Unsung Indian hero Abid Ali passes away peacefully in USA

By Syed Khalid Mahmood 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed its condolences on the passing of former Indian all-rounder, Syed Abid Ali, who breathed his last after a protracted illness in California, USA, on March 12. He was 83. 

Having represented India in 29 Test matches and five One Day Internationals between 1967 and 1974, he was not only a celebrated cricketer, but indeed a pivotal figure in Indian cricket during the 1960s and 70s, renowned for his versatile skills. 

He certainly left a mark with his all-round capabilities. His contributions were instrumental in India’s historic Test series victories in England and the West Indies in 1971, where his fielding, bowling, and batting proved invaluable. His lion-hearted approach and dedication made him a respected figure in the Indian cricketing fraternity. 

“Syed Abid Ali was a true all-rounder, a cricketer who embodied the spirit of the game. His contributions to India’s historic victories in the 1970s will always be remembered. His dedication and versatility made him stand out. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” Roger Binny, President, BCCI, acknowledged in the condolence message.

“Syed Abid Ali’s all-round skills and his contribution to Indian cricket are quite valued. He was a true gentleman of the game. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, remarked. 

Abid Ali was one of those rare cricketers who were understood to be ahead of time. Besides displaying his prowess as a genuine all-rounder, he was blessed with unmatched qualities of being a panther in the field who also sprinted spectacularly between the wickets. Such things were unheard of in the era he belonged to. 

He didn’t bowl as fast as the Indian speedsters of today like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami or Mohammad Siraj but he certainly was a lively and accurate medium-pacer who swung the ball both ways to keep batsmen guessing. 

He played his cricket at a time when India relied wholly on their world-class spinners leaving negligible space for him to deliver the goods. In the limited opportunities coming his way, he managed to show his pedigree and added value to the team. 

His greatest moment in the cricket field was probably hitting the winning runs for India at The Oval in 1971, which earned the first-ever series victory for his team in England. Another memorable for him and his team came at Old Trafford three seasons later when, coming down the order, he was involved in a thrilling partnership with the master opener, Sunil Gavaskar, allowing him to complete his well-deserved century, first on English soil. 

His record at international level didn’t seem to justice with his exceptional all-round talents. He could capture only 47 wickets in 29 Tests, after having returned the figures of 6 for 55 in his very first outing against Australia at Adelaide. His twin fifties as an opener at Sydney later in the debut series showcased his batting credentials. 

Apart from number 4, 10, and 11, he batted at every other position in Test cricket for India. He, however, was mostly sent at number eight. He was known for striking the ball cleanly. He looked a much better batsman than his stats suggested. 

He was an automatic choice for India’s line-up in limited overs cricket and he played in his country’s first five ODIs from 1974 to 1975. Sadly, the Indians had not taken the new format all that seriously which prevented dashing cricketers like him to become superstars of the era.

readmore »»

BCCI wholeheartedly hails India’s unbeaten run in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan News & Features Services

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has congratulated Team India on their magnificent triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which concluded on March 9. India showcased their cricketing supremacy, emerging victorious in dominant fashion and reaffirming their place as the top-ranked side in both ODIs and T20Is.

“From the very outset, the team pursued excellence, overcoming formidable challenges with a brand of cricket that was both fearless and disciplined. Their unbeaten run in an ICC tournament is a true reflection of their consistency, strategic execution, and hunger to succeed on the global stage. The final against New Zealand was the perfect culmination of this journey - an exhibition of resilience and high-pressure mastery,” the BCCI noted. 

The BCCI extended its highest commendation to captain Rohit Sharma, whose exemplary leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in guiding the team to this historic achievement. 

“His ability to inspire and lead by example played a defining role in India's victorious campaign. Notably, this marked India's second successive ICC title under his leadership in as many years, following the triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 victory. These twin titles firmly establish his legacy as one of India’s finest and most successful captains.” 

 The BCCI also lauded the role of Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, whose fearless approach and tactical insight were key to shaping this winning team. His emphasis on self-belief and strategic execution was evident in the way the players carried themselves throughout the competition. The BCCI congratulated the players, coaching staff, support personnel and the selection committee for this phenomenal accomplishment.

“This triumph is a landmark moment for Indian cricket, following the high of last year’s T20 World Cup success. To dominate yet another global tournament and bring home the Champions Trophy is a phenomenal achievement. The team has played with unparalleled consistency and character, and I congratulate captain Rohit Sharma, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and the entire squad for their historic success,” Roger Binny, President, BCCI, recognized. 

“This victory is a testament to the talent and perseverance of Indian cricket. The way this team has performed under pressure and delivered in crucial moments is truly commendable. Congratulations to every player, the support staff, selection committee and the fans who have stood by the team,” Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, declared. 

“Winning an ICC title is always a special achievement, and this team has done it in dominant fashion. The seamless blend of experience and youthful energy has been remarkable, and this triumph will serve as inspiration for future generations of Indian cricket,” Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President, BCCI, reckoned. 

“India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025 is a reflection of their perseverance, meticulous preparation, and fearless execution. The team has showcased exceptional skill and unity, making the entire nation proud. This is a special win and will be remembered for years to come,” Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, Treasurer, BCCI, noted. 

“The Champions Trophy 2025 victory is the result of relentless hard work and determination. Team India has exhibited outstanding teamwork, and this success highlights the depth and strength of Indian cricket. This is indeed a proud moment for the entire nation,” Rohan Gauns Dessai, Honorary Joint Secretary, BCCI, added.

readmore »»

Non-presence of hosts PCB at CT presentation ceremony astonishing

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan were the hosts of 9th edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with the majority of its matches were staged at the three major venues of the country, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited and hosted the top officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the course of the tournament. The Vice of President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, also came over to Lahore to watch one of the matches. 

It was astonishing, however, not to find any representative of the PCB at the podium during the glamorous presentation ceremony of the Champions Trophy, soon after the conclusion of the final between India and New Zealand, in Dubai on March 9. 

The ICC Chairman, Jay Shah, dominated the proceedings alongwith the BCCI President, Roger Binny. 

It was also noted that the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, was not present on the occasion. According to reports, the PCB Chief Executive, Sumair Ahmed, was available at Dubai International Cricket Stadium but he was not invited at the podium. 

The experts as well as cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan could not comprehend the reasons of the non-presence of the hosts at the podium during the presentation ceremony. It could not be ascertained whether this was done by mutual understanding or not. 

Pakistan’s speed merchant, Shoaib Akhtar, famously known as the Rawalpindi Express, also expressed his surprise at not finding the presence of any PCB official at the podium, despite being the hosts.

Earlier during the India-Bangladesh match in Dubai, the name of hosts was found missing. The ICC officials regretted the mistake when the matter was taken up by the PCB.

readmore »»

Rohit Sharma’s captain knock helps India recapture Champions Trophy crown

By Ehsan Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, under fire for not producing big knocks on a consistent basis of late, silenced his critics by smashing a spectacular 76 off 83 balls to lead India to their second ICC Champions Trophy crown in 12 years with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final on March 9. 

Sharma, eager to dominate from the outset, shared a superb century opening stand with Shubman Gill to set the tone for victory as India, chasing a target of 252, overhauled it for the loss of six wickets with one over to spare at Dubai International Stadium. 

It was India’s second successive title victory in an ICC event, under the leadership of Sharma, after having won the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies last year. 

New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, deserved the credit for not only reaching the final but also giving the hot-favourites India a run for their money in the title clash despite defending a below par total. 

They had a consolation when their rising star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra was named player of the tournament for his 263 runs in the competition. 

As expected, it was the brilliant fielding which brought the New Zealanders back in the hunt after an early finished loomed on the horizon after the sensational start given by Sharma and Gill. 

The Indian openers were milking runs at will, playing risk-free cricket after the early onslaught. Gill cover drove Santner uppishly with usual power but Glenn Phillips brought off an unbelievable sort of catch to break the threatening partnership against the run of play. 

Virat Kohli, in sublime form after match-winning knock in the semifinal, timed the first delivery he faced with perfection to get off the mark right away. 

But he was undone on the very next ball as off-spinner Michael Bracewell struck with his opening delivery. The capacity crowd went silent as even the review could not save Kohli. 

Perturbed by the loss of two wickets in three balls, Sharma went into a shell which allowed the spinners, even part-timers, to dictate terms. The skipper was stumped, trying to break the shackles, and the match became wide open with India sliding to 122 for three in the 27th over. 

Shreyas Iyer (48 off 62 balls) and Axar Patel (29 off 40 balls) added 61 runs for the fourth wicket to put the Indian innings back on track. After their departure in quick succession, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya batted well to sustain the momentum. 

Yet again, Rahul demonstrated patience and played intelligently to remain undefeated on 34 off 33 balls with one four and six. Pandya left after scoring 18 off as many balls.

Coming into bat at number eight, Ravindra Jadeja hit the winning boundary to the delight and cheers of jampacked stadium. The victory was completed in the penultimate over. Once again, the Indians managed to chase successfully despite the pitch having become slow in the second half of the match.

Earlier in the afternoon, after crawling in the middle overs, New Zealand mustered 251 for seven in their 50 overs thanks to rapid unbeaten 53 off 40 balls by Micheal Bracewell and a somewhat struggling 63 off 101 balls from Daryl Mitchell. 

Benefitting from a couple of dropped catches, New Zealand picked up momentum with Ravindra, the beneficiary on both occasions, taking 16 runs off a Hardik Pandya over with two boundaries and a six. They raced to 69 for one in powerplay which was quite a decent effort. 

It was left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav who dented New Zealand with the key wickets of Ravindra and Kane Williamson in his opening burst. He was summoned into the attack earlier than usual, after pacemen Mohammad Shami and Pandya leaked far too runs with the new ball. 

The Blackcaps were forced to rebuild their innings after being reduced to 75 for three in the 13th over. Tom Latham and Mitchell were content in pushing for singles as the quartet of Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jadeja and Patel suffocated them with very tight and smart bowling. 

Phillips, having scored briskly throughout the tournament, played a few aggressive shots before being cleaned by Chakaravarthy. Mitchell was unable to dominate the spinning quartet who conceded 144 runs in 38 overs between them, taking five wickets. Yadav captured two wickets for 40 runs while Chakaravarthy got two wickets for 45 runs. 

New Zealand's eventual total got some respectability as they added 79 runs in the last 10 overs with Bracewell, riding his luck, to do bulk of the scoring. He was particularly severe on India’s spearhead Shami, who uncharacteristically, went for 74 runs in his nine overs.

readmore »»

Williamson, Ravindra tons take New Zealand into Champions Trophy final; South Africa choke yet again

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra smashed enterprising tons and skipper Mitchell Santner captured three key wickets, besides containing the power-hitters, as New Zealand overpowered chokers South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 5. 

With their commanding victory, New Zealand have set up their title clash with India at Dubai on March 9. It will be a repeat of the Champions Trophy final in 2000 when both teams had made it at Nairobi, Kenya. 

David Miller smashed a fighting rapid-fire unbeaten 100 on the last ball of the innings but his grand effort went in vain as South Africa, chasing a record total of 363 for victory, were restricted to 312 for nine at the end of 50 overs. 

Left-handed Miller’s explosive century came off 67 balls and it was spiced with ten sizzling boundaries and four sixes. The writing, however, seemed very much on the wall for the South Africans, when the New Zealand captain, Santner, with his accurate left-arm spin, removed the dangerous duo of Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klassen in quick succession. 

Extracting substantial amount of turn to keep the batters guessing, Santner first castled der Dussen who was looking dangerous with 69 off 66 balls. 

It brought to the crease Klassen, arguably the cleanest hitter in the game at the moment. But he was sent back before he could explode on a night which wasn’t going to be his. 

With the asking rate mounting with every passing over, Miller, also a famed destructive batter, revived some hopes but the mammoth chase proved took its toll and proved too much for his team. 

Santner took three wickets for 43 runs in ten overs, which was an incredible effort in high-scoring match. He lived up to his big reputation and led by example in the high-voltage game.

Glenn Phillips, whose electric fielding and catch remind the present generation of one Jonty Rhodes, was in the business again. His acrobatic saves kept the South Africans under pressure. He then picked up a couple of wickets with his off-spin to seal the fate of the match. 

Earlier, veteran Williamson and youthful Ravindra both showed their prime form with centuries as New Zealand posted the highest-ever total of 362 for six in the history of the tournament. 

Ravindra smashed his second century of the event and Williamson followed his 81 against India two days ago with supreme 108. It was their 164-run second wicket stand which laid the foundation for a massive total after opener Will Young (21) went in the 8th over. 

The Kiwis reached their 100 in 18th over and 200 in 32 overs. Ravindra perished in the 34th over after making a superb 108 off 101 balls, studded with 13 fours and a six. 

Quite astonishingly, it was his fifth century in the ICC events, as he had hit as many as three in the ICC World Cup 2023. Williamson, batting in his trademark style, was more aggressive of the two, scoring 102 off 94 balls with 10 boundaries and two sixes. 

He was dismissed in the 40th over, with New Zealand firmly placed for a final assault in the last 10 overs. The New Zealanders made the most of the solid platform laid by Ravindra and Williamson. They were in full flow while plundering 111 in last ten overs. 

Both Daryl Mitchell and Philips destroyed the South African bowling. Phillips banged left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen in 46th over for four boundaries in a row which cost 19 runs. Similarly, in the 48th over from top pacer Rabada was smashed for 19 runs with a four and six by the rampaging Philips, who returned undefeated on 49 off 27 balls. 

Daryl Mitchell also contributed in the run feast, with an aggressive 49 off 37 balls. Paceman Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers as he captured three wickets but he was also taken for 72 runs in his quota of 10 overs. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj went wicketless, as did part-timer Aiden Markram.

readmore »»

Steve Smith’s surprise call to retire from ODI

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The decision of the acting Australian captain, Steve Smith, has come as a bit of surprise following the four-wicket defeat at the hands of India in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4. 

Smith, who was captaining the Aussies in the Champions Trophy in place of the injured Pat Cummins, had batted pretty well in the semifinal to emerge as the leading scorer for his side but he was reported to have informed teammates about his decision to hang his boots from ODIs soon after the loss to India. 

He, however, will continue playing Test cricket for his country, declaring his availability for T20Is too, if required. He may surely remain a part and parcel of the national team in the Test arena for a few more seasons but he is unlikely to be picked again for the shortest format of the game where the mantra has been to blood youngsters. 

Smith’s call to quit ODIs immediately after playing another fighting knock in the semifinal does surprise many but the decision could also have been prompted by the fact that, at 34, he stood very little chance of continuing until the next World Cup due to be held in the African continent in 2027. 

Having debuted in ODI against the West Indies at Melbourne in 2010, he played in 170 matches, aggregating 5,800 runs at an average of 43.28. He scored exactly a dozen centuries and 35 half-centuries. He also claimed 28 wickets at an average of 34.67 as a part-time leg-spinner.

readmore »»

Majestic Kohli, sensational Shami eliminate Australia, take India into Champions Trophy final at Dubai instead of Lahore

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Top batter Virat Kohli hit a brilliant 84 off 98 balls in yet another successful run chase while pace spearhead Muhammad Shami bowled exceedingly well to claim three wickets as India overpowered Australia by four wickets in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4. 

Following the Indian triumph in the first semifinal, Dubai will now stage the final on March 9 instead of Lahore. India will take on winners of the second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa due to be staged at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 5. 

Team India lived upto its big reputation with the bat and the ball and advanced to the final without hiccups. 

Their only cause of concern was the poor catching and Shami was himself was guilty of dropping caught and bowled chances offered by the likes of Travis Head and Steve Smith, the two most experienced batsmen in the Australia line-up. 

Head, who has been a source of constant and serious headache for the Indians across formats, was reprieved when he had still not opened his account. 

He was looking to get into his elements more before being safely pouched by Shubman Gill in the deep in the very first over delivered by the reinvented leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy. He scored 39 off 33 balls with the help of two sixes and five fours. 

India lost yet another toss, 14th on a trot in One-day Internationals and fourth in as many matches of the ongoing tournament but skipper Rohit Sharma didn’t show any kind of reaction at the outcome, passing the impression that he was not thinking much about it. 

Smith, on the other hand, was mighty pleased to have called correctly which allowed him the freedom to choose in the do-or-die contest. His decision to bat first was not unexpected, after having watched the fate of New Zealand in the previous game at the same venue, where the gamble of Mitchell Santner to insert the Indians had backfired. 

The Australians realized very quickly, in fact from the opening over, that the pitch at Dubai International Stadium was entirely different in nature to what they had found during league matches in Pakistan. The bounce, and the lack of it, didn’t let them blast the bowlers mercilessly. 

Makeshift opener Cooper Connolly couldn’t touch a single delivery before edging the ninth one to wicketkeeper K L Rahul. Head lived dangerously but found boundaries, aided by good fortune. 

Smith dropped anchor and kept rotating the strike in the company of Marnus Labuschagne. With the spinners failing to dislodge the stubborn pair, the Indian skipper recalled Shami who came very close to striking right away. 

After playing and missing a few deliveries, Smith ventured driving him but the resulting return catch, hardly a difficult one, was not accepted by the bowler. Labuschagne (29 off 36 balls) was undone by Ravindra Jadeja but Smith and wicketkeeper Alex Carey took the total to the region of 200 in the 37th over when the skipper was finally castled by Shami for 73 off 96 balls. 

This proved to be a critical breakthrough and Australia, looking good for 300, crashed to 265 all out despite Carey’s 61 off 57 balls. Shami (3-48) was the pick of the Indian bowlers while Jadeja (2-40) and Chakravarthy (2-49) also bowled admirably in crunch situations. 

Left-arm spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav sustained the pressure by not allowing easy runs while Hardik Pandya, entrusted with the new ball, kept the pressure by his pace variations. 

The target of 265 was never going to be easy in a knockout game and India lost both the openers after a brisk start. It was left to Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to repair the damage and they rose to the occasion by adding 91 for third wicket. 

After Iyer’s departure for 45 off 62 balls in the 27th over, Kohli found a reliable partner in Patel and they inched towards victory. 

Having smashed an unbeaten century against arch-rivals Pakistan in league outing at the same venue, Kohli again reaffirmed his unmatched class under pressure with another match winning 84. 

He was dropped by Glenn Maxwell which was a tough chance. He looked set for his 52nd ODI hundred but got himself out in the 43rd over. It was a rather unusual shot from the master craftsman, spooning a simple catch to long on.

Pandya’s breezy 28 off 24 balls brought India withing a stroke of victory and the job was completed by Rahul in the following over. 

The wicketkeeper-batter, often under fire for his inconsistency despite possessing enormous talent, silenced his critics by remaining unconquered on 42 off 34 balls with the winning runs coming with as many as 11 deliveries to spare. 

Australia's inexperienced and second-class bowling attack in the absence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood struggled to keep the Indians in check and the ensuing consecutive partnerships denied any drama or tension in the final overs.

readmore »»

Chakravarthy’s magical spell stuns New Zealand, sets up India-Australia clash in semifinals

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Leg-spinning sensation, Varun Chakravarthy, during his maiden outing in the tournament, captured five wickets to spin India to 44-run victory over New Zealand in the last league encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Stadium on March 2. 

Having topped the Group A, with six points, Rohit Sharma’s Indian team will now clash with Steve Smith-led Australian side in the first semifinal at the same venue on March 4 while South Africa will take on New Zealand in the other semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 5. 

Proving a mystery for the batsmen, Chakravarthy grabbed five wickets for 42 runs in his quota of ten overs as the Blackcaps, chasing 250 for victory, were bowled out for 205 in the 46th over. 

Master craftsman, Kane Williamson, following a couple of low scores in the earlier games, made amend a defiant 81 off 120 balls with seven boundaries before being stumped by K L Rahul off Axar Patel. 

He seemed set to be playing another match-winning knock before charging down the wicket in pursuit of another aggressive shot. Later, captain Mitchell Santner kept the contest alive by hitting a quick 28 off 31 balls with two towering sixes and a four before he was foxed by Chakravarthy. And the writing was on the wall after his dismissal. 

This was India’s sixth successive victory over New Zealanders in One-day Internationals. This also ended also ended New Zealand’s winning streak of six straight victories including three in Tri-Series in Pakistan during last few weeks. 

Earlier, India recovered from a horrible start to reach 249 for nine in their 50 overs after being sent to bat first in the last league outing of the Champions Trophy. 

The batting in the initial overs was very challenging as the conditions were conducive to swing and seam bowling. The pace trio of Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke were right on the money and even the celebrated Indian top-order was rattled. 

Shubman Gill (2), Rohit Sharma (15) and Virat Kohli (11), all of them world-class batters, perished inside the first seven overs and India struggled at 30 for three. The collapse was reminiscent to the one the Indians had suffered at the hands of the same opponents in the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup. 

Opener Gill was trapped leg before by Henry in the third over and even the review failed to save the top-ranked ODI batter in the world at the moment. 

Skipper Sharma dared played a few productive shots before being caught brilliantly by Will Young off Jamieson trying to pull. He made 15 with a six and a four. Kohli was astonished when Glenn Philips took a spectacular catch at deep gully area. 

Having smashed a match-winning unbeaten 100 against Pakistan in the previous game, the champion batter could make just 11 with the help of two fours. 

The Indian batting line-up looked like sinking but it went to the credit of Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel to have abandoned their natural game in order to come to terms with the tight bowling and superb fielding and incredible catching by the New Zealanders. 

The rate of scoring dipped considerably for a while as they chose to dig deep and play the waiting game, realizing that it was a 50-over contest, not another T20 shootout which is more common these days. 

They, however, changed gears after settling down. With their eyes in, they were able to rotate strike regularly besides punching the loose balls to the boundary. 

The partnership was heading towards mammoth proportions, when part-time spinner Rachin Ravindra provided the breakthrough with Williamson taking another fine catch. 

Left-handed Patel, played the role of a floater with the bat, hit four fours and brace of sixes in his run a ball 45. He and Iyer added 98 runs for the fourth wicket to retrieve the situation. 

Then KL Rahul joined Iyer and they built a 44-run fifth wicket stand. After Iyer left after scoring 79 off 98 balls, it was all-rounder Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls) who stretched the Indian total to a fighting 249. 

With so much depth in their batting, India could have added a few more only to be denied by the returning Henry, who claimed five wickets in the game, including a couple in the final over.

The New Zealanders bowled and fielded brilliantly to contain the mighty batting line-up and they looked like the happier side at the halfway stage of the match. That their own batters faltered in the examination at the hands of the spinners later in the evening was another matter.

readmore »»

South Africa become group champions by thrashing England; fiery spell from Jansen

By Ehsan Qureshi at National Stadium, Karachi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

South Africa stormed into the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 when they thrashed England by seven wickets at National Stadium, Karachi, on March 1 in what turned out to be a one-sided encounter. 

Playing excellent cricket, the South Africans also became the Group B champions with their tally of five points, relegating Australia to the runners-up slot who aggregated four points. 

England ended pointless after suffering their third successive defeat. Overall, it was their seventh defeat in a row in One Day Internationals, already leading to the resignation of their captain, Jos Butler, a day before the third and final league fixture. 

For the rampaging South Africans, batters Heinrich Klassen and Rassie van Der Dussen scored enterprising half-centuries after their lanky left-arm speedster Marco Jansen picked up top three wickets in a fiery spell. 

Chasing a modest victory target of 180, they romped home with more than 20 overs remaining. They lost openers Tristan Stubbs for duck and Ryan Rickelton for 27, both of them to the giant fast bowler, Jofra Archer. 

But der Dussen and Klassen repaired early damage and later charged with brutal power-hitting. The pair put on 127 runs for third wicket to lay the foundation for another comfortable victory. 

Klassen went after making a fluent 64 off 56 balls laced with 11 sizzling boundaries under dazzling lights in the 29th over. Dussen finished undefeated on 72 and his 87-ball knock was studded with six fours and three sixes. 

Electing to bat first, England were jolted by southpaw Jansen, who delivered a sensational opening spell, claiming three wickets in rapid succession. His lethal bouncers proved too hot to handle for the English batters. Later, Wiaan Mulder, a medium-pacer, caused the middle-order wobble with the figures of 3 for 25 and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took two wickets for 35 runs as England disappointingly got bowled out for 179 in the 39th over. 

Opener Phil Salt hit a couple of boundaries in Jansen’s first over. But on the last ball, he topedged his shot to be neatly caught Dussen for eight. Jamie Smith went for duck after facing just three balls caught by Aiden Markaram off Jansen.

Before England could recover from the setback, in-form opener Ben Duckett also topedged a bouncer. It was a big blow to their chances of compiling a decent score as they crashed to 37 for three in the 17th over. 

Trying to put England innings on track, Joe Root and Harry Brook added 50 runs for the fourth wicket off 52 balls. But Brook’s indifferent form continued as he was brilliantly caught by Jansen for 24. He hit four boundaries in his 21-ball knock. 

Root, when looking good, was bowled by Mulder 37. He clubbed five fours and a six in his 44-ball 37. Liam Livingstone followed him quickly stumped by Dussen. He made only nine. Archer showed flashes of brilliance while making 25 but England’s final total of 179 was below par on a pitch which had plenty of runs. 

Butler’s last outing as captain of England turned out to be a nightmarish one. His job was on the line after the dismal results under his command and he chose to quit voluntarily when his team was knocked out of the event after losing to Afghanistan.

readmore »»

Pakistan cricket needs to look beyond privileged group of former players

By Naeem-ul-Haq in USA

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Pakistan have crashed out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 well before the start of the knockout phase of the tournament. Isn’t it shameful and disgraceful to perform so poorly at home? Was there any element of shock or even surprise in their early ouster from yet another major global event? 

For those who are well versed with the dynamics of Pakistan cricket, there was hardly any astonishment in the outcome. As a matter of fact, the kind of squad they had selected for the first-ever ICC tournament being staged in the country after 29 years, you didn’t need to be an expert to comprehend what was in store. 

Entering the mega event with just a solitary specialist spinner, whereas others had assembled hordes of slow bowlers, was nothing short of suicide or stupidity. It was evident that merit had been brutally compromised and quite a few talented players were dropped for inducting those who carried recommendations from influential persons. 

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) succeeded in finding resources for renovating cricket stadiums in Karachi and Lahore, at whatever costs, they probably didn’t get the time to turn their efforts in ensuring the formation of a squad which was competitive in the field to say the least. 

It is nothing new really because, in the recent past, the PCB has been held hostage by a group of former cricketers who continue to call the shots at their own whims. 

For the last 15 to 20 years, the Pakistan cricket administration has revolved around the likes of Wasim Akram, Rameez Raja, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Shahid Aslam, Ijaz Ahmed, Aqib Javed, Haroon Rasheed, Mansoor Rana, Intikhab Alam, Iqbal Qasim and a few years. Directly or indirectly, these guys have been running the show in accordance to their own preferences and priorities. 

The heads of the PCB have kept changing, but these former cricketers have had the clout to find their way in the management by hook or by crook. That’s why there is a consistency in intrigues and politicking all along. 

Why don’t the PCB helmsmen turn to people of credibility and proven track record like Aamir Sohail, Jalaluddin, Younis Khan, Rashid Latif and Saeed Anwar? Why don’t we get to see these worthy gentlemen, who served the cause of the game with distinction, in the PCB administration? 

Instead of incorporating cosmetic changes, the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, should immediately look beyond those who have encircled him to fulfill their own agendas. He should sideline the likes of Wahab Riaz, Aqib Javed, Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq whose controversial policies have hurt the interests of Pakistan cricket. 

Misbah and Waqar were chiefly responsible for orchestrating the conspiracy against Sarfaraz Ahmed, undoubtedly the most successful of all the Pakistani captains in the recent past. They were guilty of indulging in petty politics to remove Sarfaraz from the scene and hand over the leadership of the team to the quartet of Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan. Together, they have destroyed Pakistan cricket. 

Well, the immediate remedy in my opinion is to take Younis Khan the great on board. He is one person who should be entrusted with the task of building youth cricket. 

He has the rare ability to groom and develop the kind of modern-day cricketers who can graduate to the next level. He can easily contribute to Pakistan cricket what Rahul Dravid did to Indian cricket. 

The PCB will be advised to induct only those former cricketers in the set-up who have had clean record in the past and they are not greedy. Handpicking those with dubious character record may not serve purpose even if they enjoyed some success in the field during their playing days.

readmore »»

Australia enter Champions Trophy semis after washout, Afghanistan’s chances nosedive

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

World Champions Australia booked their spot in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 while Afghanistan were left at the brink of elimination after their last league tie at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, was abandoned due to rain on February 2. 

Openers Matthew Short and Travis Head provided Australia a whirlwind start of 44 in 4.3 overs before the former was caught by Gulbadin Naib off Azmatullah Omarzai, chasing 274 for victory in 50 overs. 

The Aussies, over the years, do have a habit of getting off to flyers but they seemed to have pressed the accelerator more powerfully in view of the inclement weather which could have brought D/L formula into the equation if their innings went past 20 overs. 

Head, in particular, batted in his typical attacking fashion and punished both the pacers, Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi with his brutal approach. Rain, however, became heavier at the ground in the 13th over and the umpires had to stop play. 

The resumption never looked in sight in the damp conditions and the match was eventually called off. The Australians were in commanding position as Head finished unbeaten on 59 off 40 balls with nine sizzling boundaries and a six. Captain Steve Smith hit two fours in his unbeaten 19 off 22 balls. 

Both Australia and Afghanistan shared the point. With an aggregate of four points from three league outings, Australia progressed to last four round. The washout left Afghanistan stranded at three points and they were expected to be overtaken by South Africa against whom they had lost the opening game. 

Afghanistan, opting to bat first, mustered 273 all out with number three Sidequllah Atal and all-rounder Omarzai hitting sparking half centuries. After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the fiery opening over from Spencer Johnson, the Afghans battled it out grimly in the next few overs. 

Sediq was subdued initially but went on to score a fighting 85 off 95 balls with six fours and three sixes. Omarzai, as in the previous match, played another brilliant knock. He made a rapid 67 off 63 balls hoisting five sixes, rescuing his team from a precarious 199 for seven. 

Opener Ibrahim Zadran, who registered a record-breaking 177 against England in the previous outing, perished after making 22 off 28 balls as his prized scalp was claimed by Adam Zampa, Australia’s only specialist spinner. 

After the departure of the well-set Sediq, it was Omarzai who defied the Australian bowlers and took the score to 272 before Ben Dwarshuis removed him in last over. Dwarshuis picked up three wickets in the innings while Johnson and Zampa took two each. 

The target of 273 was unlikely to test the experienced Australian batting line-up and the exhilarating start provided by Head and Short increased their chances of recording yet another victory which was prevented by the rains. 

Meanwhile, South Africa will be pitted against England in the last Group B fixture at National Stadium, Karachi, on March 1. Having lost both their matches, England have already been knocked out of the tournament but South Africa, having whipped Afghanistan at the same venue, are the favourites to advance to the semifinals with an outstanding net run rate. Afghanistan can only qualify if South Africa lose the match by a margin of more than 200 runs against the struggling England side which seems extremely unlikely.

readmore »»

Pakistan-Bangladesh tie also washed out in Champions Trophy

By Ehsan Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

It may not be possible to figure which of the teams, Pakistan or Bangladesh, were happier at the abandonment of game in Rawalpindi due to persistent rain on February 27. 

Apparently, both teams could have felt equally relieved at the outcome because they had already been knocked out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after having lost their first couple of matches. 

The cricket fans were obviously anxious to see some action at the ground and that was not to be. It was the successive game at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium to have been washed out without a ball bowled. Earlier, the much-awaited fixture between Australia and South Africa had also met with similar fate. 

In both the abandoned games, there were hopes for the rain to subside leading to shortened contests. The spectators were left to wait in the rain until the official announcement which obviously caused disappointment for them. 

Unlike Australia and South Africa, both of whom are thought to be among the frontrunners to annex the title, Pakistan and Bangladesh had nightmarish run in the event and neither of them gained any point from their first games.

The washed-out encounter allowed them to open their account in the Group A but a solitary each was of little or no use. Because of the inferior run-rate, the hosts and the defending champions, Pakistan (-1.087) were relegated to the last position in the points table, just behind Bangladesh (-0.443) who finished third despite having same number of points. 

India and New Zealand have already booked their spots in the semifinals and the result of their league fixture on March 2 will determine the group champion. 

It is the third successive ICC tournament in which Pakistan failed to go beyond the first round following the exit in the 50-over ODI World Cup in 2023, followed by the debacle in the T20 World Cup last year.

readmore »»

Afghanistan, aided by Zaradan’s record score, oust England from Champions Trophy

By Ehsan Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Opener Ibrahim Zadran smashed a record-breaking 177 and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai bagged five wickets, besides scoring 41, as Afghanistan knocked out England from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after a tense and dramatic eight-run victory at Gaddafi Stadium on February 26. 

Chasing a challenging 326 for victory, England were bowled out for 317 in thrilling finale with one ball to spare despite a defiant century by Joe Root (120). He played sheet-anchor role but his departure in the 48th over proved decisive in the end. 

Omarzai, with his lively medium-pace, bowled intelligently in the crunch situation to snare five wickets for 58 runs in 9.5 overs as the Afghanistan players were not overawed by the magnitude of the event, unlike in the past when they used to falter near the closing stages after competing bravely earlier in the game. 

For a change, it was England’s turn to be at the receiving end in this particular match. After suffering their second defeat in as many outings, they have been eliminated from the semifinal race. Afghanistan, however, kept their chances alive as they take on Australia in the final league Group B fixture to decide their fate in the tournament. 

England, like Afghanistan, also made poor start to their innings with loss of wickets upfront. After the early departure of opener Phil Salt (12) and Jamie Smith (9) in seventh over, it was the vastly experienced Root who held the innings together with yet another classy knock. 

Opener Ben Duckett, who had posted a record score of 165 in the previous game against Australia, was unable to reproduce the same kind of heroics but he stood in the middle long enough to revive England’s hope after losing early wickets. 

Skipper Jos Butler, under fire for not delivering the goods, was in the process of taking England close to the target in the company of Root. 

But his departure opened up the game again and Afghanistan sustained the pressure by bowling in good areas which didn’t allow the much needed acceleration in the final overs. It was anybody’s game when England needed 90 off the last 10 overs to stay afloat in the tournament. 

Runs kept coming but wickets also tumbled at regular intervals to keep the contest alive until the very end. Afghanistan did not choke under pressure to complete one of their most famous victories. 

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan elected to bat first after winning the toss. They found themselves reeling at 37 for three in 8.5 overs with fiery speedster Jofra Archer taking all wickets. 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was bowled by Archer for 6 while Sediqullah Atal (4) was trapped leg before and Rahmat Shah (4) was caught by Adil Rashid. 

Opener Zadran, however, made this match the most memorable of his career with his highest-ever score in Champions Trophy. He made a wonderful 177 off 146 balls, having clubbed a dozen boundaries and hoisting half a dozen sixes against the powerful pace-cum-spin attack. His heroics eventually won the day for his team. 

Zardan, batting with enormous confidence, shared two century stands to change the complexion of the game. He added 103 for fourth wickets with Omarzai, who hit a breezy 41 off 31 balls with three sixes and a four. 

Later, he and veteran all-rounder Muhammad Nabi put on fiery 111 runs in rapid time and their sixth wicket partnership helped Afghanistan reach a very competitive score which could have been higher.

Afghanistan, after hammering more than 100 runs inside nine overs of the final powerplay, appeared poised to extend their total in the vicinity of 340 but, rather surprising, they were undone by part-time spinner Liam Livingstone in the last over of the innings which yielded only a couple of runs and they had to settle with a score 325 for seven in their quota of 50 overs. 

The unexpected debacle in the final over during which they lost two wickets, including that of the well-set Zardan, could have cost Afghanistan the game which they narrowly won in the end after probably the closest finish yet in the tournament.

readmore »»

Australia-South Africa Champions Trophy combat abandoned due to rain

By Ehsan Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Following the cracker of a game between Australia and England a couple of nights ago, the cricket community eagerly awaited the fixture between Australia and South Africa in the Champions Trophy at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, on February 25 but not a single ball was possible due to rain before it was eventually abandoned. 

As a matter of fact, the match was washed out without even a toss and it was called off at 5.10 pm local time, three hours and ten minutes after the scheduled start of play at 2 pm and two hours and 22 minutes before the cut-off time for a 20-overs-a-side game, 7.32 pm local time. 

It was the first match of the ongoing Champions Trophy to be washed out as the persistent rains did not make it possible for the ground to be ready for action.

Both the teams, after having won their opening games, were looking forward to registering another victory in this crucial encounter to confirm their passage into the semifinals. 

But they had to share points with their destiny in the tournament dependent of the results of their last league outings. The washout also meant the game between Afghanistan and England, to be played on February 26, became a knockout, with the losing team to go out of reckoning. 

As the toss did not take place in the match between Australia and South Africa, neither team declared its playing eleven. There was lots of speculation about the availability of master blaster Heinrich Klaasen, who was ruled out of the opening match against Afghanistan with an elbow injury. 

Australia and South Africa, who have been fierce rivals in international cricket over the years, however, have not met each other in the ODI since the 2023 World Cup semifinal in 2023 which was won by former, the eventual champions. 

In nine matches during ICC tournaments, Australia have won four, South Africa three and there was the famous tie in the 1999 World Cup semifinal in which Lance Klusener almost took the South Africans over the line sensationally only to see his partner, lastman Allan Donald, getting run out in the most dramatic of fashions. Australia went on to win the tournament by overpowering Pakistan in the final at Lord’s.

readmore »»

Ravindra’s ton, Bracewell 4-for put New Zealand, India in Champions Trophy semifinals

By Ehsan Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Top-order batsman Rachin Ravindra banged a brilliant century and off-spinning all-rounder Micheal Bracewell captured top four wickets as New Zealand, along with India, stormed into the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 when they thrashed Bangladesh by five wickets at Pindi Stadium on February 24. 

Ravindra, who suffered an injury on the forehead during the tri-series opener in Lahore, made a grand comeback with a superb 112 off 105 with a dozen boundaries and a six while left-handed Tom Latham made 55 as Black Caps cruised to an easy victory while chasing a modest target of 237 on a flat pitch. 

With New Zealand’s triumph, defending champions and hosts Pakistan have crashed out of the event with their last match game against Bangladesh to be a mere formality. Their fate was not unexpected after having lost to New Zealand and India in their first couple of games. 

The cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan kept following the game between New Zealand and Bangladesh in anticipation of an upset which could have kept the hosts alive in the competition. 

There had been miracles in the past when Pakistan ended as the beneficiaries in similar situations and people seemed justified in hoping for another one in Rawalpindi. 

At times, it did look as if another stunning result was round the corner to keep Pakistan afloat but the wishes of the home fans were not fulfilled. 

There were signs of divine help on way when New Zealand lost opener Will Young, a centurion in the previous outing, for a six-ball duck and Kane Williamson, arguably the most consistent of all modern-day batsmen, also perished cheaply. 

When left-handed opener Devon Conway returned to the dressing room after making 30 as New Zealand struggled to 72 for three in the 16th over, there was even greater hope of an upset coming up. 

However, Ravindra and Latham controlled their nerves and remained unruffled by the loss of early wickets. Turning the things around with a superb 129-run fourth wicket stand. Latham hit just three boundaries but his knock of 55, coming from 76 balls helped the cause of his team immensely. 

The Bangladesh spinners, unlike the New Zealanders, could not get purchase out of the pitch and the asking rate remained around five throughout the chase. The faster men also could not make much of an impact after their opening bursts. 

Ravindra, as he has often done in the recent past, paced his innings intelligently and runs kept coming at decent rate which didn’t allow any pressure to be created on the batters. He played attacking shots whenever the ball was in his hitting arc and with the calm and composed Latham doing the business at the other end, the outcome was seldom in doubt. 

With the asking rate coming down with every passing over, Ravindra duly achieved his personal landmark of scoring yet another ODI century, his first in the Champions Trophy on his maiden appearance. Neither he nor Latham could finish the match but they had done enough to secure another emphatic victory for their team. 

Earlier, Bangladesh inserted to bat by Mitchell Santner, were restricted to 236 for nine in the allotted 50 overs. Skipper Najamul Hossain Shanto hit a fighting 77 off 110 balls studded with nine fours while Jaker Ali contributed 45 off 55 balls with three four and one six. 

Off-spinner Micheal Bracewell, adjudged Player of the Match, bowled smartly to grab four wickets for 26 in tight 10-over spell. Speedster Will O’Rourke snapped up two wickets for 48 runs as Bangladesh played out a record number of 178 dot balls during the course of their innings. 

The Bangladesh batsmen were unable to maintain a healthy rate of scoring as they were stifled by the spin-cum-pace attack of the Black Caps, which as usual, was not prepared to give anything away. The captaincy of Santner was as impressive as ever.

readmore »»