Cricket South Africa notified that they will not provide NOCs to any centrally contracted player to participate in PSL 2022. Graeme Smith, the director of CSA has confirmed that this decision was taken to prioritize domestic cricket.

This means Marchant de Lange, Imran Tahir and Rilee Rossouw can still be part of PSL 2022. They are not centrally contracted by CSA. Moreover, they were picked in the last month's draft in Pakistan Super League.

Read Also: 5 youngest captains in franchise cricket

"It is true that contracted members of the proteas team had their NOCs for the Pakistan Super League refused due to the Proteas international schedule and domestic competitions which must always be prioritised," Graeme Smith told ESNPNcricinfo in an interview.

Read Also: Most runs in T20Is in 2021

With an away tour to New Zealand and a home tour against Bangladesh, our contracted players have to be available for their national team duties first and foremost. The same applies with regard to our domestic franchise tournaments which will be starting up soon", Smith went on to add.

"If and when opportunities in other international T20 tournaments arise and the timings and fixtures do not clash with our own, CSA will happily approve NOCs, as we have always done in the past."

Greame Smith told ESPNcricinfo.

Although, the final draft was to be finalised before the start of the 2022 season. Hence the Pakistan Cricket Board was waiting for the availability of the South African players to boost their campaign. However, they now had to draft new options to fulfil the vacant spots made by African players.

Newly drafted players in PSL 2022

Mohammad Huraira (Islamabad United) and Sahibzada Farhan (Karachi Kings) were the new recruits that happened due to this news. Meanwhile, Multan Sultans picked David Willey, Johnson Charles and Ben Dunk to fill their squad.

Along with that Shimron Hetmyer was the big pick of the new draft. The West Indian star was picked by Quetta Gladiator.

Teams of 7 countries have announced their squads for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. ICC had demanded squads from all the teams by January 12 only.

India has recently announced their squad in which Rohit Sharma will command the team and Shubman Gill will do the vice captaincy.

Also Read: ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Champion Trophy 2025: Groups

A total of 8 teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025. The teams are divided into 2 groups.

India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh have been placed in Group A. Whereas Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan have been kept in Group B.

Group A

• India
• Bangladesh
• New Zealand
• Pakistan

Group B

• Afghanistan
• England
• Australia
• South Africa

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads

Group A

India:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 India squad

Bangladesh:

Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Pakistan:

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Group B

Afghanistan:

Happy with our 15-member #AfghanAtalan lineup for the ICC Champions Trophy!? 🤩🏆#ChampionsTrophy 🔗: https://t.co/uZfvLZ8U8D pic.twitter.com/7bmUJuzHFb

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 12, 2025

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran

Reserves:

Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami

England:

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

Australia:

Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

South Africa:

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

Read Also |  ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Champion Trophy 2025: Schedule 

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, with host Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi.

In an important development ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Team India captain Rohit Sharma may not attend the pre-tournament photoshoot and press conference in Pakistan. 

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Rohit Sharma will not travel to Pakistan for the opening ceremony of the event.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held from 19 February 2025 to 9 March 2025 in Pakistan and UAE. 

Pakistan's matches will be held in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, while India will play all their matches in Dubai, including the final if they qualify. 

India and Pakistan will face each other on 23 February 2025 in Dubai.

India refused to attend the ceremony 

The host country usually organizes an important event with the captains of all the participating teams. 

It includes a photoshoot and press conference, where the captains share their thoughts on the upcoming competition.

All eight captains, including Rohit Sharma, were expected to attend the event for the Champions Trophy 2025.

According to a report, the BCCI revealed that the board has asked the ICC to shift these events from Pakistan to Dubai, which are scheduled to take place just before the start of the tournament.

"ICC has already accommodated India's request to not schedule its CT matches in Pakistan, so these are minor issues." a source told The Times of India on Tuesday.

BCCI instructed not to wear jerseys with Pakistan's name

BCCI has also instructed its players not to wear jerseys with Pakistan's name on them. The PCB is unhappy with the BCCI's action and is seeking intervention from the ICC.

Expressing concern, a PCB official accused the BCCI of bringing politics into cricket and said that the ICC will not allow it.

'BCCI is bringing politics into cricket'

A PCB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told IANS, "BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is not at all good for the game. They refused to travel Pakistan. They don't want to send their captain for the opening ceremony, now there are reports that they don't want host nation (Pakistan) name printed on their jersey. We believe that the world governing body (ICC) will not let this happen and support Pakistan."

Also Read: India vs England 1st T20I Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups

What's the rule says

As per the rules, India not wearing the official logo of the hosts, in this case Pakistan, will be a breach of ICC's official clothing code.

The name of the host nation is usually included under the logo of the tournament on the players' jerseys, as is custom.

In previous events where India was host nation, Pakistan had carried India's name on it, including the 2016 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup.

They have also done so during the 2021 World Cup despite it being shifted to UAE due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.

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The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.

The thrilling 19-day competition, in which every match counts in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets, will see Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa in Group B.

Read Also | India to play their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue

The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will host the matches in the UAE. Ahead of tickets going on sale, fans are encouraged to register their interest for tickets here.

The Champions Trophy begins with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on 19 February - the opening day of the event - in Karachi. Other key match-ups include Bangladesh taking on India on the second day of the competition in Dubai and Afghanistan facing South Africa on 21 February in Karachi.

On 22 February, one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries will pit Australia against England in Lahore, ahead of an unmissable Pakistan versus India contest on 23 February in Dubai.

The quickfire event showcases the very best about cricket in one big day out, with the first semi-final scheduled to be played on 4 March in Dubai and the second semi-final slated for 5 March in Lahore. Lahore will host the final on 9 March, however if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai, where the victorious team will claim the famous white jackets. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

ICC Chair, Jay Shah said: “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, marking the tournament's much-anticipated return since 2017. The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment.

“This edition will take place in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Dubai also serving as the home of the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly poised to be an unmissable celebration of the World Cricket’s finest.”

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi said: "We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport.

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.

“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organizer. We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike.

“Pakistan is elated to welcome the world to the Champions Trophy, and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality to all."

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi

20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

24 Feb - Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi

2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*

5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**

9 Mar – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore***

All matches start at 14h00 Pakistan Standard Time

* Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify

**Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify

*** If India qualify for the final it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Note: The article was created as a press release by ICC.

Test format is considered to be the toughest among all the three formats of cricket. The biggest reason for this is that any player's technique and patience are truly tested in this format. Whichever team has the better balance of bowling and batting, it becomes easier for them to win. But the role of the captain is also very important.

Also Read: Most five-wicket hauls amongst left-arm pacers in Tests

In Test cricket, the game is seen changing from session to session. So, the captain's role is very important. He has to make the right decisions while bowling or batting. In this article, we will discuss most Test wins as a captain, under whose leadership the teams have been most successful.

Most Test wins as a captain

1# Graeme Smith | 53

From 2003 to 2014, South Africa's dominance was seen in the Test format. The biggest reason for this was the captaincy of Graeme Smith, who was also considered an excellent left-handed batsman. 

Under the captaincy of Smith, South Africa played 109 test matches, out of which they won 53, suffered 29 losses, and had 27 drawn ones. The team's winning percentage was 48.62. It also won Test series in Australia, New Zealand, England and West Indies. 

2# Ricky Ponting | 48

The performance of the Australian team in the Test format has been quite excellent so far. The biggest reason for this has been the presence of one excellent player in the team. After the retirement of Steve Waugh in 2004, the responsibility of captaining the Australian team was handed over to Ricky Ponting. He led the team from 2004 to 2010.

Under the captaincy of Ponting, the Australian team started being counted among the most dangerous teams in world cricket. Under the leadership of Ponting, the Kangaroo team played 77 test matches, out of which they won 48.

3# Steve Waugh | 41

After the retirement of Mark Taylor in February 1999, Steve Waugh was appointed the captain of the Australian team.

Under the leadership of Waugh, the team played its first Test series on the West Indies tour. This test series ended in a tie at 2-2. The team had also made a record of winning 16 consecutive Test series, which was stopped by India. Waugh led Australia in 57 Test matches and won 41 of them. He had only 9 losses as skipper with 7 drawn games.

4# Virat Kohli | 40

The Indian team performed brilliantly in the Test format under the captaincy of Virat Kohli from 2014 to 2022. With the most Test wins as an Indian captain, Kohli's legacy is truly unmatched.

Also Read: Virat Kohli became the Test captain on this very day; a look at Kohli's legacy as Test captain

During the tour of Sri Lanka in 2015, Team India won the 3-match Test series by 2-1. After this, in the year 2018-19, India became the first team in Asia to win the Test series in Australia. Under the captaincy of Kohli, Team India had won 40 out of total 68 test matches. He had 17 losses as skipper with 11 drawn matches. During this period, the team's winning percentage was 58.82.

After the 8 wickets defeat against New Zealand in the first test, India needs to win 5 out of seven tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

India is currently playing the second test against New Zealand at the Mumbai Cricket Association, where New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first.

Even after the defeat in the first test, India is enjoying the top position in the World Test Championship points table, with 68.06%.

However, New Zealand has moved up to fourth with 44.44%, creating additional pressure for India to perform well in the remaining fixtures.

India’s Road to Qualification

To ensure a place in the WTC final, the two-time runners-up India needs to win 5 out of 7 test matches. However, four wins will make them depend on the performance of other teams.

The remaining two matches in the 3-match test series against New Zealand are crucial, as they need to win to ease their way to the final, as India will face Australia in the next series.

India will tour Australia for the highly anticipated 5-match Border-Gavaskar-Trophy test series. Australia right now is in the second position with 62.50%.

Australia's performance against strong contenders will heavily impact the final standings.

Competition from Other Contenders

Australia, like India, needs four out of seven tests to qualify for the final. However, India must also keep an eye on South Africa and New Zealand, who are both vying for a top-two finish.

South Africa right now sits in the fourth position with 47.62%, with a chance to reach 69.44%. All they need to do is win at least 4 of their 5 remaining tests. Winning all of them, however, won't put them in the calculator situation.

🚨 WTC Final Alert:

With South Africa's win in Mirpur, 3 wins aren't enough for India now!

The race for the finals just got intense. Every match counts! 🇮🇳🏏#WTC2023 #Cricket #INDvNZ #rohitsharma #PatCummins #WTC #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/w74FOwdfBp

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) October 24, 2024

New Zealand too shares the same situation with the proteas. They will have to win all five of the remaining test series to hope for qualification. A dominant win against India in the first test may boost their confidence, as all the leftover tests are against India (two away remaining and three at home)

England, on the other hand, is in the sixth position with 43.06% and can only finish with a maximum of 60%. That means they will have to depend on the performance of other teams to qualify.

Read Also: ICC confirm venue and dates for World Test Championship 2025 final

Other Teams in the table

Teams like Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh have already been eliminated from contention, as they cannot breach the 50% mark even if they win all their remaining matches.

Latest updated World Test Championship points table