#CricketRules

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has ignited an unexpected controversy, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) standing firm against featuring the host country, Pakistan’s name, on Team India’s jerseys. This decision, made against the backdrop of a hybrid tournament structure with games split between Pakistan and Dubai, has prompted strong reactions from cricket boards, fans, and the International Cricket Council (ICC). Let’s break down the issue and its implications.

Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), recently met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Lausanne, Switzerland. This meeting might pave the path for cricket’s triumphant return to the Olympic scene in the future Los Angeles 2028 Games. Cricket fans around the world are ecstatic, as the game’s participation on one of the most prestigious global athletic platforms signifies a significant step forward.

Following a dismal red-ball assignment in Australia, the Men in Blue will return to the white-ball format on Wednesday, January 22, when Suryakumar Yadav-led India face Jos Buttler-led England in the opening T20 of the five-match series at Kolkata’s historic Eden Gardens. While India has struggled in both ODI and Test cricket in recent years, they have fared much better in T20s, winning 24 of the 26 games they played in 2024, including the 2024 ICC World T20 final against South Africa.

India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 has stirred debate with its spin-heavy bowling attack. At the Dubai International Stadium, where India will play their matches, pacers have dominated in recent games. Yet, the team has opted for four specialist spinners, raising questions about their strategy.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya have all been included for India’s team for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The three most recently made an ODI appearance at the World Cup in 2023. The 15-man team released on Saturday afternoon (January 18) will be headed by Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill serving as his deputy and features a significant inclusion in Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make his ODI debut.

The WPL 2025 would be hosted in four places, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said on Sunday, January 12. This year’s women’s franchise league sites will be in Mumbai, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Vadodara.

The IPL 2025 season will begin on March 21, following important decisions taken at the most recent BCCI meeting, which included the appointment of a new treasurer and secretary. Top players such as Rishabh Pant broke records with their enormous bids at the auction.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a critical meeting on Sunday to assess India’s disappointing performance during their recent tour of Australia. The meeting lasted more than two hours and featured conversations with under-pressure captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Following the team’s terrible performance, which were mostly due to senior players’ poor form, the BCCI opted not to make any hurried choices.

Team India, the current T20 World Champions, will start their T20 program with a home series of 5 games against England. The first game is set to take place on January 22, 2025.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering changes to the long ball rules. This may offer players more leniency. This news, highlighted by South African legend Shaun Pollock. It has sparked debate among cricket fans and experts but what exactly is being proposed? And what are the impacts that will have on such games?