India's men's hockey team, fresh from retaining its Asian Games title and securing a 2028 Olympics berth, is now preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy. The tournament, featuring six teams including India, will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali from October 27 to November 5. Head coach Craig Fulton emphasizes maintaining intensity for the home challenge, where India aims to extend its record as the most successful team.
Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper Suraj Karkera commented on Pakistan's withdrawal from the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) Punjab 2026. While acknowledging that fans will miss the intense rivalry, Karkera stated the Indian team remains focused on performing their best. Bangladesh has replaced Pakistan in the tournament, where India, fresh off their Asian Games gold, will enter as top-ranked contenders.
Fans can expect a wide open tournament in the absence of an overwhelming favourite in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
'As players, you need to stay calm, try and block that noise out, and just play with the same intensity as you would play Australia or any other team.'
Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak returns to the squad after a nine-month absence for the Asian Champions Trophy. He focused on improving his game in Bengaluru and is excited to play in his hometown of Jalandhar. India, defending champions, will start their campaign on October 27.
India outclassed New Zealand by four wickets to win their third Champions Trophy title at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
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.
South African captain Temba Bavuma has said that the ICC Champions Trophy is a bigger challenge than the 50-over World Cup because the lesser number of matches makes it tough for teams to make a comeback.
The Pakistan cricket board (PCB) will not stage matches of the 2025 Champions Trophy outside the country if India do not travel for the tournament, chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
Rohit can be seen working extensively on his batting, unleashing his signature shots including the trademark pull shots, the drives through the off-side and the straight lofted shots among others.
On Sunday, India rode on a clinical performance to outclass traditional rivals Pakistan with plenty to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
"The Trophy Tour has covered all eight participating nations during its global journey and, with the conclusion of India leg, it will now travel to its final stop in Pakistan," the ICC said in a statement on Monday.
Dhoni appears in an unexpected avatar - seated in a bathtub filled with ice against a snowy landscape, yet visibly sweating under immense pressure.
Pakistan on Thursday said that no back channel diplomacy was going on with India after the neighbouring country refused to send its cricket team for the Champions Trophy
A staggering 12,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed in Lahore and Rawalpindi during the matches.
Shami's run in the tournament concluded with nice scalps in five matches, averaging 25.88.
A PCB source said that the presence of a large International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation, including broadcast, hospitality and event operations officials, is an affirmation that the event is on schedule in Pakistan.
The total prize pool has increased by an impressive 53 percent from the 2017 edition, reaching $6.9 million (Rs 57.3 crore).
The Champions Trophy Group B fixture between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Tuesday.
How will India's balanced squad, Pakistan's pace-heavy strategy, Australia's injury concerns and England's focus play out during the Champions Trophy?
Cummins, Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy.
Introducing Sports and Pastime, a new podcast, featuring Faisal Sharif and Prem Panicker, two of the most interesting voices on cricket and sport. Faisal and Prem discuss the Indian team for the Champions Trophy and the BCCI's edict to the players in the inaugural episode of Sports and Pastime.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and a state delegation have been invited by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to witness the semi-finals and finals of the Asian Games hockey competitions in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This invitation is significant as Punjab is set to host the men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026, with the experience gained in Japan expected to aid in organising future international sporting events in the state.
According to a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, the trophy tour would begin from Skardu in northern Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has denied its over-50s team permission to participate in the International Masters Cricket World Cup in India next January, citing government refusal. This follows a similar decision by the Pakistan Hockey Federation, highlighting ongoing strained relations between the two nations.
'If they leave both T20Is and ODIs, only Tests will be left then. Will they go down that route?'
India will open their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi says the selection committee "will review" the national squad picked for the Champions Trophy even as he defended the controversial selections of batter Khushdil Shah and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has dismissed the possibility of a 'hybrid model', under which India would play at a neutral venue while the rest of the tournament is held in Pakistan.
The left-handed batter suffered a muscular strain while fielding in the opening over against New Zealand at Karachi's National Bank Stadium on February 19.
Four senior Indian hockey players, including Mandeep Singh and Amit Rohidas, have expressed surprise and disappointment over reports that they are set to retire after the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy. The players, who recently won gold at the Asian Games, stated they were not consulted and are keen to continue playing, with eyes on the 2028 Olympics.
Former President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest at the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
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.
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.
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.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir paid tribute to outgoing chief selector Ajit Agarkar, acknowledging his role in India's three ICC trophy wins during his tenure. Agarkar's term ended on Tuesday, and he did not seek an extension, with Pragyan Ojha stepping in as interim chief selector.
Kumar Dharmasena will do fourth umpire's duty.
Siraj was delighted with his performance at his home ground, especially with his family in attendance.
Bangladesh will be without premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the ICC Champions Trophy after the veteran was excluded after getting suspended from bowling in all competitions.
Saransh Jain's career-best 7/40 bowled Bihar out for 99 before Saksham Purohit's unbeaten 113 powered Madhya Pradesh to a 162-run lead, while Priyanshu Moliya and Nachiket Bhute impressed elsewhere.
