international cricket council https://www.cricketwinner.com international cricket council Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:18:08 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[ICC reveal reason behind Kohli and Rohit briefly vanishing from ODI rankings]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/icc-reveal-reason-behind-kohli-and-rohit-briefly-vanishing-from-odi-rankings/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/icc-reveal-reason-behind-kohli-and-rohit-briefly-vanishing-from-odi-rankings/ Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:20:51 GMT

Many cricket fans were stunned on Wednesday (August 20) while not see the names of two experienced Indian cricketers, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, in the ICC Men's ODI batting rankings. There is a latest development where the International Cricket Council (ICC) has also revealed the reason.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both Indian cricketers, have already retired from the T20I and Test cricket formats. However, they are still officially active in the ODI format. Just like the other formats, Kohli was the previous captain of the Indian ODI team before the present leader Rohit Sharma. 

In the ODI cricket history, Rohit is the 10th leading run-scorer, and Kohli is the third most run-scorer. In the top 10 present ODI batting rankings, there are four Indians, and Rohit is in the second position, and Kohli is in the fourth place. However, on Wednesday, both Kohli and Rohit were briefly missing from the ICC Men's ODI batting rankings. ICC reacted quickly as the ranking was updated with their names. 

Latest ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings (Image Credit: icc-cricket.com)

There was an error

Later, an ICC spokesperson admitted that it was a technical glitch that was fixed quickly. The spokesperson told Hindustan Times, “There was an error in our rankings tables today, but it has been rectified.”

[WATCH] Should India-Pakistan clash happen in Asia Cup 2025? Former Pakistan captain opines

Kohli and Rohit last played in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played for India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which was won by the Men in Blues under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. India remained unbeaten in that tournament. Kohli was the fifth leading run-scorer in the tournament with 218 runs in five innings (average 54.50), including one century and one half-century. Meanwhile, Rohit was the 11th most run-scorer in the tournament with 180 runs in five innings, while the opener won the Player of the Match award in the Final for scoring 76 off 83 balls against New Zealand in the successful 252-run chase. 

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<![CDATA[Top four moments when umpires miscounted an over in modern-day cricket ft Pak vs Ned, 2023 ODI World Cup]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/top-four-moments-when-umpires-miscounted-an-over-in-modern-day-cricket-ft-pak-vs-ned-2023-odi-world-cup/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/top-four-moments-when-umpires-miscounted-an-over-in-modern-day-cricket-ft-pak-vs-ned-2023-odi-world-cup/ Fri, 08 Aug 2025 10:11:49 GMT

To err is human. Yes, this saying can't be any truer for the umpires who have been at the forefront of numerous howlers since the very inception of the game. As human beings themselves, they are also entitled to commit mistakes. While umpiring standards have remained questionable for the most part before the post-DRS era, the use of technology has certainly eradicated some of the common blunders that used to be committed time and again by the umpires. 

Although the close caught behind appeals and contentions LBW calls have now been put to rest, thanks to the timely arrival of Snicko and DRS technologies, a rather strange kind of umpiring howler has surfaced in recent times. It has got to do with umpires failing to accurately count the number of balls in an over. Although these instances are a rarity in the contemporary cricket world, when they do, they tend to create an unprecedented buzz throughout the cricketing fraternity. From calling an over prematurely to allowing an additional delivery, here are the top five moments when umpires miscounted an over in modern-day cricket (21st century). 

See also: Who is Haider Ali? The Pakistan cricketer arrested on rape charge

Pakistan vs Netherlands, 2023 ODI World Cup

In Pakistan’s 14th over, only five deliveries were bowled. The on-field umpires, Adrian Holdstock and Chris Brown, mistakenly believed a six‑ball over had been completed after Saud Shakeel hit the fifth ball for a boundary. They promptly moved to what they thought was the next over. The TV umpire, Rod Tucker, did not intervene to correct the miscount, and the match continued. Besides, there was no involvement from the scorers and the match referee, either, when the incident occurred. By the time the mistake was uncovered, the game had already progressed by a few overs. As a result, the official scorecard graphic had to be taken down as the correct scores could not be updated on time. After nearly 30-long minutes, the scorecard finally appeared on the TV sets, giving the viewers some clarity regarding the scores. 

Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 2023 ODI tour

In the 47th over of New Zealand’s innings, bowled by Mahedi Hasan, the on-field umpire (Sharfuddoula) lost track of the deliveries. As a result, instead of the regulation six balls, Mahedi Hasan ended up bowling seven deliveries in that over. Fortunately, the extra delivery didn’t influence the match outcome. New Zealand captain Lockie Ferguson swung and missed, and no runs were scored off that illegitimate ball. The error occurred mid to late in New Zealand's reply, during a key phase of the innings. Despite the blunder, there was no tangible consequence on the scoreboard. Bangladesh went on to lose the match by 86 runs, largely thanks to Ish Sodhi’s 6-wicket haul.

Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 2021 Sri Lanka tour

Another instance of a seven-ball over occurred during South Africa's white-ball tour to Sri Lanka in 2021. During the 1st ODI, one of the on-field umpires miscounted while Aiden Markram was bowling, resulting in a seven-ball over in the 16th over of Sri Lanka’s innings. As Markram was sifting through his deliveries, the scorers had had no time in alerting the on-field umpires about the impending blunder. As a consequence, Sri Lanka went on to win the game by 14 runs, with Markram playing a crucial role by adding a gutsy 96 to take his side close to the finishing line. 

Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers, 2019–20 BBL (Big Bash League)

A controversial moment ensued when Michael Klinger was dismissed on the seventh legitimate delivery of the over, an illegal occurrence because the umpires miscounted. The on-field dismissal had to stand according to the laws, even though the broadcaster noticed the extra delivery during the review. The over, bowled by Ben Dwarshuis against the Sydney Sixers, mistakenly allowed a seventh legal delivery. During that delivery, Klinger edged a shot and was caught at third man by Steven O’Keefe. Upon delivery, the umpires consulted the TV umpire to validate the catch, but no one noticed the extra delivery, even though it was indeed the seventh legal ball with no wides or no-balls preceding it. Cricket Australia later acknowledged the umpiring blunder and stated a review process would be established to probe this matter further. 

Negative consequences of a miscalculated over

The immediate impact of a miscounted over is felt by the broadcasting team, who are responsible for showing accurate scores to the viewers at all times. The scoring system is predominantly designed to handle only six balls in an over. As per the current mechanism, the scoring system can potentially crash if the over is to be called earlier, before the completion of six balls, or if another delivery is allowed outside the six balls.  During the ongoing ODI WC clash between Pakistan and the Netherlands in 2023, the entire scorecard graphic had to be taken down for 30 minutes as the broadcasting team continued to grapple with updating the right score. 

Besides, the scorers who tend to work behind the scenes during a live game also get a headache when such obstacles are encountered. Apart from overall team scores, scores need to have a close tab of individual scores and performances. But when an umpire miscounts, the scorers need to make additional amendments to that miscalculated over and also accurately adjust the total number of overs against the bowler, who played a part in that miscounted over. Moreover, counting the balls in an over is of paramount importance in a limited-overs fixture. In white-ball cricket, the number of deliveries isn't infinite, hence every ball has significance. Minimizing or stretching an over by even a single delivery can result in the umpires unintentionally giving undue advantage to either of the two sides. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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<![CDATA[Will USA Cricket face ICC suspension?]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/will-usa-cricket-face-icc-suspension/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/will-usa-cricket-face-icc-suspension/ Sun, 29 Jun 2025 23:37:23 GMT

While the United States cricket team has recently impressed the cricket world, especially in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 as the co-hosts with West Indies, their cricket board is in deep trouble, as the board is in danger of a suspension from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Here, we are going through the whole story briefly.  

In July 2024, the ICC sent a notice to the United States Cricket (USAC) after citing the board's lack of a "fit for purpose" governance and administrative structure. To oversee compliance and reforms of the USAC, the ICC established a normalisation committee during that notice. This governance notice has a 12-month period that will end this July, while there is very little progress in the USAC. 

See Also: USA Shocks Cricket World with an unexpected Historic Record!

United States Cricket leadership has big issue

According to the latest TOI report source, if the USAC leadership doesn't change significantly before the upcoming ICC Annual Conference this July, the ICC is likely to suspend the USAC. Surely, it will be a terrible story for the USA cricket teams, which have just started to make some impact in world cricket, that can inspire the cricket world.  

The TOI report claimed that an ICC official stated that the situation in the USAC is unstable due to dysfunction and internal disputes. Talking about the present ICC situation, the official further added, “The ICC’s position is clear: effective governance is non-negotiable, especially ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028."

Will we see some resignations from USAC?

This June, an ICC delegation visited Los Angeles for meetings with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). In their meeting with the USAC members, the ICC representative reportedly requested the board members to step down voluntarily. While some of the members are reportedly ready to resign, others haven't shown their supportive natures for the solution yet. 

Meanwhile, the TOI report has also learnt that the ICC officials' recent meetings in Los Angeles have been pushed into informal categories rather than any official talks. 

According to the TOI report, several resignations are expected from the USAC in the next few weeks to save the board from any tough sanctions from the ICC. 

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<![CDATA[Biggest Match Fixing Scandals In Cricket]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/biggest-match-fixing-scandals-in-cricket/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/biggest-match-fixing-scandals-in-cricket/ Sun, 15 Jun 2025 13:38:26 GMT

The tough sport of Cricket has a rich and glorious history, and its legacy has become eternal ever since it was first played scores of years ago. The game and its stakeholders have witnessed several memorable moments over time. This tryst with destiny has aided the British game to come of age and solidify its heritage towards greatness. Fans have grown and stayed loyal courtesy of the positive incidents and the love for their idols, whom they look up to. The players have signified more than just a living being playing the game. They have been ambassadors for the sport and are responsible for its goodwill, brand identity, and authentic image. 

However, richness comes with a price, and just like a coin has two sides, Cricket has dealt with severe moments as well. The second most loved sport in the world has had its share of black days, too. Those distasteful and shocking episodes have hampered and created a massive hole in the glittering history of the game. They are oppositely but equally remembered as the finest moments, and instead threaten the ethics to a great extent. These ignominiously dark sides are a disgrace, and their anchors deserve justice to save the health of the game. 

See Also: Cricketers Who Made History with Guinness World Records

Here is a look at some of the biggest and most significant match-fixing incidents that shook the cricketing world, their history, protagonists, and deep-scale consequences. 

Cronje and Azharuddin: The Match-Fixing Scandal of 2000

Cronje and Azharuddin: The Match-Fixing Scandal of 2000

The most infamous of all cricket match-fixing scandals dates back to 2000. The Delhi Police charged Hansie Cronje, the then South African skipper, with fixing his side's One Day International (ODI) matches against India in March of that year. Cronje initially denied his wrongdoing, but as evidence accumulated, all the allegations proved true, and he eventually confessed to his part. The other Proteas teammates testified that they had received lucrative offers from their captain to throw the match, bow down to the bookies, and get involved in fixing the game.

Hansie, later, accused Mohammad Azharuddin of introducing the former to the associated bookmaker, and further investigations found the former Indian cricketer guilty as well. Both were banned for life by the ICC and their respective national boards. This uncovered a chain of players involved. Herschelle Gibbs, a prominent former South African player, received a six-month ban for his part in this scandal. Ajay Sharma, a former Indian domestic cricketer and Delhi player, was also banned for life as he was named in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report alongside Azharuddin for having links with bookies and manipulating matches. In September 2014, his ban was lifted by the Delhi district court. Cronje died in a plane crash in 2002, and ever since his death, suspicions of malicious acts and links with the fixing saga loom large over his demise to date.

Pakistan's Spot-Fixing in the UK, 2010

Pakistan's Spot-Fixing in the UK, 2010

In 2010, Pakistan's cricket team toured England for a test series. During the Lord's match, three players from the touring side, namely Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, were accused of receiving bribes from a bookmaker, and then organising and deliberately performing feats to affect the moments in the match. This included intentional no-balls to hamper the outcome of the game, and the act was categorised as 'spot-fixing'. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the British Crown Court found them guilty and, as punishment, sentenced the trio to jail terms of variable lengths in the UK. The Pakistani players' on-field actions were condemned by everyone from all quarters, and this entire saga took the sporting world by storm. It called for immediate measures to uphold the integrity of the sport.

IPL 2013 Spot-Fixing

IPL 2013 Spot-Fixing

During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013, a major scandal erupted when the Delhi Police arrested Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on charges of spot-fixing. They were believed to be involved in a syndicate having a history of organising such criminal acts in sports and consequently altering several matches in the IPL. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on its part, handed the trio life bans and ensured free and fair trials to confirm justice for everyone involved.

This incident sent ripple waves across the Indian Cricketing circuit and raised serious questions. Fans subsequently lost faith in the tournament, and the game was frowned upon by many. The Rajasthan franchise was banned for a couple of seasons in 2016 and 2017, following this ominous run of events. IPL cricket regained its credibility gradually over time. A few years back, the Court gave the culprits a clean chit, and that helped them to resume professional cricket.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Fixing Scandal 2013

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Fixing Scandal 2013

The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were banned from competing in the IPL for two seasons - 2016 and 2017. Gurunath Meiyappan, one of their high-profile team officials, was involved in betting and leaking team information during IPL 2013. He was also the son-in-law of the then BCCI president N. Srinivasan. This scandal was the major stepping stone towards institutional reforms in cricket. Various committees were set up and designated to safeguard the integrity of the sport. The Lodha Committee was the primary one among all. An Anti-Corruption Security Unit (ACSU) in cricket was also set up by the BCCI to remove any cases of graft from the game. 

Marlon Samuels' Match-Fixing Case 2007

Marlon Samuels' Match-Fixing Case 2007

Ahead of an ODI series involving the teams of India and the West Indies in 2007, the Caribbean batter was accused of several dealings with the bookmakers. Recordings of his telephonic conversations with the bookie before the Nagpur ODI were found, and he was charged with sharing the details of the match. This was confirmed after an investigation initiated by the West Indies Cricket Board. Allegations of bribery and match-fixing were levelled against him, and Marlon was handed a two-year ban by the ICC.

John - 'The Bookmaker' 

John - 'The Bookmaker' 

In 1998, Australian cricketers Steve Waugh and Shane Warne went through a turbulent phase when their names got embroiled in match-fixing. It was discovered that the duo had accepted money from an Indian bookmaker named John to share the pitch and weather information during the 1994-95 season. The news was initially kept reserved within the Australian Cricket fraternity, and when it eventually broke out during the 1998 Ashes series, the players and the Board were reprimanded for their heinous actions. However, the controversy didn't escalate much. The ICC took no further action, and the players were let go after just being fined by Cricket Australia (CA). 

Manoj Prabhakar, 1999, and Ajay Jadeja, 2000

Manoj Prabhakar, 1999, and Ajay Jadeja, 2000

Manoj Prabhakar, a former all-rounder, was banned in 1999 after he showed up at an event organised by the Tehelka News Group. It was on exposing match-fixing events in Cricket. He, however, ended up getting accused himself and banned from playing for the national side by the BCCI. A decade later, in 2011, he was also dismissed from his role as the coach of the Delhi domestic cricket team after he publicly criticised and pulled up the players and selectors.

Also, in the year 2000, Ajay Jadeja, a former stylish Indian all-rounder, was banned by the BCCI for five years for his involvement in match-fixing. The Delhi High Court, though, lifted his ban in 2003, but his cricketing career could never revive. He instead took up commentary and is currently a one.

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<![CDATA[[Watch] ICC Promo showcasing Australia and South Africa both ready for 2025 WTC Final]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/videos/icc-promo-showcasing-australia-and-south-africa-both-ready-for-2025-wtc-final/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/videos/icc-promo-showcasing-australia-and-south-africa-both-ready-for-2025-wtc-final/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:08:43 GMT

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has brought the promo for the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, where the top two table toppers, South Africa and Australia, will face each other from June 11 at Lord's in London.

In the video, Australian and South African players have been captured in the focus-looking ahead of the third ICC World Test Championship Final, while the Championship . It will be the first World Test Championship Final for South Africa, and they are facing the defending champions Australia, who are eyeing their second WTC title. 

WATCH: Angkrish Raghuvanshi refers Shreyas Iyer as 'Sarpanch Saab' in T20 Mumbai League

2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final: South Africa eyeing their first ICC trophy after more than 26 years

South Africa men's national cricket team has only one ICC trophy, which is the ICC Champions Trophy 1998 title. They are waiting for about 27 years to win another ICC title, while their closest one in this period was the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2025 runners-up. Now, the 2023-2025 ICC World Championship points table leader have the great chance to end their long and frustrating wait for their second ICC trophy. 

2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship Final: Australia are ready to defend

Meanwhile, Australia won the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship Mace after beating India in the Final. It was their first ICC WTC trophy, as they became the first team to win all four ICC trophies. 

Before Australia, New Zealand became the first team to win the ICC WTC title after winning the inaugural ICC WTC Final (2019-2021 edition) by beating India. 

During the league stage of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship, South Africa earned 100 points after 12 Tests (PCT 69.44%) with eight wins, one draw, and three losses, and the second-placed Australia secured 154 points after 19 Tests (PCT 67.54%) with 13 wins, two draws, and four losses. 

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<![CDATA[Cricket Returns to Olympics After 128 Years: Six-Team T20 Format Confirmed for LA 2028]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/cricket-returns-to-olympics-after-128-years-six-team-t20-format-confirmed-for-la-2028/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/cricket-returns-to-olympics-after-128-years-six-team-t20-format-confirmed-for-la-2028/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 16:29:06 GMT

Cricket will grandly return to the Olympic Games at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, closing a 128-year gap. It last appeared at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris, where the sole competition was between France and Great Britain in one men's match. Great Britain took the gold medal in what is now regarded as an unofficial Test.

Following the Paris 2024 Games, talks were held on incorporating cricket in the following Olympic edition. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) collaborated to reintroduce the sport. Cricket's inclusion was formally ratified in 2023 for LA28. The competition will involve gold, silver, and bronze medals, allowing half of the teams competing to have a podium finish in each game, making every match very competitive.

ALSO SEE: RCB vs DC IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Six-Team T20 Format to be Part of LA 2028

In LA 2028, cricket will be staged in the high-intensity T20 format, with six teams participating in both men and women's divisions. Each team will consist of a 15-player squad, with a combined 90 athlete quotas per gender. This translates to stiff competition among leading cricketing nations, given that only six places are available.

ALSO SEE: DVE vs SPB Dream11 Prediction Match 7 Fantasy Cricket Tips Vincy Premier League, 2025  

USA, being the host country, is likely to receive a direct entry. That leaves only five spots remaining for qualification, which is still undecided. Nations such as India, Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand will be strong hopefuls in the men's section. In the women's section, sides such as England, Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka will be in contention as well. Cricket's return to the Olympics is a part of the trend of its participation in world sporting events.The sport was included in the 1998 Commonwealth Games (men's) and the 2022 Birmingham edition (women's). It was also included in the Asian Games of 2010, 2014, and 2023. 

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<![CDATA[ICC to launch first ever mobile cricket game for fans worldwide]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/icc-to-launch-first-ever-mobile-cricket-game-for-fans-worldwide/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/icc-to-launch-first-ever-mobile-cricket-game-for-fans-worldwide/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 23:22:36 GMT

Cricket fans everywhere now have something else to cheer about. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that it will release its first-ever mobile cricket game. It is a major entry into the mobile gaming space for the world cricket governing body, with the aim of making cricket more popular and exciting in the hands of fans. The game is set to deliver a breathtaking and realistic cricketing experience.

While the exact details are not yet out, the fans can look forward to HD-quality graphics, real-time gameplay, and big teams and players. With cricket gaining popularity in countries like India, England, Australia, and Pakistan, the ICC venture into mobile gaming can be a breakthrough.

The ICC has proposed updates at regular intervals and seasonal competitions to keep the game fresh. With mobile gaming being a billion-dollar market, this launch can become the launchpad for new opportunities for the online expansion of cricket. It provides an opportunity to remain engaged with the sport between live matches.

ALSO SEE: Watch: 'Girgit agar kisi ka...', Navjot Singh Sidhu trolled Ambati Rayadu on camera

A New Era of Fan Engagement

This mobile phone game is not just about entertainment; it's part of a bigger plan to engage fans differently. The ICC hopes to appeal to the next generation and give them an even more interactive way of viewing cricket. By merging sport and technology, the ICC believes that it can popularize the game globally. The game is being developed with one of the most prominent mobile game development studios to create a smooth and engaging user experience.

ALSO SEE: IPL handed over demerit point and hefty penalty to Glenn Maxwell

Players will have the option to play in various modes like World Cups, Test matches, and even daily challenges. The game may have multiplayer options as well so that fans can play with or against their friends. The date of release has not been confirmed yet, but the wait is already on.ICC supporters are asked to tune in to ICC's official websites for previews and updates. As the game of cricket keeps changing, this mobile game will be a lively and interactive method for cricket fans to follow the game wherever they go.

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<![CDATA[Women's Day brings historic special news for ICC women's cricket tournaments]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/women-s-day-brings-historic-special-news-for-icc-women-s-cricket-tournaments/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/women-s-day-brings-historic-special-news-for-icc-women-s-cricket-tournaments/ Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:08:17 GMT

The International Women's Day 2025 proves very special for women's cricket as the ICC women's cricket tournaments have achieved special things, which is the very first time, and it opened a new era of women's cricket.

Previously, ICC women's cricket tournaments had no dedicated standalone sponsors as those would follow the men's tournaments pathway. The advertisers were subsidising women's cricket, which acted like an add-on or freebie with men's tournaments. But the scenario is set to change from now.

From the upcoming ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, which India will host, the ICC women's tournaments will have the standalone sponsors, which are solely contracted and not related to men's tournaments. 

ICC-Rexona partnership opens up new chapter

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has partnered with Unilever to open the new chapter in women's cricket. The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2027, ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 will have the dedicated commercial sponsor Rexona, a personal care brand of Unilever. The ICC-Rexona partnership will run till the end of 2027 with a view to future expansion. 

See Also: RCB Star Ellyse Perry Talks About The Maha Kumbh Mela

This collaboration will empower female cricketers: Jay Shah

The ICC chairman Jay Shah commented, "This International Women’s Day we are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Unilever, which signifies a pivotal moment for women's cricket. By aligning with a global leader like Unilever and its personal care brands for the ICC’s first ever women’s partnership, we are not only securing valuable commercial support but also reinforcing the growing importance of women's sport on the world stage.

“This collaboration will empower female cricketers, inspire future generations, and contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of women's cricket globally."

As women's cricket is growing strongly, which is impressively visible in the recent ICC tournaments, where the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, 2023, and 2020 Finals were sold out with a record-breaking attendance in a women's cricket game of 86,174 in the Final of the 2020 edition, Australia vs India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Apart from the stadium crowd attendance, the recent ICC women's tournaments have also experienced record-breaking viewership figures. 

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<![CDATA[ICC Champions Trophy 2025: How safe is Pakistan for international tournament?]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/icc-champions-trophy-2025-how-safe-is-pakistan-for-international-tournament/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/icc-champions-trophy-2025-how-safe-is-pakistan-for-international-tournament/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:23:25 GMT

Pakistan is hosting the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is a remarkable achievement for the country after facing long years in isolation. But the question is still rising: How safe is the country for an international tournament? 

The ICC Champions Trophy has returned after eight years, and Pakistan is hosting the ninth edition of the tournament. The country Pakistan, which faced isolation from international cricket for many years, especially after the terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in 2009, which also took away Pakistan's hosting chance of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh remained as hosts). Before the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan previously hosted an ICC tournament back in the World Cup 1996.

See Also: "They're not learning or getting better": Wasim Akram criticizes Pakistan players after Champions Trophy exit

Six foreign teams have traveled to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy

Eight teams are participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which started on February 23. While six teams are playing in the tournament in Pakistan, along with the hosts Pakistan, India refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns. Ultimately, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have arranged all Indian matches of the tournament at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Warnings for the tournament

Although the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is running without any big trouble, the threat is still looming. Recently, Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau has issued a serious warning of possible foreigners kidnapping for ransom, and the threat is to the foreigners who are attending the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Afghanistan's intelligence agency (GDI) has also issued a similar warning. 

More recent dramas

Despite recent financial trouble and political turmoil in the nation and continuous terrorist attack news from the entire country, the PCB's stubbornness has slowly opened up places to host international cricket matches by welcoming foreign teams but under tight security. However, one of the significant moments in recent years, which wasn't on any positive side, was the New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) abandonment decision of the Pakistan tour of the men's team following a New Zealand government security alert. That decision came on the day when the three-match ODI series was scheduled to begin. 

Also, not to forget, the Sri Lanka A team returned home from Pakistan in the middle of the fixtures due to political unrest in Pakistan last November.

Some foreigners, who have experienced Pakistan's condition in recent times, have strongly questioned the necessity of hosting the ICC tournament in the country.

Just before the beginning of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan fans invaded National Stadium in Karachi during the opening ceremony of the tournament.  

The latest discomfortable picture

Now, another scene has raised the security question in Pakistan, while the country has tried to host the tournament in very tight security. During the match between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A last Monday (February 24) at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (Rawalpindi), a fan invaded while New Zealand were chasing the 237-run target.

Although it is very common nowadays in any big matches, it is not a good sign for Pakistan cricket. Although the PCB has ensured to take strict action for this incident, the question has arisen once again, and it is: Is Pakistan safe for an international tournament?

 

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<![CDATA[PCB asks ICC for clarification on Pakistan's omission from tournament logo during India vs Bangladesh broadcast]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/pcb-asks-icc-for-clarification-on-pakistan-s-omission-from-tournament-logo-during-india-vs-bangladesh-broadcast/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/pcb-asks-icc-for-clarification-on-pakistan-s-omission-from-tournament-logo-during-india-vs-bangladesh-broadcast/ Sat, 22 Feb 2025 19:01:46 GMT

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to get clarification for the hosting country Pakistan's name missing during the Group A match India vs Bangladesh during the second game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 started on Wednesday (February 19) with the Group A match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. While New Zealand won that match by 60 runs, the whole match was broadcast with the name of Pakistan under the Champions Trophy 2025 logo in the left corner of the broadcast. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ben Duckett thrashes tournament record; England record first-ever 350+ CT total

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Bangladesh broadcast experienced "Pakistan" missing from logo

On the next day, the other Group A team India and Bangladesh started their tournament journey, which was played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The entire match carried the Champions Trophy 2025 logo without the name of Pakistan as well as UAE. However, the next two fixtures, which were played at the National Stadium in Karachi (Afghanistan vs South Africa) and at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore (Australia vs England), carried the hosting country's name along with the tournament logo.

The ICC has reportedly told the PCB that it was an early technical error, but the PCB hasn't been reportedly satisfied. The PCB has reportedly asked for assurance of no further similar mistakes, the ICC has reportedly clarified that the issue won't happen in future matches. The Group A match India vs Pakistan has been scheduled for Sunday (February 23) at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: UAE added to the schedule only for Indian matches

The hosting rights for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were a big issue as Pakistan has the complete rights to the tournament. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to travel to Pakistan, and after a long wait, Pakistan ultimately confirmed that Dubai in the United Arab Emirates would host all Indian matches of the tournament. 

 

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