The Pakistan cricket team left for Dubai for the marquee Champions Trophy clash against arch-rivals India without opener Fakhar Zaman, who suffered an injury during the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. The left-handed batter has been replaced by Imam-ul-Haq in Pakistan's squad.
IMAGES from the ICC Champions Trophy match played between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday.
'The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it's about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you.'
Virat Kohli bagged his fifth player of the match award against Pakistan in ICC tournaments including ODI/T20I World Cups and Champions Trophy -- the most by any player against a single opposition.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three men for allegedly sharing sensitive information about Indian defence establishments with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives. The arrests come as part of an ongoing investigation into an espionage racket that has seen eight people arrested so far. The NIA has charged five persons, including two absconding Pakistani operatives, in connection with the case, which was originally registered by the Counter Intelligence Cell, Andhra Pradesh in January 2021.
A staggering 12,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed in Lahore and Rawalpindi during the matches.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, has sharply criticized Pakistan, calling it the "global epicenter of terrorism" and accusing it of providing state support to cross-border terrorism. Harish's remarks came in response to Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Ishaq Dar's comments on Jammu and Kashmir during a UN Security Council meeting. India highlighted that Pakistan harbors over 20 UN-listed terrorist entities and has a history of supporting groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat Ul Mujahidin. India also emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that Pakistan's misinformation campaign does not change the reality on the ground.
While India are on a high after a measured six-wicket win over a sprightly Bangladesh, Pakistan are evidently tense after the 60-run loss in the tournament-opener to New Zealand.
Virat Kohli anchored a tricky chase with an unbeaten 100.
Pakistan has the upper hand in the Champions Trophy, winning three of the five matches against India.
While Kohli didn't resume batting after the incident, the Indian coaching staff said the injury is not serious, and he is expected to be fit for the final.
It was a memorable night for the number 6 batter who hit 4 off 33 balls and watched from the other end as Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning runs.
'When you leave, you want to leave the team in better place'
Bari said he is delighted to see the ICC Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan now and multiple teams landing in the country.
Shami's run in the tournament concluded with nice scalps in five matches, averaging 25.88.
Pakistan were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs with Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) scoring half-centuries but the hosts never looked in the hunt.
That said the pitch is going to get challenging for the batters as the game wears on.
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has criticized Babar Azam for focusing on personal milestones over team success, expressing concerns about Pakistan's preparations ahead of their crucial Champions Trophy clash against India. He believes Pakistan's recent struggles, including a disappointing Tri-Nation Series campaign and a 1-1 draw against the West Indies in a home Test series, point to a lack of readiness for the India encounter.
India's new jersey for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, unveiled on Monday, has sparked discussion due to the inclusion of 'Pakistan' as the host nation.
In the next ACC cycle, Pakistan's Mohsin Naqvi is slated to head the continental institution.
Injured Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has resumed bowling in the nets and is feeling comfortable, but his selection for the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand will be up to the team management. Rauf, who sustained a muscular strain in his lower chest wall in the first match of the recently-held three-nation event, said he has started doing exercises and resumed bowling.
The depleted Aussies will look at Travis Head and captain Smith for inspiration as they chase the title that they last won in 2009.
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a foot injury on Tuesday in a major blow for the Black Caps.
Unfazed by New Zealand's group stage defeat to India, opener Will Young is focused on exploiting Rohit Sharma's side's weaknesses in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai on Sunday.
'India is a strong team. Pakistan is inconsistent.'
Rauf has remained with the squad despite the selectors calling up uncapped Akif Javed as a backup for him.
Gill hit a purple patch in the three-match series against England, scoring 87 (in Nagpur), 60 (in Cuttack), and 112 (in Ahmedabad) as he was adjudged the 'Player of the Series' in the hosts' 3-0 clean sweep.
Punjab Police have arrested three individuals and foiled a major target killing planned by a terror module linked to the proscribed Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). The module was allegedly being handled by US-based gangster Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi Nawashehria, who is a close aide of Pakistan-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenge posed by India's understanding of the conditions in the Champions Trophy final, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt. Santner believes the experience of playing against India in a league match will help, and is hoping his batters will be better prepared to face mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy this time around.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead has acknowledged the threat posed by India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in the upcoming Champions Trophy final.
India vice-captain Shubman Gill has dismissed speculation about the ODI future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating that there are no retirement discussions within the team.
The fervour for the India-Pakistan match is so intense that for many beating Pakistan in Dubai seems even more important than winning the Champions Trophy itself, observes K R Nayar, the veteran cricket writer.
India won their seventh ICC trophy, while registering their third Champions Trophy triumph.
A few, acting like his followers, cheered him into the stadium while calling out, "Modi, Modi, welcome Modi."
'Ben Stokes is one of the best captains I've ever seen. So it would be stupid not to look at him.'
A 15-year-old boy in Malvan, Maharashtra, has claimed he was falsely accused of raising anti-India slogans during a cricket match. His family alleges he was trapped by people who beat him up and instigated a fight. The family's shop, godown, and home were subsequently demolished, while the boy and his parents were arrested. The teen maintains he doesn't watch cricket and was returning from prayers when the incident occurred.
The Kiwis arrived in Dubai on Thursday evening ahead of the ICC showpiece's title clash against India on March 9.
New Zealand clinched the tri-nation title by beating hosts Pakistan by five wickets in the final in Karachi on Friday to give them a major boost ahead of next week's Champions Trophy.
As Group B toppers, South Africa had to take the flight back to Pakistan to play their semi-final as the last-four clash involving India was to be staged in Dubai.
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