'If you don't play well, then you can't complain. And if you play well, there is no point in saying whether you got an advantage or not.'
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has come out in support of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami after he was criticized for not observing roza (fast) during the month of Ramzan. Shami was spotted consuming an energy drink during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final match against Australia, which led to criticism from some quarters. Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, urged Shami to ignore the negativity and praised his performance in the game.
Batting great Sunil Gavaskar expressed solidarity with the families of those killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Pakistan need to win if they are any chance of progressing to the semi-finals in their home tournament after being crushed by New Zealand in their campaign opener.
Kohli, who has played three editions of the 50-over event in 2009, 2013 (when India won) and 2017, likened the tournament to the fast-paced T20 World Cup.
The spinners kept a lid on the scoring with Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja taking wickets at regular intervals.
'India are strong favourites'
Another Indian, Yuki Bhambri and his Dutch partner Robin Haase also progressed to the quarter-finals.
The PCB chief said India and ICC being the hosts of the tournament would decide on the neutral venue.
'Arshdeep, Shami can make impact in Bumrah's absence'
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed claims that his team had an unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy by being stationed in Dubai.
Allowing India to play all their matches in Dubai robbed Pakistan of the honour of hosting the final and disrupted the schedule of the knockout matches.
A seemingly invincible India will be eager to sharpen their game against spin and give a run to second-line players ahead of the semi-final when they take on New Zealand in their last group match of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday.
Imran Khan also questioned the cricketing credentials of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
On how long Rohit should play, Azharuddin said it is for a player to decide.
Kumar Dharmasena will do fourth umpire's duty.
World number one Jannik Sinner delivered a flawless performance to pulverise Czech Jiri Lehecka in straight sets in little more than 90 minutes on Saturday.
The BCCI has drawn a firm line-there will be no bilateral cricket with Pakistan, now or in the future, says vice-president Rajeev Shukla.
When a few fans called out his name, he instructed the security team to let them approach.
India's cricket team has embarked on a journey to Dubai for the upcoming Champions Trophy, aiming to secure another global trophy after their T20 World Cup triumph last June.
'That is something I really wanted, to have six bowling options and then batting till No. 8 as well.'
Rohit Sharma's attacking knock of 76 set the tone for India's four-wicket victory in the final against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.
Young spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly will replace injured Matthew Short in the Australian squad for the knock-out stages of the ongoing Champions Trophy.
However, the wives and family members will be allowed to join the Indian players for only one match.
Mark Chapman has taken his place in the field.
Spin great Ravichandran Ashwin says New Zealand, despite the absence of the long-serving pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, who have quit playing the 50-over format, will pose a challenge to India.
'The ideal thing would be for India may be to chase, rather than having Australia chase.'
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenge posed by India's understanding of the conditions in the Champions Trophy final, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to adapt. Santner believes the experience of playing against India in a league match will help, and is hoping his batters will be better prepared to face mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy this time around.
Social media was quick to react, urging the former captain to 'focus on his batting' rather than engaging in photo sessions.
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji list the 50 Most Valuable Players in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
India versus New Zealand is a meeting of two well balanced, mentally strong sides. The pitch and toss could be X factors in a game India is favoured to win.
Polish world number two Iga Swiatek has been given extra security after a spectator at the Miami Open verbally abused the five-times major champion during a practice session last weekend, the BBC reported on Wednesday.
Pomona, a city in South California, will host the cricket competition during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the ICC announced in Dubai on Tuesday.
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