The Champions Trophy issue is finally laid to bed as the International Cricket Board (ICC) has made a ruling, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have reached an agreement. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could follow Ravichandran Ashwin’s suit and might announce their retirement after the series. Talking to Ashwin, his father Ravichandran alleged his son was humiliated. Coming to domestic Indian cricket, we have a likely start and end date for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. Also, Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya will miss the start of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2024-25, which kicks off on December 21.
Champions Trophy confirmed in hybrid model
BCCI and PCB’s stalemate on the Champions Trophy 2025 has ended. It’s now confirmed that the tournament will be played in a hybrid model. As major matches are moved out to Pakistan, the ICC has compensated for it by giving them the hosting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2028. As per the agreement, all the India vs Pakistan matches at ICC events will be held in neutral venues until 2028.
Shami injured once again?
Mohammed Shami won’t feature in Bengal’s VHT 2024-25 opener against Delhi on December 21. The right-arm pacer came back to professional cricket last month and has played in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) since. But fitness has been an issue. Shami has had knee swelling while playing in domestic cricket and might have injured himself once again. Safe to say, he isn’t travelling to Australia.
Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli to retire after BGT?
After Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could retire as well. It’s reported that another big name might hang up their boots by the end of the India vs Australia Test series. Given how miserable 2024 has been for the batting stalwarts, they might be forced to call it a day if their bats don’t start to speak loudly in either Melbourne or Sydney.
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Hardik Pandya to skip VHT matches
Hardik Pandya won’t be available for Baroda in the first few matches of the VHT 2024-25. The all-rounder featured for his state in SMAT and did well with both bat and ball. But due to personal reasons, he’s made himself unavailable for the early stage of the tournament. Reports suggest he’ll play some matches as he wishes to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Ashwin humiliated
Ashwin’s father, Ravichandran, feels that his son was being ‘humiliated,’ and that’s why he decided to retire. What Ravichandran might be referring to is Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar being played over him in Brisbane and Perth. Ashwin heard his father’s statement and asked everyone to pay no heed to his, as he was emotional and clearly not media-trained.
WPL & Champions Trophy Final on same day
The WPL 2025 season will reportedly kick off on February 6, and the final will be held on March 9. Last year, the tournament lasted just 23 days; this time around, it’s expected to run for 31 days. If the reports are true, the WPL 2025 Final will clash with the Champions Trophy 2025 Final.
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