Pat Cummins Champions Trophy Participation Uncertain
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, is facing uncertainty regarding his participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy due to an ankle injury. He is currently on paternity leave following the birth of his second child and is managing ankle soreness. Chief selector George Bailey has indicated that Cummins will undergo scans to assess the severity of the injury, which will determine his availability for the tournament.
Despite these concerns, Cummins has been named in Australia’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE. The final decision on his participation will depend on the scan results and his recovery progress.
New Zealand Team Reaches Pakistan
The New Zealand cricket team has arrived in Lahore to participate in a tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. The series is scheduled to take place from February 8 to 14, 2025, with matches hosted in both Lahore and Karachi. The opening match will see Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 8 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Following their arrival, the New Zealand team is taking a rest day and will commence practice sessions tomorrow to prepare for the upcoming matches.
Rashid Khan Is Now T20I Leading Wicket Taker
Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, has become the highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket, surpassing former West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo’s record of 631 wickets. Rashid achieved this milestone during a SA20 league match on February 5, 2025, claiming his 632nd T20 wicket in his 461st match since his debut in October 2015. Known for his exceptional performances across various T20 leagues worldwide, Rashid has been a sought-after player, nearing 500 matches in his career. Reflecting on his achievement, Rashid expressed honor in surpassing Bravo, whom he regards as one of the best T20 bowlers, and looks forward to continuing his contributions to the sport.
Umpires Announced For Champions Trophy 2025
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the panel of umpires for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE. The panel includes experienced officials such as Richard Kettleborough, Chris Gaffaney, Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Illingworth, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker, Michael Gough, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Sharafuddin Ibn Shahid, Alex Wharf, and Joel Wilson. These umpires will oversee the tournament’s 15 matches, ensuring adherence to the game’s rules and fair play.
