Accuracy and professionalism are the watchwords in the world of sports journalism. A recent episode involving New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra has again brought to the fore the problem of unverified news being propagated by some sections of the media.

Rumors about Rachin Ravindra's Phone
Recently, certain media channels reported that the phone of Rachin Ravindra had been stolen in Pakistan during the current ICC tournament. The news traveled fast on social media, and there were many fans reacting to it without knowing anything about the same.

But the New Zealand team's media manager soon rubbished these rumors, saying that nothing like this had happened. This is a clear indication that the reports were totally false and based on rumors.

The Indian media’s propaganda continues, they just can’t accept that Pakistan is hosting a major ICC tournament. The news about Rachin Ravindra’s phone is completely false, as confirmed by the New Zealand team’s media manager. If only the Indian media had bothered to verify with… https://t.co/soYUpS3ezC

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) February 21, 2025

Shortage of Fact-Verification in Media
One of the largest issues facing media today is the eagerness to post breaking news of scandal without confirming facts. Here, a confirmation call from the New Zealand cricket team would have ensured that such spurious news would not spread. Rather than concern for facts, some media worked on fabricating unnecessary controversy.

ALSO READ:How to Buy Tickets for IND vs PAK Champions Trophy 2025 Match

Professional journalism demands fact-checking, balanced reporting, and responsible reporting. But most media platforms give more importance to attracting attention and views than truth. Not only does this mislead individuals but also damages the credibility of the media sector.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is about to start, and the match today is a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand. The match will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi and is all set to begin at 2:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time). Cricket enthusiasts around the globe are waiting for the live match to be viewed through different TV channels and online streaming websites.

• Match : NZ VS PAK
• Date: February 19th, 2025
• Time:  2:30 PM IST
• Venue: Karachi

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS

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

NEW ZEALAND

Rachin Ravindra/ Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will O Rourke, Matt Henry

PAKISTAN

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khusdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed 

Rachin Ravindra is playing in the Karachi training nets and if Rachin is available Tom Latham not played for New Zealand’s Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan. Wearing his helmet, Ravindra covered up the stitches from an odd injury ten days ago when he missed a ball from Khushdil Shah and got hit on the forehead. The management said that he would be fully fit before the Champions Trophy.

New Zealand Taking It Slow, but Rachin Ravindra Looks Ready

During the practice, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell bowled some leg spin to improve Ravindra's batting and he can play his free-flowing shots. He stepped back, cleared his front leg, and then hit a beautiful cover drive. If delivery was overpitched, he smashed decisive strokes, clearing the actual boundary in a normal game-sliding without any problem. Nevertheless, he managed to go off the field after the treatment, thus the fans greeted him with applause. There was no concussion besides not losing consciousness and his eyes, nose, or teeth have no damage. Kane Williamson described him as a person who likes to joke, and shortly after that, he said that we would monitor him according to his fitness so he could play in the ICC Champions Trophy.

ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Where and How to Watch Every Match Live

Latham said. "He’s recovering well, but we need to be careful. Head injuries need proper checks before making a decision."

New Zealand completed the tri-series. When Ravindra was unfit to play, Devon Conway brilliantly scored 97 and 48 to help New Zealand beat out the tri-series. There were also injured locks, Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, so the replacements of Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy did a very good job in the tri-series. Ferguson's replacement, Kyle Jamieson, is entering the squad to keep the team on track, so there should be no problem with the provision of the substitute.

 Latham said. "The pitch we played on against Pakistan was different from the one used against South Africa. We’ll check today’s conditions, but we’re confident in our approach."

In New Zealand’s ODI campaign, Kiwi players are in good form. As for the game which the New Zealand team won, they started with bowling and South Africa Batted first and they scored 304 runs New Zealand successfully chased it with Williamson leading the charge. Their fast bowlers, controlled the game after that in the final Pakistan was inconsistent and they won the Tri-series final.

New Zealand Champions Trophy campaign starts tomorrow ahead of it there comes a drastic news. Already New Zealand camp is facing series of injuries to their main players like Rachin Ravindra who took a blow on his face while attempting a catch against Pakistan.

 His participation to Champions Trophy is too bit on concern, though physio had tented it may took time so the question mark still on his fitness. The news yet dented they received another blow stating Lokie Ferguson is out of Champions Trophy due to hamstring injury. 

Lokie Fergusion Setback And Jamison Entry

Lokie Ferguson got injured playing for Dessert Vipers in ILT20. He got injury in hamstring and was seen limping off against Dubai Capitals but it was said that he will be recovered till Champions Trophy. He skipped the tri Nation series to not to prolong the injury even head coach Stead updated that he will be recovered till Champions Trophy commences. 

Read More : Harbhajan Singh sighs huge warning To Be Aware Of This Pakistani Player Ahead Before Their Mega Clash

During a warm up game against Afghanistan Lokie Ferguson felt the same discomfort to his right foot which was the clear indication that Lokie Ferguson could not able to participate more in Champions Trophy. Kyle Jamison has been announced as replacement for him. Jamison is mainly considered for his pacy and bounce delivires because of the height he posses which can give stability to New Zealand side. 

A Pro Active Approach

New Zealand has shown a pro active approach entering before this mega event. Though Lokie known for his firey deliveries but for the moment he is out now, Jamison provides an all round option too. Kyle Jamison last played his ODI match in 2023 after that he was too ruled out from New Zealand side for 10 months due to stress fracture in his back. 

Kyle Jamison made his comeback by playing domestic  matches which proppeled him more to gain his confidence. Jamison has an advantage of bouncing the ball enough which is considered quite effective in Pakistan. Head coach Stead has complete confidence on Jamison that he can shine in this tournament. Ferguson is the second pacer after Ben Sears who was replaced by Jacob Duffy who is like of like to him. 

New Zealand will start their Champions Trophy campgain against the title winners Pakistan, they would like to repeat the same performance which they did few days ago by beating Pakistan in tri series final. 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will compete in IPL 2025, starting their campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 23 at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.

• Founded: 2008
• Home Ground: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
•  Owner: India Cements (Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd.)
•  Captain (2025): Ruturaj Gaikwad
•  Most Iconic Captain: MS Dhoni (2008–2023)
•  Head Coach (2025): Stephen Fleming

Total titles won:

IPL SCHUDULE:

• 23rd March: vs MI in Chennai (Sunday, Match 3)
• 28th March: vs RCB in Chennai (Friday, Match 8)
• 30th March: vs RR in Guwahati (Sunday, Match 11)
• 5th April: vs DC in Chennai (Saturday, Match 17)
• 8th April: vs PBKS in Mullanpur (Tuesday, Match 22)
• 11th April: vs KKR in Chennai (Friday, Match 25)
• 14th April: vs LSG in Lucknow (Monday, Match 30)
• 20th April: vs MI in Mumbai (Sunday, Match 38)
• 25th April: vs SRH in Chennai (Friday, Match 43)
• 30th April: vs PBKS in Chennai (Wednesday, Match 49)
• 3rd May: vs RCB in Bengaluru (Saturday, Match 52)
• 7th May: vs KKR in Kolkata (Wednesday, Match 57)
• 12th May: vs RR in Chennai (Monday, Match 63)
• 18th May: vs GT in Ahmedabad (Sunday, Match 69)

CSK SCHEDULE IN IPL 2025: 🏆 pic.twitter.com/b6VjKjm0v2

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 16, 2025

ALSO READ:IPL 2025 full schedule date time venues and complete details

Full squad:

Pakistan finds itself in troubled waters following the injury of star Kiwi all-rounder Rachin Ravindra during the first game of the Pakistan tri-series on February 8. The injury on his forehead was so severe that blood was involved and the all-rounder was rushed off the field. While going for the catch, Ravindra misjudged the speed of the delivery and seemed to have lost in the lights. As a result, he failed to spot the ball and copped a blow flush on his forehead. 

Soon after, the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium became a negative center of attraction with fans pointing out some erroneous flaws in the latest LED light system which was revamped as a result of the renovation process. The stadium opened doors just a day before the kick-off of the tri-series. Additionally, fans also began questioning the safety aspect and also demanded the ICC to reconsider shifting the entire Champions Trophy 2025 out of Pakistan.

See also: New Zealand vs South Africa Live Score, Tri-Series 2nd ODI: New Zealand Won by 6 wickets

PCB and the entire nation hit back strongly at the growing criticism 

Responding strongly to Rachin Ravindra's injury, the entire Pakistan community along with its national cricketing body lashed out at the global cricketing community and blatantly held Ravindra responsible for the mishap. This also involved former Pakistani skipper Salman Butt who suggested that the newly-installed LED lights had nothing to do with Ravindra's on-field injury.

He further adds that Rachin failed to judge the speed and the trajectory of the delivery thus leading to the unfortunate injury. He responded to the criticism with a tinge of sarcasm and questioned whether the lights were in order when the Kiwi cricketers were successfully launching towering sixes against deliveries exceeding 150 clicks. 

"There's no point trying to make people understand when they don't want to. It's irrelevant. These are some of the latest LED lights that have been installed, so these are fine. When New Zealand players hit sixes off deliveries bowled at close to 150 kph, were the lights not working then? A player who was standing 70 meters away failed to take the catch because of his misjudgment. He is a fine fielder, but perhaps his leg slipped, and he got hurt."

Similar floodlight issues halted play in Cuttack

Although the Indian fans enjoyed taking a swipe at Pakistan following Ravindra's horrendous injury, its supporters soon got a taste of their own medicine when the second ODI between India and England was disrupted multiple times due to floodlight failure. Play was called off for 30 minutes before the lights were restored. The issue has now escalated to a whole new level wherein the Odisha Cricket Association has now received a show-cause notice which demands an explanation from them about the said incident. 

Like PCB, the BCCI has also faced issues with floodlights in the past. While such issues are not so uncommon, striping Pakistan's hosting rights for the upcoming Champions Trophy does not make sense. Speaking of Ravindra's injury, the batting all-rounder is under close observation of the medical team and seems to be recovering well. Multiple stitches have been applied on his forehead and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to recover just in the nick of time for the marquee event. 

IPL 2025 is more than a month away, but the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major blow, as New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra suffered a serious injury just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During the ODI tri-series opener against the hosts Pakistan in Lahore last Saturday (February 8) evening, New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra got a massive blow on his face with the ball and was heavily bleeding on the field. He is still under the medical team's watch, and his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is doubtful. 

While Ravindra’s injury status will be known later, he is in danger of missing IPL 2025, especially if he needs more time to heal from the injury. If Ravindra remains absent from the IPL 2025, CSK can watch out among the following three players as the New Zealander’s replacement. 

IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Top three players who can replace injured Rachin Ravindra

Ben Duckett (IPL 2025 Auction Base Price: INR 2 Crore)

As Rachin Ravindra plays the top-order batting role, the 30-year-old English cricketer Ben Duckett can be a strong replacement name as a left-handed batter. In the latest England tour of India, Duckett has proved his value as an opening batter as he likes to dominate in the powerplay. While CSK have some strong names in the middle order, Duckett can make the team stronger with his top-order batting commitment. Duckett is yet to make his IPL debut.

See Also: Former CSK star eyeing Test comeback after maintaining stunning form in domestic cricket

Mohammad Nabi (IPL 2025 Auction Base Price: INR 2 Crore)

The 40-year-old Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi brings huge experience and high-quality all-rounder values to any team. The right-handed batter is a clever hitter and always effective as an off-spinner. From 2017 to 2024, Nabi played 24 IPL matches serving for SunRisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, where he scored 215 runs and picked up 15 wickets. 

Daryl Mitchell (IPL 2025 Auction Base Price: INR 2 Crore)

The 33-year-old New Zealand cricketer Daryl Mitchell is popular for his big-hitting abilities in the slog overs. While the right-handed batter is a powerful middle-order, he can also deliver the right-arm medium-pace bowling. He is also a great fielder. After playing for Rajasthan Royals in two matches in the IPL 2022, Mitchell played 13 matches for CSK last season. In his IPL career, he has scored 351 runs and taken one wicket in 15 games.

Champions Trophy is on nook corner which is been hosted by Pakistan. Before that Pakistan has hosted a tri nation series between Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand. The first ODI was played between New Zealand and Pakistan. The match was held at Gaddafi stadium where New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. New Zealand posted a mamoth score of 330 with the loss of six wickets. In reply Pakistan started their innings at the initial stages. 

But as the match progressed they lost their plot and started to lose their wickets at continuous intervals and they able to score 252 runs losing all their wickets and lost their first Odi for 78 runs. But rather than that a major incident highlighted the major issue of the stadium. 

Read More : Is Ishan Kishan really sidelined from Indian team questions former cricketer

Rachin With Heavy Blow

New Zealand opening batsman had faced a major blow on 38 over of the match during Pakistan chase. What had happened Kushdil was batting and he hit a shot towards Rachin at deep backward square leg. Rachin made his position to attempt the catch who completely lost in lights and the ball struck into his face with a huge force. 

Rachin with the blow just bend down himself he started bleeding soon the physio came to examine him,  he was immediately taken out of the field for further treatment.  He went out for scans immediately lefting a question mark on infrastructure of Pakistan Stadium. 

Outrage of Public 

 Champions Trophy is going to start at 19 February and Pakistan are host to it. Earlier through ICC inspection, it was said that ICC officials were unhappy with the condition of the stadium ahead of this big event. Even construction work were still on while the deadline were on bar. 

Read More : Australia strongest playing xi for Champions trophy

Now the injury embeded to Rachin has revolted many questions for the quality of stadium. People have started ranting on PCB for poor lighting management through on going series. 

How did @ICC allowed Pakistan's ground to host international matches??

ICC should ensure players safety and if Pakistan can't provide shift CHAMPIONS TROPHY to Dubai.

Prayers for Rachin Ravindra 🙏🏻#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/77bvA7uqjv

— KohliForever (@KohliForever0) February 8, 2025

Once the video was circulated in social media, people and officials raised their question on the quality of the grounds. One asked Rachin is far more better fielder than Pakistan cricketers don't say me he misjudged it.

Another user says Pakistan can't organise a tri series game how ICC allowed them to host Champions Trophy now players life is on stake. Now it's upto PCB what plan of action they gonna execute to avoid these type of incidents nearby future. 

New Zealand got a big blow just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as their star in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Rachin Ravindra, got a freak injury on his face during the ODI tri-series opener against the hosts

Pakistan on Saturday (February 8) night at Lahore.

New Zealand won the toss in the ODI tri-series opener and chose to bat first. While the Blackcaps scored 330/6 in 50 overs, the hosts Pakistan only managed to score 252 runs in 47.5 overs, as New Zealand won by 78 runs. 

See Also: Shaheen Shah Afridi sets unwanted record in Lahore ODI against New Zealand

Rachin Ravindra was bleeding 

The freak injury incident happened during the 38th of Pakistan's innings, where the hosts struggled at 198/5. The left-arm spinner Michael Bracewell was bowling that over while Khushdil Shah, batting on 12 off 15 balls,

played a slog sweep towards the deep square leg, where Rachin Ravindra was fielding. It was catchable for Ravindra, but he lost the ball possibly due to floodlights, and the ball hit him in the face.

Oh No! Newzealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra is hitted on his face during talking a catch.
Hope not so serious ❤️‍🩹(video credit:@FanCode)#PAKvsNZ#RachinRavindra#ChampionsTrophy2025 #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/xS6uJn6QY5

— BCCI🍥 (@Physics565102) February 8, 2025

After that blow, Ravindra was unmoved for a while before reacting to his pain. Meanwhile, the whole stadium went silent on that sudden incident. While a stretcher was rushed on,

Ravindra was heavily bleeding and ultimately walked off the field with care on his upper face. It was never a positive-looking site, and it can be a big blow for the Blackcaps in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 mission.

Ravindra fired 25 runs and also bowled three overs before injury

Talking about New Zealand batting, Daryl Mitchell slammed 106 not out off 74 balls with the help of six fours and seven sixes. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson scored 58 off 89 balls, and Daryl Mitchell scored 81 off 84 balls.

Opener Rachin Ravindra scored 25 off just 19 balls, where the left-handed batter hit five fours. Later, the left-arm spinner Ravindra had the bowling figures of 3-0-14-0. 

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the most popular IPL franchises. The franchise has been a part of the IPL since its inception, having competed in all 17 seasons of the lucrative competition. However, it is currently awaiting its first title. Before the IPL 2025 major auctions, which are expected to occur later this month, RCB retained three players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.

RCB will have three Right To Match (RTM) cards available in the mega auctions, and the franchise owners are hoping to bring back as many players as possible. The squad has had a great 2024 season and wants to convert their maiden IPL title with a significant team restructuring from the Mega Auction, as they have the potential to acquire top players from the under-the-hammer roster. Here are the five top-player recommendations for the side to target in the forthcoming 2025 IPL Mega Auction. 

KL Rahul

KL Rahul will be one of the targets of the loyal fanbase-backed squad in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction for apparent reasons. Rahul had a fantastic IPL 2016 with RCB. However, he missed the 2017 season due to injuries and was released before the 2018 Mega Auction. He later played for the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Lucknow Super Giants, but he could return to his home franchise, which has only kept three players, including a colossal purchasing purse.

Rahul has always been liked by the RCB faithful, partly because he is from Bengaluru, and the team is in dire need of a reliable wicketkeeper batter. Fans should anticipate that RCB will bid quite expensively for Rahul in the blockbuster auction. In the 2024 edition, he has made a commendable 520 runs in 14 matches with four half-centuries.

Mitchell Starc

RCB has historically struggled with a reliable bowling attack, which has been overlooked by their dynamic batting lineup, and Mitchell Starc can help address that gap. Starc's ability to perform in high-pressure circumstances and his previous stint with RCB in 2015 suggest he might be the missing piece in RCB's quest for their first IPL victory. His expertise and talent in T20 cricket make him an excellent choice to command their bowling unit.

In IPL 2024, as the most expensive player in the tournament ever, Starc demonstrated his brilliance by collecting crucial wickets and maintaining an exceptional economy rate during playoffs, further cementing his worth to a club needing bowling consistency. In his triumphant 2024 campaign with the Kolkata Knight Riders, he has taken 17 wickets in 14 matches. 

Will Jacks

Will Jacks, another major player for RCB in the 2024 season, had a massive influence after replacing Maxwell in the playing XI. Jack's ability to dominate pacers and spinners and his helpful spin bowling may urge RCB to utilise their RTM to keep him. With his swashbuckling style, he can restore the team's batting glory days, as they have the opportunity to win their first title through a restructure in the upcoming Mega Auction.

In eight matches, the 25-year-old English all-rounder scored 230 runs at a fantastic 175.57 strike rate, including a spectacular 41-ball century against the Gujarat Titans.

Also Read: IPL 2025: 5 players Mumbai Indians should target for in the upcoming IPL Mega Auction

Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj, who has been at RCB since 2018, was also included on the list of players revealed ahead of the mega auction. Siraj grabbed 15 wickets in 14 IPL 2024 matches while maintaining a solid economy rate of 9.19 economy. But as they say, every player has a rough patch in their sporting stint; Siraj will be desperate to come back with a bang through the fierce and intense 2025 IPL.

He is well-known for his ability to take wickets with the new ball, but his recent improvements at death bowling make him an invaluable asset. RCB may use their RTM option to bring him back, as they need a reliable Indian pacer who can spearhead the team's bowling attack and align with its goals by being aware of the Indian conditions. 

Rachin Ravindran

Rachin Ravindra, the all-rounder from New Zealand, is one of cricket's hottest prospects, making him a priority target for several prominent teams in the forthcoming IPL 2025 big auction. He had a terrific time with CSK throughout the 2024 IPL season, but now that they have opted not to put him on the retention list, RCB might consider him a top-order alternative to Virat Kohli.

Ravindra has the talent and skill to adjust to varied circumstances with the bat and ball, which should serve him well regardless of where he ends up in the next edition. Though he had a mediocre debut IPL sit-in with the Chennai Super Kings by scoring just 222 runs in ten games, his awareness of the Indian conditions would act as the major USP for the team to acquire his services.