Cricket News

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 The ICC Champions Trophy is set to commence on Wednesday, marking Pakistan's return as a host for a major International Cricket Council tournament since 1996. The tournament will feature eight nations divided into two groups. Pakistan, as the host, automatically qualifies and will play ten games, including a semifinal. Due to security concerns, India will play its matches at a neutral venue, with games scheduled in Dubai. APNEWS.COM Player Updates Lockie Ferguson Injured: New Zealand's fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson, has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a foot injury sustained during a warm-up match against Afghanistan. REUTERS.COM Alex Hales Becomes Freelance Cricketer: Alex Hales has left Nottinghamshire after 17 years to become the first fully freelance elite English cricketer. At 36, he will focus solely on white-ball cricket and participate in various global T20 leagues. THETIMES.CO.UK Upcoming Tournaments Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025: The 18th edition of the IPL is scheduled from March 22 to May 25, 2025. The tournament will feature 10 teams split into two groups, each playing 14 matches during the group stage. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, leading to the final. Matches will be played across 13 venues in India, with the opening game, Qualifier 2, and the final held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. REUTERS.COM Recent Matches Sheffield Shield: In a recent Sheffield Shield match at the SCG, Sam Konstas' unconventional reverse ramp shot against Scott Boland raised concerns about his approach at the international level. After making a boundary with this shot, Konstas was dismissed after only seven balls. Former NSW coach Phil Jaques and Australian great Adam Gilchrist expressed doubts about this approach, with Gilchrist suggesting it could affect Konstas' future in the Test team<