The cricket bring more excitement with the announcement of the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule. India is set to face Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai, amid much excitement. Meanwhile, in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India’s preparations for the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test are in full swing, with Rohit Sharma expressing confidence in new pitches at the MCG. India’s women’s team celebrated a series win against the West Indies, while Australia’s Travis Head may miss the upcoming match due to a quad strain, potentially tilting the scales in India’s favor.
Champions Trophy schedule out IND vs PAK on 19 Febuary
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule. Pakistan will host, using a hybrid model. India will play all its matches in Dubai. The tournament starts on February 19, 2025, and ends with the final on March 9, with a reserve day on March 10. The exciting India vs Pakistan match is on February 23 in Dubai.
Finally India will practice on new pitches at MCG
India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma announced that the team will practice on new pitches at the MCG for the upcoming IND vs AUS Boxing Day match. Previously, head curator Matt Page mentioned that the fresh pitch would only be ready three days before the game. With the series tied at 1-1, the Melbourne match will decide who wins the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rohit Sharma explains why Tanush Kotian
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, explained why Tanush Kotian was chosen for the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests. The uncapped spinner was selected over Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel to replace Ashwin. Ashwin’s unexpected retirement after the third Test against Australia left an open spot that needed filling before the Boxing Day Test.
India wins series against West Indies
Indian women cricket team successfully defeated Westindies in the 2nd ODI of the 3 ODI matches and sealed the series with a dominant lead of 2-0 series lead. After five-and-a-half years and 31 innings, Harleen Deol scored her first international century (115 off 103 balls) as India posted 358/5, their joint-highest in women’s ODIs. Harleen built strong partnerships with Pratika Rawal and Jemimah Rodrigues. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika previously set the foundation with a 110-run opening stand.
No Travis Head in IND vs AUS 4th Test?
Travis Head may miss the Australia playing XI for the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test, which could benefit India. He suffered a quad strain during the third Test at the Gabba and hasn’t fully recovered, making his participation in the Melbourne Test unlikely. Head has been Australia’s leading run-scorer in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Stokes injured, ruled out from Champions Trophy
The England cricket team faces a setback as Test captain Ben Stokes is out for three months due to a torn hamstring on his left leg, sustained during the recent series against New Zealand. Despite his injury, Stokes is determined to return, stating he has “so much more left in his tank.” He will undergo surgery in January 2025.
