Agenda Aaajtak 2024: एजेंडा आजतक के दूसरे दिन (14 दिसंबर) ‘चैम्पियंस’ सेशन में स्टार क्रिकेटर्स अर्शदीप सिंह और सुरेश रैना ने भाग लिया. इस दौरान दोनों खिलाड़ियों ने अपने क्रिकेटिंग करियर से जुड़े किस्सा शेयर किया. अर्शदीप ने इस दौरान 2024 के टी20 वर्ल्ड कप की कहानी भी सुनाई, जहां उन्होंने 19वां ओवर फेंका था. अर्शदीप ने एशिया कप 2022 के दौरान हुई ट्रोलिंग पर भी चुप्पी तोड़ी. तब पाकिस्तान के खिलाफ मुकाबले में अर्शदीप ने एक कैच टपका दिया था.

अर्शदीप सिंह ने कहा, ‘जब 30 बॉल पर 30 बॉल चाहिए थे, तो एक छोटा सा ब्रेक आया. तब ऋषभ पंत फिजियो से इलाज करवा रहे थे. तब ये पता नहीं था कि उन्हें सच में कुछ हुआ था ये नहीं. ऐसा लगा कि ये गेम चेंजिंग मोमेंट हो सकता है. हार्दिक भाई ने विकेट लिया, फिर जस्सी भाई ने बढ़िया प्रेशर बनाया. वहां से पता चला कि मैच हम जीत सकते हैं. भारत के लिए खेलने का सपना हर किसी का होता है. जब आपको देश के लिए मैच जिताने का मौका मिलता है, तो ऐसा मौका खिलाड़ी ढूंढते हैं. शुक्र है कि ऐसा कर पाया और भगवान की कृपा से रिजल्ट भी मिला.’

‘खुद पर विश्वास रखना बड़ी चीज’

अर्शदीप सिंह ने ट्रोलिंग को लेकर कहा, ‘खुद पर विश्वास रखना खिलाड़ियों के बड़ी चीज होती है. यह गेम का पार्ट है. अच्छे दिन भी आते हैं, बुरे दिन भी आते हैं. लेकिन कोशिश ये रहती है कि कैसे अपने आप को उस परिस्थिति में स्थिर रखें. चाहे आप अच्छा करें या बुरा करें, कोशिश ये रहती है कि कॉन्फिडेंस बरकरार रहे. उस दिन मैंने ट्वीट्स वगैरह सारे देखे, जब अच्छा करते हैं तब सोशल मीडिया देखते हैं, हारते हैं तब भी देखते हैं. उनके इमोशन्स हमारे ही तरह हैं. फैन्स को ये अधिकार है. वो गुस्सा भी होते हैं और प्यार भी देते हैं.’

अर्शदीप सिंह की तारीफ करते हुए सुरेश रैना ने कहा, ‘परफॉर्मेंस करने के दौरान प्रेशर होता है, कैसे देश का नाम बढ़े. जिस तरह उसने गेंदबाजी की वो शानदार था. 2011 वर्ल्ड कप में क्वार्टर फाइनल में धोनी भाई ने अश्विन को खिलाया, जो गेम चेंजिंग मोमेंट हुआ. वर्ल्ड कप फाइनल में रोहित ने जिस तरह उनके ओवर्स बचा के रखे थे और गेंदबाजी करवाई, वो बेहतरीन लीडरशिप का नतीजा था. छोटे फॉर्मेट में गेम को अपनी तरफ खींचना पड़ता है.’

रैना ने की टीम इंडिया पर ये भविष्यवाणी

सुरेश रैना ने कहा, ‘मुझे लगता है कि टीम के कप्तान रोहित शर्मा, ऋषभ पंत, शुभमन गिल, अर्शदीप सिंह, रिंकू सिंह, सूर्यकुमार यादव जैसे प्लेयर्स निडर होकर खेलते हैं. 11 के ग्यारह खिलाड़ी ग्राउंड पर जाते हैं तो भाईचारा दिखता है. हंसी मजाक भी दिखता है. ये खिलाड़ी फाइटर्स हैं. अगले 10-15 सालों में 3-4 आईसीसी खिताब जरूर जीतेंगे.’

सुरेश रैना ने चैम्पियंस ट्रॉफी 2025 को लेकर कहा, ‘मुझे लगता है कि खिलाड़ियों की सुरक्षा बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है. जय भाई (जय शाह) ने जो भी फैसला लिया है. सुरक्षा के लिए यह महत्वपूर्ण है. मुझे लगता है कि यह अच्छा है कि टूर्नामेंट ‘हाइब्रिड मॉडल में होगा’, यह इस तरह से बेहतर होगा.’ बता दें कि चैम्पियंस ट्रॉफी इस बार पाकिस्तान और दुबई में खेला जाएगा. भारतीय टीम अपने सभी मुकाबले दुबई में खेलेगी.

The saga of next year’s cricket Champions Trophy drags on, with sources saying Thursday that no agreement has been reached on a proposed “hybrid” format allowing India to play their matches outside host nation Pakistan.

The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought three wars since being carved out of the subcontinent’s partition in 1947 and that rivalry is often reflected on the cricket field.

The eight-team tournament hit a snag last month when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told the International Cricket Council (ICC) that their side would not compete in Pakistan over security fears and political tensions.

Sources speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP the PCB has agreed to the hybrid model — but only on condition that every ICC tournament taking place in India until 2027 follows the same format, with Pakistan not going to India.

Under the hybrid model, Pakistan will host the group matches but its high-profile clash with India will be played in Dubai.

The final would be held in Dubai or Lahore depending on whether the Indian side make it through.

But the BCCI is objecting to the tit-for-tat condition on its own hosting and to the proposal to play the final in Lahore if India do not qualify, the sources said.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is in Dubai, where the ICC has its headquarters, to finalise the arrangements, sources said.

The stand-off means the ICC is still unable to announce the schedule for the February 19 to March 19 event.

The arch-rivals only meet in ICC multi-national events, with the last bilateral series held when Pakistan toured India in 2012-13.

India last toured Pakistan to feature in the 2008 Asia Cup and have not played a bilateral series across the border for 18 years.

Pakistan were also forced to host last year’s Asia Cup on a hybrid model, with India’s matches and the final hosted in Sri Lanka.

India are set to co-host the next Twenty20 World Cup with Sri Lanka in 2026 in addition to the Champions Trophy in 2029 and co-host the 2031 World Cup with Bangladesh.

In the last few years, Pakistan has hosted the world’s top teams, emerging from cricketing isolation that began after a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009 in Lahore.

Pakistan has not hosted an ICC event since the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

As uncertainty looms over Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed optimism that a “long-term” formula, which will be beneficial for both country and cricket, would be chalked out that will apply to all future events of International Cricket Council (ICC).

“We will not allow one-sided decisions […] decisions should be made based on equality,” Naqvi, who is also the interior minister said while speaking to journalists in Dubai on Saturday.

The tournament, scheduled to take place in Pakistan, has become a bone of contention between Pakistan and India, with the BCCI refusing to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns despite assurances.

An online meeting convened by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday aimed at resolving the issue lasted just 15 minutes without concrete results.

The PCB has categorically rejected the hybrid model proposed during the virtual meeting, under which all of India’s matches would be played outside Pakistan.

Sources said that the Indian cricket governing body has reportedly sought more time after Pakistan’s firm stance.

Talking to the media today, Naqvi said that it isn’t fair that Pakistan visit India for ICC events, but the neighbouring country doesn’t, stressing the need for “long-term talks”.

He further said that the decisions cannot be limited to the Champions Trophy only, adding that a formula for future tournaments must be chalked out.

In another development, the PCB chief met Mubashir Usmani, the chairman of the ICC associate member committee and former secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) in Dubai today.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the PCB said that Naqvi in his meeting with Usmani discussed “important issues regarding the organisation of the Champions Trophy tournament”.

“Pakistan is fully prepared to host the tournament in our country. We are a peaceful nation, and our people have a deep love for cricket.” Naqvi told Mubashir.

The PCB chairman and his team also assured that all the incoming teams will get presidential-level security during the event.

He expressed excitement for the tournament, saying, “Cricket fans in Pakistan are eagerly awaiting the matches. Every participating team will be provided with state-guest-level protocol and security.”

Reflecting on the concerns raised by the BCCI, Naqvi stressed the importance of keeping cricket separate from politics. “This tournament is a significant honour for our country. We warmly welcome every team with open hearts and will ensure a world-class experience for all,” he added.

Besides discussing the Champions Trophy, the meeting also focused on promoting cricket in both Pakistan and the UAE.

‘Not acceptable’

The PCB chief had already communicated Pakistan’s position during discussions with ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice in Dubai on Thursday, reiterating that the board would not entertain this proposal.

“This is not acceptable. Every time Pakistan is required to play in India, we comply. Yet, when it is India’s turn to play in Pakistan, excuses are made. Both nations must be treated equally under the same rules,” Naqvi asserted. He added while other workable solutions could be considered, the hybrid model was entirely off the table.

The ICC Board deferred the issue, leaving it to the PCB, ICC, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find a resolution. Sources revealed that Pakistan’s unwavering stance has put the ICC in a difficult position, with options now including a potential postponement of the tournament, rescheduling or introducing a backup host nation like Sri Lanka.

Adding to the ongoing mess, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it is “unlikely” the Indian team would travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy due to “security concerns.”

A spokesman for the External Affairs Ministry put the onus on the BCCI saying that it fears Indian team security. “It is the BCCI that has to make the final call on the team’s visit to Pakistan,” an Indian Ministry spokesman said.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla consistently emphasized that the Board will strictly adhere to the directives issued by the Indian government. Mohsin Naqvi dismissed the concerns, clarifying Pakistan’s proven track record in hosting international teams over the past six years.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will meet this week to determine the destiny of next year’s Champions Trophy after India refused to play in host nation Pakistan, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, the ICC informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that India would not tour Pakistan for the eight-team tournament, leaving the fate of the event hanging in the balance.

A spokesman for the ICC based in Dubai told AFP they could “confirm an ICC meeting on Friday” where the issue will be on the agenda, without providing further details.

The PCB has already rejected proposals that would allow India to play in a neutral third country, insisting the full schedule from February 19 to March 9 must be staged on their turf.

India’s cricket board has not commented on the tournament.

Deteriorating political ties mean bitter rivals India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series for over a decade — squaring off only in ICC multi-nation events.

Pakistan suffered a years-long drought of matches at home as teams refused to visit after a 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.

International play only fully resumed in 2020.

When Pakistan hosted last year’s Asia Cup, India’s matches were played outside the country.

But Pakistani cricket chiefs have rejected security fears for the Champions Trophy, pointing to their recent successful hosting of top teams including Australia, England and South Africa.

The Champions Trophy will be the first ICC event staged in Pakistan since it co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

The glittering ICC Men’s Champions Trophy on Monday, concluded its eight-day trophy tour to Pakistan and will now embark on an international journey, starting from Afghanistan.

According to the details, the prestigious silverware has reached Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters here, marking the end of its Pakistan tour.

The Pakistan-leg of the Champions Trophy tour commenced from Islamabad on November 17 before being taken to Murree, Nathia Gali, Abbottabad, Khanpur Dam, Taxila and Karachi.

The trophy tour in Karachi began on Wednesday at the historic Burns Road food street and concluded its Karachi leg with a final public display at Port Grand.

The trophy was also taken to colleges, the Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) headquarters, Mohatta Palace, and the National Stadium.

Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed attended a trophy tour event at a local college on Friday morning, where he was greeted with a heroic welcome by students and staff. Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to its maiden Champions Trophy title in 2017, recalled his memories of Pakistan’s historic triumph.

“All our players will remember every single moment from that event. It was a historic achievement for us,” Sarfaraz told the students.

The former captain posed with the Champions Trophy alongside the college students, adding excitement to the event.

Here is the remaining route for trophy tour:

November 26 to 28 — Afghanistan

December 10 to 13 — Bangladesh

December 15 to 22 — South Africa

December 25 to January 5 — Australia

January 6 to 11 — New Zealand

January 12 to 14 — England

January 15 to 26 — India

January 27 — event start in Pakistan

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan is ready to address India’s concerns about crossing the border to play in the Champions Trophy 2025.

“If India has concerns, it should inform us, we will address its reservations,” Naqvi, who also holds the portfolio of interior minister, told reporters at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

India has reportedly rejected visiting Pakistan for the mega tournament with Islamabad, which has shown courtesy previously, standing firm on its stance of hosting the event as multiple other nations have already visited for matches.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently left with limited options after the PCB responded to an email informing Pakistan about India’s decision not to travel to the neighbouring country for the Champions Trophy.

Sources told Geo News that after obtaining answers from the ICC, the PCB plans to seek legal advice and consult the government for guidance in formulating its next steps.

PCB Chairman Naqvi reaffirmed that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, stating: “We are committed to hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned.”

He clarified that the PCB is in direct communication with the ICC and is awaiting their response.

Naqvi emphasised the separation of sports and politics, saying: “Sports and politics are entirely distinct matters.”

He also urged a prompt announcement of the tournament schedule, noting the importance of completing the necessary preparations on time.

Speaking about recent developments, Naqvi reassured that the Champions Trophy tour has not been cancelled but rescheduled, adding that Pakistan remains dedicated to hosting the event successfully.

The tour of the Champions Trophy had begun in Islamabad two days ago after the itinerary for the Pakistan leg was revised by the ICC following objections from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The revised schedule includes new stops such as Taxila, Khanpur, Abbottabad, Nathia Gali, and Karachi, replacing the initially announced locations of Muzaffarabad, Hunza, and Skardu.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that Aqib Javed will serve as the temporary head coach of the national white ball team until the 2025 Champions Trophy.

The announcement was made during a media interaction following Naqvi’s visit to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

PCB Chief Naqvi, addressing concerns regarding Pakistan’s readiness to host the prestigious event, expressed optimism about the smooth execution of the Champions Trophy.

“Insha Allah, the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan, and the construction of the stadium will be completed on time,” he said.

Mr Naqvi emphasised that all teams, including Pakistan, are prepared for the Champions Trophy, and while the preparations are well underway, there is no intention to rush through any aspect of the event.

“We want to do our duty till the Champions Trophy,” he added, stressing the importance of careful and diligent planning.

On the subject of the head coach, Naqvi revealed that Aqib Javed has been appointed on a temporary basis, with his tenure lasting until the conclusion of the Champions Trophy. “Aqib Javed will take over as head coach for the white ball team till the Champions Trophy,” he confirmed.

The PCB chairman also disclosed plans to initiate a search for a permanent head coach in the coming weeks. “I will start looking for a head coach in about 10 fortnights,” Naqvi stated.

India’s participation in Champions Trophy 2025

Addressing the matter of the Indian cricket team’s participation in the Champions Trophy, Naqvi reiterated that the ICC’s involvement is crucial.

“We have written to the ICC, and we are awaiting their response. Our contact remains with them, and we remain hopeful,” he said. He further reiterated that sports and politics should be kept separate, emphasizing that the decision regarding the participation of the Indian team should not be clouded by political issues.

Naqvi also made it clear that the reputation of the International Cricket Council (ICC) is at stake.

“The ICC will have to think about its reputation,” he remarked, underlining the significance of ensuring a smooth and diplomatic process for all participating nations.

Regarding the Gaddafi Stadium, the PCB Chairman expressed confidence that the venue’s construction will meet its deadlines. “The work at Gaddafi Stadium is being closely monitored and will be completed on time to successfully host the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi assured.

The trophy tour for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off in Islamabad today, the International Cricket Council announced on Saturday.

The international cricket governing body unveiled the itinerary for the coveted silverware in an official statement released on its website.

As per the statement, the trophy will travel across the eight participating nations, offering fans a chance to engage with the souvenir and enjoy unique experiences along the way.

The tour will build excitement ahead of the tournament, set to take place in the coming year.

“The popular landmarks where the trophy will be displayed on the opening day of its tour in Islamabad are Daman-e-Koh, Faisal Mosque, and the Pakistan Monument where it will be accompanied by Pakistan cricket icon Shoaib Akhtar,” the ICC mentioned.

This marks the beginning of the international Trophy Tour for the silverware, offering fans worldwide exciting and interactive experiences. The tour will showcase vibrant engagements that highlight the event’s refreshed visual identity.

“After Islamabad, the tour will head to iconic cities and venues in Pakistan such as Karachi, Abbottabad, and Taxila before leaving the land of defending champions to embark on an extensive international tour, where it will continue to showcase the vibrant cultures evident across competing nations,” the statement read.

A series of physical and digital engagements traversing iconic destinations, sporting events, and key battles in the international cricket calendar form the Trophy Tour schedule.

Fans will be treated to a content series titled ‘Champion on Tour’ that will document the Trophy Tour’s journey around the world through the unique lens of food, music, and cricket.

Anurag Dahiya, ICC Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his pleasure at the launch of the event.

“We are delighted to launch the Trophy Tour with DP World ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, where another action-packed programme of activity is available to fans across the world,” he said.

“The silverware, which will be showcased across all participating nations, will allow the sport’s passionate fanbase to enjoy the unforgettable experience of being up close with the iconic trophy,” he added.

Here is the complete route for trophy tour:

November 16 — Islamabad, Pakistan

November 17 — Taxila and Khanpur, Pakistan

November 18 — Abbottabad, Pakistan

November 19 — Murree, Pakistan

November 20 — Nathia Gali, Pakistan

November 22 to 25 — Karachi, Pakistan

November 26 to 28 — Afghanistan

December 10 to 13 — Bangladesh

December 15 to 22 — South Africa

December 25 to January 5 — Australia

January 6 to 11 — New Zealand

January 12 to 14 — England

January 15 to 26 — India

January 27 — event start in Pakistan

No country, including India, raised any concerns about the proposed schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan during the ICC Board meeting in Dubai last month, held alongside the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Minutes from the board meeting indicate that the schedule, also approved by ICC broadcasters, was shared with all participating teams, and no objections were raised, highly placed sources confirmed.

“A match schedule has been developed in conjunction with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The 15 matches are to be hosted across three venues in Pakistan: Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi.

“The match schedule has been approved by ICC’s main broadcast partner, Star, and each participating team has received a copy of their schedule for the event. No member has raised any concerns with the schedule as circulated,” it stated.

A source in Islamabad with knowledge of the matter suggested that recent developments, including India’s verbal communication to the cricket’s regulatory body about its inability to travel to Pakistan, may point to “mala fide intentions” aimed at creating disruption ahead of the Champions Trophy.

“There was no discussion of such concerns during the ICC Board meeting, the appropriate forum to address such matters. Yet, just as Pakistan was set to host an event marking 100 days to the tournament, the BCCI informed the ICC of its position verbally,” the source said.

The source further confirmed that a high-profile event was planned for November 11 to unveil the match schedule, event identity, and trophy tour.

During the October board meeting, the PCB had also provided updates on the progress of development work at the three venues.

The source added that the ICC had also green-signalled the PCB to host an international testing event at all three venues before the Champions Trophy which the PCB was planning to hold in January.

Before the October meeting, the PCB and ICC had jointly briefed security managers from all participating teams on the tournament’s master security plan. No objections were raised at any stage, the source added.

The PCB, meanwhile, is awaiting a response from the ICC to a questionnaire sent two days back following India’s verbal communication to the ICC about its inability to travel to Pakistan.

“The delay in ICC’s reply suggests there is no written communication from the BCCI. If such a document existed, it would have been shared with the PCB by now. It has been two days since PCB wrote to the ICC,” the source noted.

“Pakistan was announced as the host of the Champions Trophy long ago, and the host agreement was signed in December 2023. Why didn’t the BCCI consult its government about travelling to Pakistan when the event was announced? Why wait until the last minute?” the source questioned.

With less than 100 days to go before the ICC Champions Trophy, the uncertainty surrounding the schedule is not only frustrating cricket fans globally but also affecting stakeholders with commercial interests tied to the tournament.

“A lot of branding and brand activation activities are currently on hold due to this uncertainty,” another source said.

The final schedule, though already shared with participating teams and broadcasters, for the Champions Trophy 2025 is yet to be announced, officially.

The International Cricket Council has revealed a new visual identity for the upcoming men’s and women’s Champions Trophy events, marking the return of the prestigious tournament after a six-year gap.

The new identity, showcased in a launch video, includes a new unconventional typographic logo and design elements, which, according to the ICC, is inspired by cricket’s unique language and culture.

The video also highlights the logo of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan.

“The newly created visual identity is a digital-first vibrant expression, deliberately challenging the status quo, with an unconventional typographic logo which sets the tone for the look – bold and loud, confident and fun,” said an ICC statement.

“It has been designed to be agile, distinctive, and expressive, it’s inspired by the language of cricket; from the unique and integral words that describe the game, to the shouts when a wicket falls, to the name of each superstar that appears on the back of their kit. Both the verbal and written words are an integral part of the sport and that is celebrated through the brand,” the statement added.

It also features Pakistan’s iconic truck art, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage as it prepares to host the men’s event in 2025.

The men’s ICC Champions Trophy will take place in Pakistan next year, the first edition since 2017. The women’s Champions Trophy, in a T20 format, will debut in 2027, hosted by Sri Lanka.

The development came when the apex cricketing body is in a ‘catch-22’ situation after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sought explanations over the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) refusal to send its team to the host country.

Sources claimed that if India indeed refuses to send its cricket team to Pakistan and the ICC accepts this refusal, the PCB will categorically refuse to play any matches against the Indian cricket team during the Champions Trophy under any circumstances.

Meanwhile, contrary to the reports in the Indian media that suggested that the ICC could move the event outside of Pakistan, the sources said that there’s no such development.