Champions Trophy headlines Pakistan's home season but India uncertainty remains
Indian captain Virat Kohli arrived two hours early for practice ahead of the crucial Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan, focusing on his struggles against spin bowling.
Barely 11 days before their Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan, New Zealand's leading pace bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rendered doubtful for the ODI tournament after suffering a hamstring injury during an ILT20 match in the UAE.
2013 winners India are placed in Group A alongside defending champions Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead believes that Kane Williamson's ability to counter India's spin attack will be crucial in the Champions Trophy final.
Back from a long injury lay-off, on the eve of the Women's Ashes, Healy confirmed that she would be ready to take on the wicketkeeping duties.
Former South African captain Graeme Smith is confident that his country will end its long wait for an ICC trophy in 2023, with the Champions Trophy and World Test Championship final on the horizon. He believes the team is in a strong position to break their drought and is focused on developing the nation's cricket ecosystem ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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.
Virat Kohli roared back to form in sensational fashion, smashing his 51st ODI ton to help India secure a six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.
Afridi said Rohit instils a sense of self-belief in his team with his aggressive style of play.
'His file has been closed. I have got no idea why they did that.'
India will open their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, on the other hand, feels that Pandya has the ability to replicate Mahendra Singh Dhoni's role as a finisher in the Indian ODI set-up.
IMAGES from the Group B Champions Trophy match between Australia and England in Lahore on Saturday
Rohit Sharma smashed a century to help India secure a nine-wicket win over England in the second ODI, clinching the three-match series 2-0.
Soumya scored 169 off 151 balls at a strike rate of 111.92, to go past Tendulkar for the highest runs in ODIs by a player from the sub-continent in New Zealand.
Afghanistan may be faced with some off-field distractions in Pakistan with Group B rivals England and South Africa being urged to boycott their matches.
The new president of MCC Mark Nicholas wants the ODI format to be played exclusively in the World Cup in a bid to protect the format that is losing its importance and the rise of T20I format over the period of time.
Virat Kohli admitted that his trademark cover drive puts him in a 'catch-22' situation.
Shaun Pollock says the ICC Cricket Committee is working towards giving bowlers "bit more leeway on wides" as the current rule is "very strict on them"
India play their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh on February 20.
Who do YOU think should be part of India's playing XI for Tuesday's opening ODI against England?
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has revealed that following his ankle injury there were moments when he feared his international career was over, but his unwavering desire to play for the country again kept him going.
There will be no captains' photoshoot or press conference in Pakistan before the ICC Champions Trophy, a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed.
Unaware that the area was filled with cricket fans, he had a tough time managing the crowd.
'...with the Champions Trophy ahead, they have a great opportunity to showcase their abilities and prove how they can still win matches for India.'
New Zealand batter Martin Guptill announced his retirement from international cricket, though the 38-year-old will continue to play in T20 leagues around the world.
'Bumrah is not the right option for captain.' 'All the pressure to deliver is on his shoulders. So taking on the mantle of captain will be added pressure.'
Former New Zealand fast-bowling great Tim Southee is confident that the Black Caps' inexperienced bowling attack will do a wonderful job at the upcoming Champions Trophy after watching them perform impressively in the recently-concluded tri-series in Pakistan.
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI against Pakistan on Sunday?
'In such games, the team that handles pressure well and doesn't overthink the fact that they're playing a final ends up winning.'
His Australian counterpart Steve Smith was crowned ICC Test cricketer of the Year, cricket's world body announced on Thursday.
A total of US$10 million will be distributed by the ICC among all winning teams throughout the tournament.
It's not just the cricketing world that Smriti Mandhana is taking by storm.
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting says he has not seen a "better player" than Virat Kohli in ODIs, and backed the Indian batting star to go past the legendary Sachin Tendulkar as the highest run-getter in the 50-overs' format.
He said Jasprit Bumrah and comeback-man Mohammed Shami are a "lethal combination" for any rival if they are fit for the Champions Trophy.
Australian opener Matthew Short suffered an injury while fielding but he returned to open the batting and Smith said he could take a few days to recover.
Virat Kohli likened his match-winning effort in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia to the unbeaten hundred against Pakistan.
Even though Mahendra Singh Dhoni has retired, a large number of young fans could be seen wearing his iconic No. 7 jersey.
A viral BCCI video captured the emotional dressing room scene, where T Dilip praised the team's collective fielding spirit.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances