The ICC Champions Trophy, a premier cricket tournament, showcases intense battles among top teams. Held every four years, it epitomizes cricket’s pinnacle, drawing global attention. Teams vie fiercely, displaying skill, strategy, and determination. With nail-biting matches, it captivates fans worldwide, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie. Established in 1998, it has evolved into a celebrated event revered by players and enthusiasts alike. Amidst electrifying atmospheres, legends emerge, and underdogs triumph, etching unforgettable moments in cricket history. As teams clash for glory, the ICC Champions Trophy continues to reign as a spectacle of excellence and sportsmanship.

Will India Participate in Champions Trophy 2025?

India and Pakistan have a long history in cricket and outside of it. But ever since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, both nations have parted ways with respect to sports or any other activities. Team India has not travelled to Pakistan for a bilateral series or even an ICC event. However, there hasn’t been any ICC event taking place in Pakistan in a long time. According to a source from the BCCI said, “India might skip the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and there’s talk of changing the venue or using a hybrid model.” (IANS)

If we look at past ICC or ACC events, India has always shied away from touring Pakistan. Last Year, during the Asia Cup, India influenced the organisers, and the event, which was supposed to be hosted by Pakistan, was shifted towards a Hybrid model. Evidently, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka, and even the Final was shifted to Sri Lanka as India was part of it.

This move heavily affected the PCB, as they eventually had to share a part of their revenue with Sri Lanka Cricket. The Pakistani fans were left dejected, as the Indian Cricket Team is the biggest box-office attraction with respect to viewership and Gate attendance.

India and Pakistan Champions Trophy Match

Last, India and Pakistan played together in England’s Champions Trophy event in 2017. However, Pakistan outperformed India in the Finals, beating them by 180 runs. Fakhar Zaman was the difference maker. The Pakistani lad played a blistering knock of 114 runs in 106 balls with twelve (4s) and three (6s). Alongside him was his teammate Mohammed Amir, who took three wickets for a mere 16 runs.

This win against India in the finals of an IIC event is a badge of honour for Pakistani players and their fans. However, two years later, India thrashed Pakistan in the group stages of the Cricket World Cup in England in 2019. Talking about travelling, Pakistan has toured India at many of the ICC events in the past, whether it is the 2011 World Cup, the 2016 T20 World Cup, or the recently concluded 2023 50-over World Cup. Pakistan has been a constant visitor, unlike India.

Why Teams Don’t Travel to Pakistan?

Pakistan has had a very unstable environment and state of affairs in their country. One of the major incidents which led other teams not to travel to Pakistan was the terrorist attack on the 2009 Sri Lankan team that travelled to Pakistan. This horrendous event shut all the doors for the Pakistan Sports fraternity. Apart from this, a Bomb blast in the Marriott hotel also made headlines. These two were just a few of many instances of unstable political structure in the country that led other teams to abandon Pakistan.

READ MORE: BCCI is working on new laws to stop retired players from participating in Foreign T20 leagues.

Coming back to India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 event, as per sources, BCCI stands firm on its decision not to travel to Pakistan. However, if India doesn’t participate, it will hamper not only the PCB pockets but also the pockets of ICC. Moreover, a Hybrid model is a valid option if the governing body wishes to make money out of the event.

YouTube CC: @skysportscricket

England’s innings began with determination, led by their top performer, Joe Root. Root showcased his class, amassing an impressive 77 runs from 86 balls. Jos Buttler also played a crucial role with a handy innings of 43 runs from 42 balls. England posted a competitive total of 282 runs in their allotted 50 overs, but not without losing nine wickets.

Matt Henry’s Bowling Masterclass

Matt Henry emerged as the star bowler for New Zealand, putting in a stellar performance. Moreover, Henry’s three wickets for 48 runs in his allotted ten overs put immense pressure on the English batting lineup. Evidently, his exceptional bowling was key in restricting England to a manageable total.

The second innings commenced with New Zealand chasing a target of 283 runs. The Kiwis, however, faced an early setback when Will Young was caught behind by Sam Curran, providing England with an early breakthrough.

Conway and Ravindra Shine for New Zealand

Moreover, a masterclass in batting was followed by two debutants for New Zealand, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Both batsmen notched up a century in their maiden World Cup appearance, a remarkable feat. Ravindra’s century also made him the youngest batsman from New Zealand to achieve this milestone.

Conway and Ravindra joined forces in a sensational partnership, amassing a staggering 273 runs for the second wicket. Their partnership was the backbone of New Zealand’s innings and a testament to their exceptional skill and composure under pressure. Rachin Ravindra was awarded the Man of the Match, a well-deserved accolade for the young talent in recognition of his historic century and match-defining partnership.

What’s Next

With this impressive victory, New Zealand sets its sights on the next game against the Netherlands on October 9th, full of confidence and momentum. Conversely, England will face Bangladesh on October 10th in Hyderabad and Dharamshala as they look to bounce back from this defeat and make their mark in the tournament.

READ MORE: BCCI is working on new laws to stop retired players from participating in Foreign T20 leagues.

The Cricket World Cup opener between England and New Zealand will be remembered for its thrilling moments, showcasing the spirit of the game and the incredible talents both teams possess. As the tournament progresses, cricket enthusiasts can only anticipate more breathtaking encounters on the road to crowning the sport’s world champions.

The Ashes series traces its roots back to 1882 when Australia registered their first-ever Test victory on English soil. Following that defeat, a satirical obituary was published in a British newspaper claiming that English cricket had died, and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” However, this remark sparked the birth of the Ashes series and the creation of a symbolic urn.

Historical Journey of the Ashes Series

Since its inception, the Ashes series has witnessed enthralling battles and gripping cricketing moments. Both England and Australia have showcased their talent and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s history. The urn, which is only about four inches tall, contains the ashes of a cricket bail or a ball. Despite not being the official trophy, it has become the iconic symbol of the Ashes, representing the intense rivalry and desire for victory between the two nations.

Through the years, cricketing legends like Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Ian Botham, Shane Warne, and Andrew Flintoff have adorned the Ashes stage, thrilling fans with their exceptional performances.

Rivalries and Controversies

The Ashes series has often been marred by intense rivalries and fiery exchanges on and off the field. The “Bodyline” series in 1932-33, where England bowlers employed aggressive tactics targeting the body, created a storm of controversy. The series saw a fierce rivalry between England captain Douglas Jardine and Australian batsman Don Bradman.

In more recent times, the rivalry between English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and Australian spinner Shane Warne added a new dimension to the Ashes battles. Their captivating duels on the pitch showcased the true spirit of competition and captivated fans worldwide.

Throughout the history of the Ashes, both England and Australia have experienced periods of dominance. However, it is the Australian team that holds a superior record, winning the series on numerous occasions. Their formidable lineup and consistent performances have made them the benchmark for success in the Ashes.

READ MORE: Former English Captain Believes it’ll be a close competition at this Ashes

The Ashes cricket series, steeped in history and rivalry, remains one of the most prestigious contests in the world of sports. From the origins of the urn to the fierce battles between players, this tournament captures the hearts and minds of cricket enthusiasts around the globe. As England and Australia continue their quest for Ashes glory, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this epic saga of cricketing excellence. The 2023 Ashes series will start from 15th June at Edgbaston, England. Australia will look to continue its domination, Whereas, England is eager to be a party spoilers for Aussies.

Ashes cricket is one of the most anticipated series between Australia and England. Some consider it to be more important than the prestigious World Cup. Evidently, it is much a bigger thing for Aussies and Britishers to represent in Ashes than any other tournament.

Former English Captain Nasser Hussain believes England will prevail over Aussies

Hussain has full confidence in Ben Stokes and team to prevail victorious over Australia. However, he also thinks it’s going to be a close competition and predicts the series to end 3-2. His confidence comes in the backdrop of a scintillating performance against Ireland this summer.

In the only one of test, England posted a daunting 524. Moreover the major contribution came from vice captain Ollie Pope. Apart from him, Ben Duckett made a handy hundred where’s as Pope scored a maiden double hundred.

An unavoidable hurdle before the Ashes

While England cruises against Ireland, Australia has some unsolved business with India. WTC leaders will face India in World Test Championship Final starting June 7th.

Besides this, let Australian players withdrew their names from IPL this season to focus on test cricket. Australia will be playing their maiden Test Championship Final. Whereas India is the only team to make into to the final twice in a row.

READ MORE: When and Where to Watch World Test Championship?

England Cricket under Brendon McCallum has transformed drastically. The English men have lost only 2 games over the last 12 months.

Given the track record England have a upper hand going into the Ashes this season. It’ll be interesting to see how things turn around.

This is India’s second appearance in the WTC Final. Previously the men in blue faced defeat by the black caps New Zealand. However, the blue brigade is back in the hunt for the title but a different opponent. Evidently, the team looks confident and determined to win the cup this year.

When and Where to Watch the World Test Championship (WTC)?

The World Test Championship will start from 7th of June for a period of 5 days and subject to end on 11th of June. However, the match much not last necessarily for full five days and might end before five days play. The game will begin at 03:00 PM IST and Star Sports Network will broadcast the event live on their channels. Besides this, the live streaming will also take place on Disney+ Hotstar.

Australia will be competing in their maiden WTC Final. Aussies topped the points table with 152 points with 11 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses. However, India on the other hand stood 2nd With 10 wins, 5 losses and 3losses with 58.8 PTC. India defeated Aussies in a home series to secure their 2nd Final in a row for the WTC.

The ICC World Test Championship is a prestigious tournament that determines the best Test cricket team in the world. With a two-year cycle, it showcases the top nine Test-playing nations competing against each other. The competition provides a platform for teams to battle it out in a series of Test matches, accumulating points based on their performance. The final is held at a neutral venue, where the two highest-ranked teams go head-to-head for the championship title. This tournament not only adds excitement to Test cricket but also gives it a sense of importance and significance. Overall, the ICC World Test Championship has revolutionized the format and reignited the passion for Test cricket worldwide.

Squad for the WTC Final

The squads for the WTC final between India and Australia is given below.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk) Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Jaydev Unadkat.

Standby players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Australia: Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Steve Smith (vc), and Mitchell Starc.

Standby players: Mitch Marsh and Matthew Renshaw.

Dating back to 1975, the ODI World Cup has a rich heritage that showcases the evolution of cricket. It was the brainchild of the International Cricket Council (ICC), conceived to bring together cricket-playing nations worldwide. The inaugural tournament in England marked a turning point in the sport’s popularity, with the West Indies emerging as champions.

Playing Nations in One Day International World Cup

As the tournament grew in prominence, the number of participating nations expanded to include the world’s top cricketing powerhouses. Teams like Australia, India, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies have become synonymous with the ODI World Cup, consistently showcasing their prowess on the global stage.

The ODI World Cup has traversed the globe, offering host nations an opportunity to showcase their cricketing fervour. England, the birthplace of cricket, has hosted the tournament on five occasions, underlining its deep-rooted association with the sport.

Besides this, countries that have successfully hosted the event include India, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.

Top performing Batsmen and Bowlers in the tournament

The tournament has witnessed the rise of numerous legendary bowlers capable of turning the tide of matches with their unique skill sets. From the likes of Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram, and Muttiah Muralitharan to current stalwarts like Mitchell Starc, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rashid Khan, these bowlers have left an indelible mark on the ODI World Cup, thrilling fans with their accuracy, pace, and spin.

Equally impressive are the batting prodigies who have graced the tournament with their majestic stroke play. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, with his record-breaking feats, is a name that echoes through the annals of the ODI World Cup. Other iconic batsmen such as Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Brian Lara have enthralled spectators with their grace, power, and ability to chase down mammoth totals.

Top performing team in the tournament

Australia is the most successful team in the ODI World Cup’s history, renowned for its unwavering dominance and exceptional teamwork. Evidently, the Australian cricket team has set a benchmark for excellence in the tournament with five titles to their name, including a hat-trick of victories from 1999 to 2007. However, their combination of formidable batting line-ups, potent bowling attacks, and astute leadership has been instrumental in their success.

Over the years, the IPL has seen some dominant teams emerge as champions. The Mumbai Indians have won the most titles, with five championships. Second in line is Chennai Super Kings, winning four titles, along with Kolkata Knight Riders, who have won 2 titles. However, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have won one title each.

Teams in IPL

The Indian Premier League, or IPL, has been home to some of the most iconic franchises in cricket. Since its inception in 2008, the league has seen the rise and fall of many teams, each with its unique style of play and fan following. Here’s a look at all the teams that have been associated with the IPL over the years:

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Founded in 2008, CSK is one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL, winning the title four times. Besides being led by the charismatic MS Dhoni, CSK has a large and passionate fan base. Moreover, it is a team famous for its consistent performance and strategic approach to the game.
2. Delhi Capitals (DC): Formerly known as the Delhi Daredevils, the franchise rebranded itself as Delhi Capitals in 2019. Despite never winning the title, DC has been a competitive team over the years, with a strong squad of young and upcoming talent.
3. Punjab Kings: Based in Mohali, KXIP has had a mixed record in the IPL. Their best finish came as runners-up in 2014. The team is currently led by Shikhar Dhawan; the team has a loyal fan base and is known for its aggressive style of play. Initially, the team was named Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, KKR is one of the most popular and successful teams in the IPL. However, the team did not have the best of seasons initially. Although, after the mega auction in 2011, KKR restructured their team around Gautam Gambhir. This move led to the re-birth resulting in two title victories in 2012-2014. KKR has a massive fan following across the country.
5. Mumbai Indians (MI): The most successful team in the history of the IPL, MI is a five-time champion, including back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020. Led by Rohit Sharma, MI has a star-studded squad and is famous for its dominant performances and strong team spirit.
6. Rajasthan Royals (RR): The first-ever champions of the IPL, RR has had a tumultuous history in the league. This is a team with young talents and experienced veterans. Shane Warne, Shane Watson and Rahul Dravid are a few prominent names that belong to the blue brigade. Currently, Sanju Samson is leading the squad, and the team looks in good form to qualify further in the 2023 season.
7. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Aggression and flamboyancy are synonyms for RCB gameplay. RCB has a large and passionate fan following. Despite never winning the title, the team has been home to some of the biggest names in world cricket, including Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. However, their best performances came in the years 2009, 2011 and 2016, reaching finals. RCB has the most loyal fan base. Currently, the team is struggling in mid-tables with hopes of qualifying for Playoffs.
8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Based in Hyderabad, SRH has been one of the most consistent teams in the IPL. Under the leadership of David Warner team won a title in 2016 and finished runners-up in 2018. The team has a strong squad of international talent. Despite this, the team is at the bottom of the points table under the leadership of Aiden Makram.
9. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): It is one of the two newest addition to the team’s tally in IPL; the franchise belongs to RPSG Group. In its debut season of 2022, they finished in the top four. The team is under the leadership of KL Rahul, who apparently is out of the 2023 season due to a thigh injury. In the 2023 remaining season, Krunal Pandya is the interim captain.
10. Gujrat Titans (GT): GT debuting alongside LSG, is on a roll, including the seasons 2022 and 2023. Led by Hardik Pandya, GT is the defending champion for the 2023 season. Also, they are sitting comfortably on top of the points table and are looking in great form to reach another playoff.

Top performers in the league

IPL includes a number of talented performers in both departments. Virat Kohli is on top of the tally in the league with 7000 + runs. Shikhar Dhawan is 2nd in the list with 6500+ runs. Similarly, in the bowling department, the top spot is a tie between Yuzvendra Chahal and Dwayne Bravo with 183 wickets. However, Chahal will likely take over the top spot before the 2023 season concludes.

The IPL has a massive impact on the cricketing landscape, not just in India but worldwide. The league has helped unearth some of the world’s most talented players providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills. The IPL is a massive commercial success, with top players being paid vast sums of money to play in the league.

The controversy surrounding the “Cash Rich” tournament

Along with glitz and glamour comes a package of controversies. IPL is also a victim of match-fixing and corruption. With match-fixing scandals, several players and teams were banned from the league. The most high-profile case is the 2013 spot-fixing scandal, which resulted in the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals facing suspension from the league for two years.

However, the board has made a lot of changes in the governing council to maintain a fair play environment. It’ll be interesting to see how things turn out going forward.

Whether it’s the nail-biting finishes, the big-hitting action, or the intense rivalries, the IPL has something for everyone. It has been a thrilling ride so far, and there’s no doubt that the future of the league looks bright.

READ MORE: Simon Katich quits from SRH

With the competition set to continue for years to come, fans can look forward to many more exciting moments in the world of the Indian Premier League.

Though the English team had a sluggish start of 29 for three and a five-wicket haul from Renuka Thakur, England posted a daunting total of 151 runs. Thanks to Emily jones for 42 runs innings and 50 runs from Burnt were enough to halt the winning streak of ladies in blue.

Later in the Second Innings, Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh were the only duos with some gas in the tank. Apart from Mandhana’s 52 and a fiery 47 not out from Ghosh, there was nothing that could impact the game.

What to expect from India against Ireland?

India’s win over Ireland would guarantee a place in the Semifinals, but they will finish 2nd in the tables below England.

It’s no competition between the two sides, but cricket is a game by chance. However, a loss would hinder India’s chances of going further in the tournament.

While Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues will attract all the spotlight, Waldron and Hunter might just steal it. In the bowling lineup, Renuka Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar will look to leave their mark on the wickets.

On the other hand, Laura Delany, Ireland’s captain, has promised: “there is more to come from her side”.

India Vs Ireland Broadcast details

The game between India and Ireland will start at 6:30 PM IST on 20th February. The broadcast of the match will be on Dinsey+ Hotstar and Star Sports Network.

READ MORE: India Legends beat South Africa Legends in Road Safety World Series season 2 opener.

The match between India women’s and Ireland’s women will take place in St George’s Park, Gqeberha.

Probable Playing X1’s

India Women: Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Radha Yadav

Ireland Women: Amy Hunter, GH Lewis, L Little, O Prendergast, EAJ Richardson, AN Kelly, Laura Delany (C), L Paul, MV Waldron, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire