The gruesome terrorist attack in Pahalgam has shocked everyone in the country. Rajeev Shukla, the vice president the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already stated that Team India will not entertain any bilateral series with Pakistan. Further media reports have suggested that the Board can take further steps to avoid any match against Pakistan.

According to a media report, BCCI wrote the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to put the Indian cricket team in the same group as Pakistan in their future events. The update came as a media report, yet to be announced by the board or by the Council officially. 

The 2008 Mumbai terror attack was considered to be a major setback for relations between the two countries, India and Pakistan. After the incident, Team India never traveled to Pakistan. Even in ICC events, both teams faced each other in neutral venues.

Read More: IPL 2025: CSK vs SRH Match 43- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

Both sides played the series way back in 2012-2013 when Pakistan toured India to play a limited-overs cricket series. India last played against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, where Sri Lanka won the trophy by defeating India. 

Know what BCCI vice president has said

BCCI even refused to send team India to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Pakistan Cricket Board was the host nation of the team. Later, ICC converted the multiple-nation tournament into a hybrid model. Instead of playing on Pakistani soil, Team India played their matches in Dubai. 

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla said in a statement, "We are with the victims, and we condemn it. Whatever our government says, we will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in a bilateral series because of the government’s stance. And we will not play with Pakistan bilaterally going forward. But when it comes to the ICC event, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware of what is happening; they will do it."

In a significant development, former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has come forward with serious allegations against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), claiming that his salary remains unpaid following his tenure with the national side. Gillespie, a former Australian fast bowler and a respected figure in international cricket, expressed his frustration over what he described as a disappointing experience with the PCB's management.

Gillespie was appointed as the head coach of the Pakistan national team for a short-term role aimed at revamping team strategies and performance during a transitional phase. Despite stepping into the challenging role with optimism and professionalism, he now alleges that the financial commitments made to him during the appointment were not fulfilled.

In a recent interview, Gillespie stated, “It’s extremely disheartening to give your time, energy, and expertise to a cricket board, only to have basic financial commitments overlooked. I took the role with a clear understanding of the terms, and it’s disappointing that the agreed payments have not been made.” the former coach also expressed concern for other international professionals who might consider working with the PCB. “It’s not just about me; it’s about the message it sends to other professionals. 

Also read: IPL 2025: Know the reason why Rahul Tripathi is not playing in MI vs CSK match 38

Gillespie’s salary dispute sparks new controversy for PCB

The PCB has yet to release an official statement in response to Gillespie’s claims. However, sources close to the board suggest that there may be administrative delays and that efforts are being made to resolve outstanding financial matters.

This incident is not the first time the PCB has faced criticism over financial or contractual disputes. Similar complaints have been raised in the past by both domestic and international professionals, highlighting a recurring issue that could harm the board’s credibility on the global stage. as the story develops, all eyes will be on the PCB’s next move. Will they address Gillespie’s allegations and make amends, or will this further strain their relations with international cricketing figures? for now, Gillespie’s words serve as a cautionary tale and a call for greater accountability and professionalism in cricket administration.

The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is poised to take the fan experience in Season 10 to a higher level by launching Player Tracking Technology. From April 11, PSL X will employ this cutting edge system to capture granular ball-by-ball data, providing real-time analytics of the game.This new technology will record each movement in the field a fielder's position, a bowler's run-up, or a batter's stance frame by frame.

The information gathered from each delivery is going to be presented on the screen through easy to understand, simple to view graphics, and this will provide the fans with a better insight into what is happening in the field. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) affirms this is a major step towards harmonizing the PSL with international standards of broadcasting. The technology, apart from raising engagement, will also raise the level of transparency during games. The coaches and captains will use the information real-time to make better decisions.

ALSO SEE: Irfan Pathan Criticizes CSK, PBKS for Poor Fielding in High Scoring IPL Match

Key Features to Enhance Strategy and Fan Experience

Among some of the interesting features of this technology are zone-based fielding performance, batting heatmaps of scoring regions, catch analysis, and intelligent breakdowns of field placements. All these will enable fans to experience the game more intelligently while giving teams useful information to optimize strategies during games. Apart from this tracking system, PSL X will also offer auto no-ball detection, umpire communication in real time, Decision Review System (DRS), innings timer, multi-camera replays, and match logging to provide an entirely tech-supported match environment.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Shubman Gill Clean Bowled by Archer’s Speedy Delivery

The 10th season of PSL will get underway with an electrifying opening ceremony in Rawalpindi. The 34-match season, comprising 30 league and four playoff games, will take place across the four cities of Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. The big finale will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 18. Defending title holders Islamabad United will battle Lahore Qalandars in the inaugural match.

The Pakistan Super League will take a major leap in match officiating technology as it reaches its milestone 10th edition in 2025. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that all 34 matches of PSL 10  to be played from April 11 to May 18  will have a complete range of Match Officials' Technology (MOT), a first in the history of the league.

In the past, the PSL only applied fragments of MOT, but this year, the system will be implemented in its entirety to meet international standards and improve the accuracy of decisions as well as fan interaction.

ALSO SEE: 'Lumber 1 Batter Wapas Aa Gaya' - Fans Laugh Off as Babar Azam is Expected to Return to Pakistan's T20I Team

Major Features Released

The MOT enhancements feature several advanced tools to improve the quality and transparency of match decisions:

• Auto no-ball detection with ultra-motion cameras
• Real-time communication between on-field umpires and the third umpire
• Visible DRS and innings countdown timers for live-watching fans
• Ball-by-ball over-rate monitoring for teams and viewers
• Hand-held tablets for umpires to track over-rates and activate DRS immediately
• Multiscreen replay viewing and multi-angle reviews for match referees
• Embedded microphones for open and clear communication during reviews

These features promise quicker and more accurate umpiring decisions, with fans having a better understanding of the decision-making process.

Tournament Schedule and Format

The 2025 PSL will have six teams playing 30 league matches and four playoff matches. The PCB hopes to provide a world-class experience on and off the ground through this technological enhancement.

ALSO SEE: 'Ye phir fine khayega' - Fans elated as Digvesh Rathi repeats controversial celebration vs MI in match 16 of IPL 2025

Ahead of Gaddafi Stadium matches, the Punjab government has adjusted school hours in Lahore from April 3 to April 21. All public and private schools will run from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM from April 3 to April 21. Summer school timings in Punjab will start from April 7 and continue until October 15.

With new technology and improved planning, PSL 10 is emerging as the most sophisticated version of the tournament thus far.

As per the breaking news, Pakistani cricketing legend Babar Azam is going to be back in the T20I team. Pakistan, under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha, just suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, which led the PCB to rethink their selection decisions.

Pakistan's dismal performance in New Zealand was primarily a result of their lackluster batting effort. Although Hasan Nawaz played a century, his inconsistency proved to be costly for the team. In contrast, Mohammad Haris, Abdul Samad, and Irfan Khan Niazi did not prove worthy of their selection, with Haris scoring just 65 runs in five innings and the others having poor strike rates.

ALSO SEE: 'Ye phir fine khayega' - Fans elated as Digvesh Rathi repeats controversial celebration vs MI in match 16 of IPL 2025

Considering these challenges, the PCB selection committee is said to be mulling over Babar Azam's return for the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, according to reports by BBN Sports.

Babar Azam's T20 Career: A Mix of Highs and Lows

Babar reached new peaks in T20Is as Pakistan defeated India for the first time in a World Cup encounter. His batting declined in subsequent ICC tournaments, though. His long lean period saw the PCB stripping him of the T20I captaincy, only to reappoint him before the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Inconsistencies apart, Babar is Pakistan's most technically sound batter. His return can strengthen Pakistan's top order, which has been plagued by inexperience and inconsistency. Babar was left out of the New Zealand series as the PCB experimented with young domestic players. Aaqib Javed, the head coach, insisted on aggressive intent, and thus, senior batters were left out. But in the wake of Pakistan's embarrassing defeat, the PCB has come under criticism, and Babar's comeback is now a virtual certainty.

ALSO SEE: 'Kung Fu Pandya' - Fans congratulate Hardik Pandya on his brilliant five wicket haul against LSG in IPL 2025

Babar is Pakistan's record T20I run-scorer with 4,223 runs in 128 games, having a strike rate of just below 130. While frequently lambasted for playing a conservative game, his experience might prove invaluable to Pakistan during the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

Fans Reaction:

Good news for india

— Gaurav 🚩 (@Unite998) April 4, 2025

If have a good PSL why not? Isn't that the criteria do good performance in domestic and come back?

— Cricket Opinion 🏏 (@CrickettOpinion) April 4, 2025

Pakistan kabhi nahi seekhega apni galatiyo se.

— The Cricket Lab (@funnycric) April 4, 2025

Babar Azam is likely to return to the Pakistan T20I squad ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

🤣🤣🤣🤣
Kamaal Hai... !
😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫#LSGvsMI #MIvsLSG #LSGvMI #MIvLSG #WeWantFreeImranKhan pic.twitter.com/CrdWUvUoLF

— Imperial Tiffin (@Yash_Dhawan_) April 4, 2025

"He couldn't have come to wipe the tears of his dear one.
When you’re gone.
You’re gone." -- Papa: Surviving the Loss (poems)

— Veeksha Vagmita (@vagmitaveeku) April 4, 2025

Pakistan cricket's future is in safe hands.

Bhola Record is ready to replace Babar Azam. pic.twitter.com/UbFD1mbbIF

— 𝐀. (@was_abdd) April 4, 2025

If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one

— 🌼 (@cutiieepie8) April 4, 2025

babar azam in t20is in 2024

12 innings
470 runs
39.1 average
142.8 strike rate
6 fifties

If langda shaitan with 10+ economy can play, why not Babar? pic.twitter.com/yvVvXdT7hW

— Maaz (@Im_MaazKhan) April 4, 2025

Anyone surprised? We are stuck with Babar and Rizwan until they retire or die 😂

— F. (@WelcomeNowLeave) April 4, 2025

So he is hiding from NZ series 🤣🤣🤣. Ready for one more zalalat in asia cup and T20i wc. He is playing against Kuldeep hasranga rashid Varun theeksaana Noor Rishad on SL pitches in Asia cup who get owned by Bracewell. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

— Raghav (@Raghav970570018) April 4, 2025

Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, has been voted in as the new president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a two-year period. He takes over from Shammi Silva, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) head. The move was endorsed during a virtual ACC members' meeting. Naqvi, who has been at the helm of the PCB since early 2024, has been a central figure in constructing Pakistan cricket. Under his leadership, Pakistan upgraded three of its top-class stadiums and successfully hosted the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on a hybrid model. Naqvi offered his thanks in taking office, saying Asia is the epicentre of world cricket and that he is dedicated to working with every ACC member in increasing the popularity and stature of the game.

ALSO SEE: Gujarat Titans suffers huge loss as star player returns back to his nation

He did also show gratitude to his predecessor and stated how much it meant to have an open mind as a means to advance Asian cricket to its utmost potential. Under his leadership, ACC seeks to fortify its programs for youth development, provide further opportunities for rising players, and promote increased activity throughout the continent.

Challenges and Future Goals

One of the major challenges ahead for Naqvi is the Asia Cup, scheduled for September. Originally to be hosted by India, the tournament will now be held in a neutral location because of continuing political tensions between India and Pakistan. Hosting a smooth and successful event will be one of the biggest tests of his leadership.Besides his cricket administrative experience, Naqvi also boasts a government background as he has been Pakistan's Minister of Interior and Punjab province caretaker Chief Minister. His experience in dealing with large operations and decision-making would be important in his current position.

ALSO SEE: KBR vs MIS Dream11 Prediction Match 25 Fantasy Cricket Tips West Indies T10 Bago Blast 

As Naqvi takes over, he envisions an Asian cricket that continues to climb to newer heights of international stature. With expansion, harmony, and innovation driving the process, he will lead the ACC to even higher peaks and take Asian cricket to even greater heights.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have decided to swap the One Day International (ODI) matches with Twenty20 International (T20I) games in the upcoming bilateral series between the two nations. This is done as part of preparations for both teams for the Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

The initial series, the tour of Pakistan by Bangladesh in May 2025, had three ODIs in it originally but has now been changed to a series of five T20I matches by the boards. This will provide both the teams with great experience in the T20 format as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.

The second series, the Pakistan tour of Bangladesh in July 2025, was also to be made up of three ODIs. But it will now include three T20I matches instead. This is done to provide the teams with more emphasis on T20 cricket, as both are gearing up for the challenges in the upcoming big T20 tournaments.

ALSO SEE: PBKS VS GT IPL Match Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch on the tv and online mobile

This shift from ODIs to T20Is is happening when T20 cricket is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world with the majority of the world's major cricket nations placing greater significance on this version due to its fast and short nature. It is being considered a major part of the run-up to the upcoming international tournaments like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.

This change places particular importance on the increasing importance of T20I cricket within today's game and offers Bangladesh and Pakistan a chance to iron out their plans and improve their T20I side in preparation for the much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.

PCB Confirms No Loss in Business by Hosting Champions Trophy 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will not involve any loss of business. On the contrary, the board can expect to gain a profit of INR 86.25 crore from the tournament. This clarification comes in the wake of speculations that India might not come to Pakistan in light of political hostilities between the two countries.

Financial Gains from Hosting

• The PCB has estimated significant financial gains from hosting the event. The income will be derived from various sources, including:
  
• Broadcasting Rights: ICC sells media rights, guarantees major returns.
  
• Sponsorships: Huge brands will collaborate with ICC and PCB for promotion.
  
• Ticket Sales: Games featuring popular teams will draw huge crowds.
  
• Tourism Boost: Fans of cricket from all over the globe might travel to Pakistan.

India's Possible Absence and Alternative Plans
One of the main issues is whether India will play in Pakistan or if their games will be relocated to a neutral ground. The Indian government has not issued any official announcement regarding their decision. If India does not go, the ICC could relocate their games to some other place, like the UAE or Sri Lanka.

In spite of this doubt, the PCB is confident that the event will remain financially viable. The board contends that even if a few matches are hosted elsewhere, Pakistan will still receive a significant portion of the revenue.

ALSO READ:The Ultimate All-Time Best IPL XI Team of Legendary Players

🚨 PCB SAYS NO LOSS FOR CT. 🚨

- PCB claims 86.25cr INR profit for hosting 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/UJuYiJRscu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 21, 2025

Security and Hosting Arrangements

For smooth functioning, PCB is collaborating closely with:
Government Agencies: Ensuring high-level security for all teams.
ICC Officials: Complying with international standards for event management.
Stadium Preparations: Upgrading Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi facilities.

ICC Role in Decision Making
The last word on matters of hosting belongs to the International Cricket Council (ICC). It will review the security situation and determine if all teams, including India, play in Pakistan or at a neutral location.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lost a huge sum of money after the ICC Champions Trophy, which was the first ICC tournament in Pakistan in 29 years. The PCB lost a record Rs 869 crore in preparations for the tournament, including stadium refurbishment, security, etc. But the board earned only Rs 52 crore from hosting and ticketing fees. This led to a huge loss of Rs 739 crore, and the PCB's future to host big events was doubted. The poor financial performance has placed the PCB in a defensive position, and it is now reconsidering hosting future tournaments. The loss also questioned the long-term sustainability of hosting such tournaments in Pakistan.

Disappointing Return Despite Success of the Event:

While the Champions Trophy as a sporting event was a success, with the Pakistani team performing well and the crowd attending in good mood, the return in the form of finance was much less than expected. The PCB also expected to gain a profit by staging the tournament, but ticket and sponsorship sales were not sufficient to counter the astronomical expense. The loss signals the risks involved in hosting international events. The PCB will now have to investigate future events and how to organize them so that they raise sufficient money to avoid future financial losses. The board can also seek means of securing better sponsors and high turnout at future tournaments so as to reduce financial risks. In the future, the PCB can seek alternative revenue sources so that they can be profitable in the future.

ALSO READ:New Zealand vs Pakistan: Second T20I Match Details, Predicted Playing XI, and Live Streaming Info

High Risks in Hosting Big Events:

This loss illustrates the danger in hosting large international events. Despite the fact that the PCB incurred a lot in preparing for the Champions Trophy, the revenue generated was not sufficient to offset the expenses. The board will have to plan thoroughly for future events to ensure that they are economically viable.

Pakistan cricket has been struggling in recent years, with constant changes in Captaincy, coaches, and selectors, but things haven’t improved or changed. These changes have hurt many players, including Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s most talented cricketers. His form has dropped, and he has lost the captaincy twice. Recently, his performance in the Champions Trophy led to criticism from former players.

Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has backed up for Babar Azam after he faced criticism from ex-cricketers. Speaking to Sportstar, he said, "You have only one star player. If you keep bringing him down, how will Pakistan cricket move forward? Former players should stop with the negativity."

Ajmal pointed out that every cricketer goes through tough times. "Bad form is a part of the game. You can't always play the same way. Even Sachin Tendulkar didn’t score a hundred in every match." After Pakistan's disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy, the PCB board made quick changes. Mohammad Rizwan was removed as T20I captain, and both he and Babar Azam were dropped from the team.

“You only have one star and that is Babar Azam, if u will disrepect him then dont expect your cricket to survive” - Saeed Ajmal pic.twitter.com/158VeGgAwF

— Jalaad 🔥 حمزہ (@SaithHamzamir) March 15, 2025

Ajmal disagreed with the decision, saying, "Dropping them like this was unfair. It's not like they were the only ones struggling. The selectors should have talked to Babar about taking a break so he could come back stronger."

"Babar and Rizwan are great players. Their records are as good as anyone’s the only difference is that they don’t play very aggressively, but they still score runs. Now, suddenly, people think you have to be aggressive to succeed in international cricket."

ALSO READ: women's premier league (wpl) 2025: complete prize money & award winners list

"Come on, what aggression are we even talking about? If they are proven match-winners, they don’t need to change their style. Even legends like Virat Kohli take their time to settle before attacking that’s just how he plays."