pakistan fans for always supporting me throughout my career.”

Amir was a member of Pakistan's winning squad in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup and significantly contributed to the success of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. Notably, his performance against India in the final altered the course of the match, leaving India unable to regain their momentum.

Amir and Imad at loggerheads with PCB

Both Amir and Imad reportedly had disagreements with the PCB administration and clashed frequently with them. Availability was the core issue surrounding both players. The continuous change in dispensation at PCB ensured they never really arrived at a decision to play for Pakistan, announcing it one day and then changing it the next. This uncertainty soon took the shape of frustration which resulted in the announcement of the two players for the second time. However, both players have made it clear that they would be available to participate in domestic and franchise cricket.

In a bizarre turn of events, Pakistani spin-bowling all-rounder Imad Wasim announces his retirement from international for the second time in his career. However, the all-rounder will still be available to play franchise cricket. Imad last featured for Pakistan in a Group A fixture against Ireland in the 2024 T20 World Cup. 

He previously announced his retirement in November last year but on the back of a successful run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Imad made a re-entry again and featured in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. In the T20 World Cup, Imad took part in three games and a paltry 19 runs with the bat at a strike rate of 65.51 and picked up three wickets at an economy of 4 RPO. 

See also: Women's Premier League 2025: Everything you need to know about the mini-auction

Imad announces his second retirement on Twitter 

While announcing his retirement for the second time, Imad took to his official Twitter account to express his thankfulness to the fans and his supporters who supported him all the way through his journey. He further adds that representing his country was the biggest honour of his life.

“To all fans and supporters: After much thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from international cricket. Representing Pakistan on the world stage has been the greatest honor of my life, and every moment wearing the green jersey has been unforgettable. Your unwavering support, love, and passion have always been my biggest strength. From the highs to the lows, your encouragement has pushed me to give my best for our beloved country."

Imad's association with cricket will not end here. As he calls time in his international career, Imad does confirm that he will still be available to participate in domestic and franchise cricket.  

“While this chapter comes to an end, I look forward to continuing my journey in cricket through domestic and franchise cricket, and I hope to keep entertaining you all in new ways. Thank you for everything. Pakistan.”

A brief look into Imad's overall international career

Imad was born in Swansea, Cardiff to a Pakistani family where he spent most of his formative years. The 35-year-old all-rounder has represented Pakistan in 130 international fixtures which comprises 75 T20Is and 55 ODIs. Imad never featured for his country in the longest format but has 77 FC matches under his belt averaging 40.68 with the bat and 31.14 with the ball. In addition, the spin-bowling all-rounder has taken part in a total of nine franchise cricket leagues which includes the likes of some highly reputed leagues like The Hundred and Major League Cricket (MLC). 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is busy making the final decision on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hosting. While Pakistan is still hoping for its best, the country’s dream gets a massive hit on Tuesday (November 26). 

Sri Lanka A was touring Pakistan for the first-class cricket and List A cricket series. In between the List A cricket series, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to postpone the series, and the A team will return to the country immediately after the consultation with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

SEE ALSO: Abrar and Saim secure Pakistan's dominant series-level win against Zimbabwe

The reason for the postponement

Talking about the postponement of the series, the PCB reasoned the political activity in the capital city Islamabad. The city is experiencing mass protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) supporters. Former Pakistan ODI World Cup-winning captain and former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is the leader of this party.

The PCB officially stated, "The Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with Sri Lanka Cricket, has postponed the last two 50-over matches of the Pakistan Shaheens-Sri Lanka A series due to a political activity in the federal capital. The last two matches were scheduled for Wednesday and Friday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both boards will collaborate to finalise new dates to complete the series."   

Due to the concern about the impact of the protest, the PCB already shifted the three-match List A series opener from Rawalpindi Cricket Ground to Islamabad Club, which was played as scheduled on November 25. The immediate venue change was crucial for the PCB, as the series-opener match was played after Imran Khan issued the "final call" for his supporters to march to Islamabad to demand many things, including his release from prison. While Rawalpindi is known as the twin city of Islamabad, the impact of the protest can be expected in the city. 

The present situation

Like Islamabad, Rawalpindi is also experiencing holidays in all public and private educational institutions. Train services have also been suspended between Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. On the other hand, the Islamabad protest has experienced massive violence, deaths, and an internet shutdown.  

While Islamabad Club hosted the List A series opener, Pakistan Shaheens won that fixture by 108 runs. However, according to the latest schedule, Rawalpindi Cricket Ground would host the last two List A fixtures on November 27 and 29.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Shaheens have already won the two-match first-class cricket series against Sri Lanka A by 1-0. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hosted both of those four-day matches, where Pakistan Shaheens won the first game by seven wickets, and the second match had a draw result. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025

In the meantime, the ICC will reportedly hold a virtual board meeting on November 29 to discuss the hosting of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While the PCB strongly wants to host the entire tournament in the country, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied sending the Indian team to Pakistan. 

While the ICC and BCCI are reportedly pushing the PCB to go for the hybrid model to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the PCB is reluctant on it. However, the recent blow, the postponement of Sri Lanka A tour of Pakistan can put the PCB on the back foot. 

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been scheduled to be played between February and March 2025, but the PCB is facing a race against time moment after the latest chaos in the nation.

Former Pakistan cricketer and international umpire Mohammad Nazir, popularly known as Nazir Jr, passed away in Lahore at the age of 78 years. He was battling a prolonged illness.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offered heartfelt condolences to Mohammad Nazir’s friends and family.

The PCB is saddened by the passing of former Test cricketer and umpire Mohammad Nazir. He represented Pakistan in 14 Tests and four ODIs from 1969 to 1984, taking 37 international wickets. He also officiated five Tests and 15 ODIs as an umpire. PCB offers its heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/ktBGvHdbuM

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 21, 2024

Mohammad Nazir was born on March 8, 1946, in Rawalpindi. He played international matches between 1969 and 1984. After ending his cricket career in the 1987-88 season, he became an umpire. Between 1994 and 2000, Nazir was an international umpire. 

Mohammad Nazir shined on his Test debut

During the 1969 Karachi Test, which was the last Test of Pakistani great Hanif Mohammad and his younger brother Sadiq’s Test debut, Nazir made his international debut. After scoring a valuable 29 not out in the first innings of that Test, which was the highest score in his Test career, Nazir claimed a seven-wicket haul during New Zealand’s first innings (7/99), which were also his best bowling figures in a Test innings. 

Nazir was the first Asian bowler to record a seven-wicket haul on Test debut. Also, after Fazal Mahmood (claimed seven-wicket hauls twice before Nazir), Nazir became the second Pakistan bowler to record a seven-wicket haul.

The off-spinner Nazir took 34 wickets in 14 matches in his Test career. He claimed five-wicket hauls three times. On the other hand, after making his ODI debut in 1980, Nazir took three wickets in four ODIs. 

Complete cricket career

Nazir took 829 wickets after playing 180 first-class matches, including 63 fifers and 16 10-wicket hauls. In his List A career, the off-spinner picked up 35 wickets in 29 games with two four-fers. 

Unlike his Test career, Nazir was a useful batter in his first-class career. In 257 innings, the right-handed batter scored 4242 runs with an average of 22.20, including two centuries with his highest score of 113 not out. He also had an 18.42 batting average in his List A career by scoring 258 runs, with his highest score of 38 runs. 

Unfortunately, Nazir had never been a part of Pakistan’s winning sides during his international career. His international career ended with 11 draws and seven defeats. 

Umpiring career

In his umpiring career, Nazir was an official on-field umpire in 15 international matches (4 Tests and 11 ODIs) and an official TV umpire in five international games (1 Test and 4 ODIs). He worked as an on-field umpire during the 1997 Asia Cup Final between Sri Lanka and India at Colombo (RPS), where Sri Lanka won by eight wickets.   

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is waiting for the response of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. PCB chairman is still hopeful to host the entire tournament successfully. 

Pakistan is getting ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which has been scheduled for February. It will be the first ICC tournament in Pakistan after the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996. Apart from the hosts and defending champions Pakistan, India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan will participate in this tournament.

Recently, the BCCI officially informed the ICC that they will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

We are still waiting for their response: PCB chairman

A week ago, the PCB wrote to the ICC to get clarity on BCCI’s negative decision to play in Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has also written to the BCCI to clarify in writing its stance on informing the governing body of the date mentioned. The PCB is still waiting for the responses.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, "We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had. We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy."

Nobody has any issues: Mohsin Naqvi

Talking about the BCCI’s negative response, Naqvi clarified that all other teams were ready to play in Pakistan at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB chairman also added that the BCCI could talk with them about the concerns.  

Naqvi added, "At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don't think there is any reason for them not to visit."

Pakistan's pride is of primary importance: PCB chairman

The PCB chairman was asked about his views on any possible boycott of the tournament if its hosting rights were taken away. In response, Naqvi claimed, "Pakistan's pride is of primary importance." 

After visiting seven other participating countries, the ICC Champions Trophy tour will enter Pakistan in January. While the PCB announced an original route of the trophy tour in Pakistan, the BCCI had an objection to its travel in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan Administered Kashmir. While the PCB has altered the destination, the board hasn’t cancelled it yet. 

On this matter, Naqvi said, "My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility, that are they an organisation for all the world's bodies. And that route has been rescheduled, we haven't been told about any cancellation."

After a few hours of Jason Gillespie’s possible removal news as the head coach of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified its stance. 

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie joined the Pakistan team as the head coach in Test cricket. Meanwhile, former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten was the head coach of the Pakistan ODI and T20I teams.

Recently, Kirsten resigned from the head coach role of the Pakistan white-ball teams, and Gillespie took those roles on an interim basis.

Jason Gillespie was the head coach of Pakistan white ball teams for Australia tour

Pakistan recently won the home Test series against England (by 2-1), despite losing the first match of the three-match Test series. Also, they won the three-match away ODI series against the hosts Australia by 2-1, where the Asian team suffered a close defeat in the opener. 

However, Pakistan have already lost the three-match T20I series against the hosts Australia with one match yet to be played.

PCB was reportedly searching for an all-format coach

According to ESPNcricinfo’s Sunday report, Gillespie would be removed from all the head coach roles of the Pakistan team. The report claimed that the official announcement would be released on Monday.

The report claimed that Gillespie was asked to continue his head coach roles for the Pakistan Test, ODI, and T20I sides with the present contract till the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the former Australian cricketer reportedly denied that offer. 

While the PCB wants an all-format coach, Gillespie will reportedly be removed after the end of the ongoing Australia tour. However, the PCB earlier stated that after completing the Australia tour, Gillespie would rejoin the Pakistan Test team in Johannesburg.

After completing the ongoing Australia tour on Monday, Pakistan will tour Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI and a three-match T20I series. Then, Pakistan will play another three-match T20I and a three-match ODI series against the hosts South Africa before a two-match Test series in the same tour.

PCB clarified their vision

After the viral news of ESPNcricinfo, the PCB strongly refused that story. The board reclaimed that Gillespie would rejoin the Pakistan Test team, which was earlier stated officially. 

PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa. https://t.co/J5MYKuq368

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 17, 2024

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially named Pakistan as the host for the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February to March next year. The announcement, accompanied by a new visual identity for the men's and women's Champions Trophy tournaments, comes amid escalating diplomatic concerns, as India’s government has expressed reluctance to send its cricket team to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has relayed this stance to the ICC and proposed a hybrid model, allowing India to play its matches outside Pakistan.

ICC releases visual identity, affirms Pakistan’s host status

The ICC’s latest video showcases Pakistan as the official venue for the Champions Trophy, highlighting cultural landmarks like Lahore’s Shahi Qila and unique elements of Pakistani truck art. An ICC statement describes the Champions Trophy as a "thrilling two-week competition" with top teams competing in a tournament format where "every match counts." The men’s event, returning for the first time since 2017, will see eight teams competing for the white jackets awarded to champions, while the newly introduced women's Champions Trophy, set for 2027 in Sri Lanka, will adopt the T20 format with six teams competing.

In its statement, the ICC added, "The Champions Trophy will now occur every two years, alternating between a men’s ODI tournament and a women’s T20 event, bringing intense competition and historic moments as teams battle for the iconic white jackets."

ICC reveals Logo and Brand Identity for Champions Trophy. pic.twitter.com/ckJN5vZZT6

— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) November 13, 2024

See Also: Sunil Gavaskar shares untold anecdote of India-Australia rivalry with Allan Border

India’s hybrid model proposal sparks diplomacy and debate

The BCCI’s hybrid model proposal is aimed at enabling India to participate in the tournament without crossing borders into Pakistan. However, the Pakistan government has reportedly directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to relocate any games outside Pakistan. The tension surrounding this arrangement continues as the PCB and BCCI seek a resolution. Despite the ongoing discussions, the ICC’s promotional video reinforces Pakistan’s position as host, underscoring the anticipation for the nation to welcome international teams after nearly a decade.

Pakistan is the reigning champion of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, having defeated India in a memorable final in 2017 in the UK. With the tournament's return, cricket fans and players alike are eager to witness the unfolding of one of cricket’s premier events. The inclusion of the first-ever women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 marks a significant step for the ICC’s commitment to elevating women’s cricket on the global stage, offering both excitement and opportunity for players worldwide.

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. 

For the past few weeks, speculation regarding the future of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 has been rife. The focus has been mostly centered on the ongoing tussle between PCB and BCCI as the Indian government stands firmly opposed to sending its cricket team to Pakistan. Out of eight participating teams, India is the only team that willfully wants to refrain from traveling to Pakistan citing "security reasons". The Indian team last toured Pakistan during the 2008 Asia Cup right before the tragic terror attacks in Mumbai which claimed countless lives.

Relations since the in-famous terror attack have been sour and the bilateral cricketing ties have plummeted to an all-time low. Very recently, right before the release of the official Champions Trophy schedule, the BCCI blatantly refused to tour Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and has also issued a formal communication to the ICC about the same. This puts PCB in a difficult situation who are reportedly taking all possible measures to host its first major ICC event since 1996. 

How did the PCB respond to BCCI's denial to travel Pakistan? 

As soon as BCCI's decision was conveyed to the ICC, it was learnt that the PCB had reportedly referred the matter to its government which is currently reviewing this highly sensitive situation. Previously, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed that his board is unwilling to make any compromises and quashed any hopes of adopting a hybrid model unless a written explanation is issued by the Indian government. 

As per a PCB spokesperson, the ICC had communicated this news to the PCB via email on Friday but a formal reason for India's omission was missing. 

"The ICC emailed the PCB informing them about the inability of the BCCI to send its team to Pakistan. No reason was given. There is nothing in writing we have received from the BCCI. The PCB has apprised the federal government of the situation."

Unlike last year's Asia Cup where the PCB gave in to India's "hybrid model" approach, the stance will be a lot more stringent by the PCB. And since Naqvi is also part of Pakistan's interior ministry, the stance can be viewed as representative of the government in this case. As per sources, the Pakistan government will advise the PCB to remain resolute in this matter and work with the governing bodies to host the Champions Trophy successfully in Pakistan. 

How will ICC respond amidst the political standoff between the two boards?

As the countdown for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy draws close, ICC will have a little under 100 days to finalize the future and the outcome of the tournament. As cricketing ties continue to get impacted amidst worsening geopolitical ties between the two nations, ICC now finds itself in a tight situation. Picking either side in a situation like this can invite consequences that the ICC may not be able to ascertain at this stage. Both Naqvi and jay Shah have close ties to their respective head of states. The situation will not become any simpler when Shah takes over as the ICC chair, on December 1.