In a dramatic turn of events, overseas players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) faced harrowing experiences due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the indefinite postponement of the tournament.

The crisis, sparked by India’s strategic response to a terror attack in Palalgam on May 7, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives, left players like New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell vowing never to return to Pakistan and England’s Tom Curran in tears after a close call at the airport.

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PSL Halted Amid Regional Tensions

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially planned to relocate the remaining PSL matches to the UAE after tensions escalated. However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) rejected the proposal, leaving the PCB with no choice but to cancel the tournament.

The announcement came shortly after the BCCI postponed the IPL for a week due to the same geopolitical concerns.

Overseas players were swiftly evacuated to Dubai via charter flights, from where they caught connecting flights to their home countries. Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, recounted the terrifying ordeal, revealing that the airport they departed from was struck by a missile just 20 minutes after their plane took off.

“After landing in Dubai, we heard that a missile struck the airport 20 minutes after we left. The news was scary and sorrowful, but we felt relieved to be safe in Dubai,” Rishad told Cricbuzz.

Read Also | Foreign players asked to return to their country as IPL 2025 postponed for a week due to India-Pakistan tension

Daryl Mitchell’s Vow and Tom Curran’s Distress

Rishad shared the palpable fear among foreign players, including Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran.

“Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. They were all horrified,” Rishad said.

Recounting Tom Curran’s emotional breakdown, Rishad added, “Tom went to the airport, but heard it was closed. He started crying like a little child, and it took two or three people to console him.”

Read Also | India-Pakistan War: How Indian athletes reacted to it

Family Worries and Player Anxieties

Rishad also spoke about the anxiety his family felt during the crisis. “Whenever I play, my family worries about the situation. When they heard about the bomb blasts and missile strikes in Pakistan, they were naturally tense. I tried to console them and assure them I was safe,” he said.

PCB’s Failed Attempt to Salvage the Tournament

According to Rishad, the PCB chairman attempted to convince players to continue the tournament in Karachi, downplaying the severity of the situation.

“The chairman tried to hide that there were two drone attacks the day before, which we later learned about. Almost all foreign players agreed that Dubai was the only safe option,” Rishad revealed.

The PCB eventually facilitated the players’ safe evacuation to Dubai, a move Rishad credited to the board’s efforts. “Thanks to the PCB chairman and the Pakistan Cricket Board, we reached Dubai safely by the grace of Almighty Allah,” he said.

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.

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

Pakistan ended their 11-match winless streak in home Test matches with a dominating 152-run victory against the mighty England in Multan. After a disappointing defeat in the first test, this win has leveled the series to 1-1.

Pakistan has bounced back with a brilliant all-round performance to revive their faltering form in the second Test. A test team without big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah has proved to the world about their bench strength.

Read Also: A Flying Kiss to Glory: Kamran Ghulam’s Test Debut Steals the Spotlight

The triumph marked Pakistan's first Test victory on home soil since February 2021, bringing an end to a long spell of frustration in the longest format.

Spin Duo Dominates with Historic Performance

Major credit for Pakistan’s victory goes to spinning duo Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who together claimed all 20 wickets in the match. Sajid concluded with figures of 7/111 and 2/93, while Noman ended with 3/101 and a career-best 8/46 in both innings. 

Their efforts were pivotal, and this performance made them only the seventh bowling duo in Test history to take every wicket in a match.

Both Sajid and Noman were absent in the first test. However, the newly appointed selection panel decided to experiment them in for the second match, which proved to be a masterstroke. Their spin-heavy attack dimantled England’s batting lineup, utilizing conditions in Multan in the best way possible.

Shan Masood Ends Six-Match Losing Streak as Captain

This win is Shan Masood's first win as a captain. Earlier, he lost 6 test matches, and luckily a win after a crashing defeat should be enough to boost his confidence as a captain.

Read Also: Shan Masood receives a special gift from PCB for completing 2000 test runs

Masood has also acknowledged the significance of the win as a crucial one in his captaincy career. Not only that, he heaped praise on his teammates. He expressed his satisfaction for the grit and hunger his mates showed on the field.

This victory not only kept Pakistan's hopes alive in the series but also provided a morale boost to a team that had struggled for consistency on home turf. The final match of the series will now determine whether Pakistan can carry forward this momentum and clinch the series against a tough English side.