The full implications of the India's refusal to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan were laid bare on Sunday as Australia and South Africa waited to find out whether they will play their semi-finals in Lahore or Dubai this week.
Shreyas Iyer described India's six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy as "sweet" because it came against a competitive team and involved warding off a lot of "external pressures." Iyer also praised Virat Kohli's fluent century and the team's spin attack for their performance in the match.
The source added that team officials and selectors had discussed Afridi's case with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf.
Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez, who served as team director from November 2023 to February 2024 and interim head coach, joined the chorus of disapproval.
Security forces on Saturday extended the ongoing search operation to new areas after the body of the fourth policeman and two slain terrorists were recovered from the scene of a gunfight in a remote forested area in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
Following the Board's instruction, the likes of Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal played at least a match for their state teams before the Champions Trophy.
Shaan Masood also didn't agree that the last two Tests were the darkest days of Pakistan cricket over three decades.
'Let his soul rest in peace...We should all be proud of him in every way. And we will make him proud in every way'
'I knew he would come through in a big match because of his ability to rise to the occasion.'
Rohit Sharma's men are playing all their matches in Dubai, and even the final will be held there if the team goes the distance, while the rest of the teams have to criss-cross Pakistan for their matches.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed claims that his team had an unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy by being stationed in Dubai.
'I did not fall for the box office pressures.'
Shubman Gill, who has been India's stand out batter in the tournament, was the only one who did not turn up for practice.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that India and Pakistan came closer to resolving the Kashmir issue during the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. He added that he does not expect a return to that situation in his lifetime. Abdullah lauded Singh's efforts on Kashmir, including the setting up of working groups on the issue, and said he practically initiated measures for the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. The chief minister also praised Singh's contribution to India's economic development.
Naseem Shah added that even he was afraid about losing his place in the side due to the injury.
'Five months after the elections in February 2024, the Pakistan army has not been able to break Imran Khan's resolve and break his political party.'
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized BJP leaders for accusing the National Conference (NC) of insulting Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of the state. Abdullah challenged the BJP to provide evidence of such insults, while highlighting their own actions that he claims have undermined the Maharaja's legacy. He also called on the BJP-led government to retrieve the part of Jammu and Kashmir under Chinese occupation if they are serious about reclaiming the territory under Pakistan's control.
Australia's Champions Trophy roster will have a different look to the peerless squad that took a record-extending sixth World Cup title at the 2023 tournament in India.
Former India player and coach Lalchand Rajput says this Indian team has a clear instinct that will just finish off opponents
'You have to separate the concept of India as a nation State which is very young and the Upanishadic wisdom which is timeless.'
Cricket lovers across the globe flooded social media to celebrate the Indian cricket team and congratulate the Rohit Sharma-led squad on winning the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.
Gary Kirsten has said that there is "no unity" in the side and he has "never seen such a situation" in his long coaching career.
Pakistan selectors want Babar Azam to open in CT, hope star batter will emulate Sachin Tendulkar
Former Pakistan cricketers and the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi came down heavily on the team management and the players, after their six-run loss to India on Sunday.
Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: Dombivli families shattered in grief and grit. Demand dignity, justice and answers to unanswered questions.
K L Rahul is likely to be rested for the white-ball series against England, starting in Kolkata on January 22.
Johnson is a coveted player on the T20 franchise circuit and took a million-dollar contract to play in the 2024 Indian Premier League.
'He is a brilliant player, the way he started in one-day cricket, he has been exceptional. He has been a huge part of India's success at top of the order.'
'No words can heal the wounds of a mother who lost her child, or a friend who lost their companion. But we must speak, we must feel, and we must remember.'
Kapil Dev said that the decision on India's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year rests solely with the government.
The 2025 Champions Trophy promises to be a battleground for the world's top cricketers, with several players ready to leave their mark on the tournament.
Defending champion Neeraj Chopra signed off with a silver medal in the Olympics men's Javelin Throw in Paris on Thursday. Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem was a class above the field, setting a new Games record of 92.97 metres for the gold medal.
It will be interesting to see what shifts have been recorded in the last decade-and-a-half -- from the effects of demonetisation and Covid's second wave to the drop in fertility and increase in farm workers -- but we will only know this if and when the Census is conducted, points out Aakar Patel.
'I think any experience in the sub-continent is valuable.'
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts to reduce the distance between the hearts of people in Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi. Singh asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally, emphasizing a commitment to bridge the gap between the regions. He criticized Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq for his remarks against India and reiterated the importance of PoK as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Their Prime Minister just visited -- he's a great friend -- but I told him, 'You're not treating us right. You charge us 52%, while for years, decades even, we've c'harged you next to nothing. It wasn't until seven years ago, when I took office, that we started pushing back, beginning with China.'"
Pakistan's ODI series victory in Australia showcased the raw pace and skill of their fast bowling attack, spearheaded by Haris Rauf.
Families will not be accompanying the Indian cricket players heading to Dubai on February 15 for the ICC Champions Trophy as the BCCI's new travel policy comes into effect for the first time with this tournament.
Ramiz Raja backed Babar Azam to come good in red-ball cricket, saying that he needs to show the world through his temperament that he is like the West Indies batting legend Vivian Richards.
Former captain Shahid Afridi is confident that Pakistan will again reach the final of the T20 World Cup, but expressed apprehension about the batters' sluggish strike rate in the middle overs.
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