Pakistan News World

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday the much-awaited squad for the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 and the tri-nation series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa. According to a statement issued by the cricket board, there are four changes in the 15-player squad that last played an ODI series in South Africa late last year. Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub and Sufyan Moqim have been replaced by Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah and Saud Shakeel. The squad, to be captained by Mohammad Rizwan with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain, includes three members from the 2017 title-winning side — Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf and Fakhar Zaman. Babar and Fakhar, along with Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saud Shakeel had also featured in the last 50-over ICC event — the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023. Following the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan has played three ODI series, defeating 50-over world cham...

The second mpox case of the year was detected on Thursday when a five-month-old infant with the disease arrived in Peshawar from Qatar, health authorities said. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali confirmed that the case was detected at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport, bringing the province’s total to 11 since 2022. “The Public Health Reference Lab has confirmed the presence of the mpox virus in a five-month-old infant. The child had recently arrived in Pakistan at Peshawar Airport with her parents from Qatar,” the health adviser said as he provided details of the case. Following the confirmation of the case, the health department initiated screening for the infant’s parents to ensure their health and safety. Furthermore, a letter has been sent to the airport authorities, requesting passenger details for those who traveled near the patient to ensure comprehensive surveillance. The adviser emphasised that swift measures are being taken to prevent the spread...

A new study suggests that drinking sparkling water instead of still water could potentially offer more benefits beyond just hydration! As per ScienceAlert, the carbonation (or fizz) in sparkling water might help with weight loss. The research published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health revealed that drinking sparkling water introduces carbon dioxide (CO2) into the bloodstream. Red blood cells then convert the CO2 into bicarbonate, which lowers the acidity in the cells. This reduction in acidity speeds up the use of glucose for energy, leading to less sugar being stored as fat. Akira Takahashi, a physician and researcher at the Tesseikai Neurosurgical Hospital in Japan, who conducted a study, revealed that the effects of drinking carbonated drinks on weight loss are minimal. "The impact of CO2 in carbonated water is not a standalone solution for weight loss. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain crucial components of sustainable weight management,” he ...

Australia's Steve Smith joined a select group of batter to reach 10,000 Test runs on Wednesday during the first morning of the opening Test against Sri Lanka. Smith started the match on 9,999 runs and on his first ball pushed for a single off Prabath Jayasuriya in Galle to be the 15th player and fourth Australian to the milestone. The stand-in skipper raised his bat to acknowledge the applause from the crowd. "Fortunately hit that one in the gap so nice to get that one away," the 35-year-old told Australia's 7Cricket. "Nice to tick that off," he added. Smith joined fellow Australians Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh in a list led by India's Sachin Tendulkar, who made 15,921 runs in his red-ball career. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was the first to cross 10,000 runs in Test cricket when he achieved the feat against Pakistan in 1987 at Ahmedabad. Smith is leading Australia in the two-match Test series after regular captain Pat Cu...

Tickets for next month’s ICC Champions Trophy group-stage matches and the second semi-final in Pakistan are now available for online purchase, starting today [Tuesday]. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced that the matches will take place at three venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, from February 19 to March 9. India’s matches will be held in Dubai. General stand tickets will start at 1,000 rupees, with premium seating available from 1,500 rupees in various categories. Physical tickets can be purchased from February 3 at designated courier service centres across Pakistan. The exciting two-week event will feature the world’s top eight cricket nations competing in 15 matches over 19 days, with every match crucial in the race for the iconic white jackets. via Original Source

Neymar has parted ways with Al Hilal by mutual consent, the Saudi Pro League champions announced after a disappointing spell at the club for Brazil’s all-time top scorer. The 32-year-old sustained a knee injury in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023 and has struggled to get back to his best. “Al Hilal and Neymar Jr. have agreed to terminate the player’s contract by mutual consent,” the Saudi club posted on X early on Tuesday morning. Neymar played only seven games for Al Hilal since moving from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a reported fee of about 90 million euros ($98m) in August 2023. Brazilian media have reported that Neymar, who has scored 79 goals for the national team, will return to his childhood club Santos after leaving in 2013 to join Barcelona. Neymar still holds the world record for a football transfer fee at 222 million euros ($232m) after he moved to PSG from Barcelona in August 2017. via Original Source

Some habits that may affect your sleep quality include taking long naps in the daytime, an inconsistent sleep schedule, medication side effects, and more. According to a 2019 review, sleep disruption has become something of a hidden public health epidemic in recent years. This may be linked to what you’re doing while you’re awake. Read on to learn what common daytime habits may be sabotaging your sleep. Daylight and blue light “Sunlight is one of the most important cues that signal [to] our brain that it’s time for us to be awake, while diminishing amounts of light signal that it’s time for our body to get ready for sleep,” says Mairav Cohen-Zion, the chief science officer of dayzz. Cohen-Zion recommends getting at least 20 to 30 minutes of sunlight in the morning hours and avoiding blue light during the 2 hours leading to bedtime. “Too much blue light during the day has no impact on our sleep cycle,” says sleep psychologist Samina Ahmed Jauregui. “Too much blue light in the even...

Tickets for the highly-awaited ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, will go on sale on January 28 (Tuesday) at 14:00 PST, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed on Monday. Fans can now secure a seat for themselves to watch the matches of the mega event live in Pakistan's venues with UAE hosting India's fixtures from February 19 to March 9. The event will kick off with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand held at the National Stadium Karachi. The hosts will strive to defend the title they won in 2017 by defeating India in the final under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed after they lost their first match of the event against the arch-rivals. The national cricketing body has stated that "members of the ICC family will enjoy exclusive early access, with a two-hour priority window to purchase tickets which is open now". Ticket prices have also been revealed but they vary from stand to stand with the general stand ticket costi...

Going to bed early is one of the healthiest habits a person can adopt to enjoy good health, strong immunity and mental well-being. Sleeping early provides the body with the opportunity to rest and wake up feeling energised. The health benefits to the body and immune system are numerous. A report, published in a health journal, stated that sleep helps enhance the proper and healthy secretion of hormones in the body. The report continued by focusing on the relationship between sleep and brain functions, emphasising that early sleep enhances cognitive thinking, attention, and memory, while reducing mental distractions. Research, as per the report, found that good, full, and sufficient sleep can have a positive effect on heart health, protecting it from many medical conditions. Additionally, it boosts mental health, improves mood, and fosters a more resilient mindset. The report highlighted the importance of good, early sleep in combating body inflammation and its role in enhancing...

The West Indies showcased a spin bowling masterclass to dismantle Pakistan in the final Test of the two-match series on Monday, securing a commanding 120-run victory and levelling the series 1-1. Chasing a target of 254, Pakistan faltered under relentless pressure from the Caribbean spinners, collapsing for 133 runs on Day 3. The hosts resumed at 76/4 but quickly found themselves in deep trouble as their fragile batting lineup crumbled within just 20 minutes of play. Kevin Sinclair struck a decisive blow, dismissing Saud Shakeel for 13 and reducing Pakistan to 76/5 in 24.3 overs. Soon after, Kashif Ali succumbed to Jomel Warrican for just one run, leaving Pakistan reeling at 76/6. A brief glimmer of hope emerged as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with a 39-run partnership. However, Warrican once again turned the tide, dismissing Salman for 15. Rizwan’s resistance came to an end soon after he gave away his wicket, scoring 25 runs. He was dismissed by Wa...

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday named Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis as the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year for 2024, recognizing his outstanding performances in the red-ball format. Mendis, who scored 1451 runs across all formats at an average just above 50, stood out alongside some of cricket’s greats in 2024. Having made only one Test appearance for Sri Lanka before the year began, the left-handed batter ended the year not only solidifying his place as a key player in all formats but also becoming Sri Lanka’s go-to player in moments of crisis and high-stakes situations. He played a pivotal role during Sri Lanka’s campaign for their maiden ICC World Test Championship Final spot. The 26-year-old delivered a series of crucial innings, making him one of the six batters to surpass 1000 Test runs in the calendar year, and he averaged the highest among them. The middle-order batter capitalized on his opportunities, hitting five centuries and three fifties in h...

Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite hit a fighting half century on Saturday to lead the West Indies to 129-5 at lunch on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan in Multan. The tourists negotiated Pakistan’s spin attack aggressively to take their slender nine-run first-innings lead to 138 at the break in their bid to pull off a series-levelling win. Pakistan lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 127 runs, also in Multan. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali brought Pakistan back in the game with 4-59, trapping Alick Athanaze leg before for six on the cusp of lunch, while Justin Greaves was unbeaten on five. With the Multan Stadium pitch offering slow spin in comparison to day one, Brathwaite led the way with two sixes and four boundaries in his 31st Test half-century. Noman broke the solid 50-run opening stand by dismissing Mikyle Louis for seven after the tourists started their second innings in the morning. Brathwaite overturned two leg before decisions against ...

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at the omission of Saim Ayub from the upcoming Champions Trophy, saying the board is determined not to rush the recovery process of the young batter. Pakistan are yet to reveal their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, with the board saying on January 21 that it entered the final stage of consultation in this regard for the marquee event, set to be held next week. The PCB chief confirmed to the media on Sunday that the board had adopted a cautious approach in viewing the opener’s long-term health and career. "We cannot put Saim Ayub’s career at risk for the Champions Trophy." Soon, Ayub, who has been sidelined due to a fractured ankle, is anticipated to get the plaster taken off of his foot. "The plaster on Saim Ayub's foot will be removed in a couple of days, as he is undergoing rehabilitation," Naqvi said, reassuring of progress on the left-handed batter’s health condition. The 22-year-old batte...

Pakistan reported its first mpox case of 2025 on Saturday after the infectious disease was detected in a passenger returning from Dubai at Peshawar airport. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Adviser Ihtisham Ali said that the Public Health Reference Lab had confirmed the detection of the mpox virus and shifted the patient to Police Services Hospital. The hospital sent the patient's samples to the provincial reference lab. The manager of the Peshawar airport was also asked to provide details of other passengers via a letter. It is noteworthy to mention here that the province has reported 10 mpox cases over the last three years, including two in 2023, seven in 2024 and one this year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the recent spread of the virus a global emergency in August last year. In 2023, Pakistan had confirmed nine cases of mpox, all among travellers returning from the Middle East and other countries. Mpox is a viral disease related to the now-eradicated smallpox v...

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced the schedule for Pakistan’s tri-nation ODI series with New Zealand and South Africa. The tri-nation ODI series, set to begin on February 8, will be played on a single-league basis at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. As per the PCB, the series will kick off with the first game between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, February 8 at 2pm. “New Zealand will then face South Africa on Monday, 10 February, in a day match with the toss set for 0900 (local time). The action will shift to Karachi, where Pakistan will take on South Africa on 12 February in a day/night match at the National Bank Stadium, starting at 1400 (local time). The final will be played on Friday, 14 February, with the first ball to be bowled at 1400 (local time),” according to the PCB schedule. While the hosts of the tri-nation ODI series and New Zealand will train at the Gaddafi Stadium on February 6 under l...

Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf were named in ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year as the global cricketing body revealed its selection on Friday. Opening batter Saim Ayub was at the top of the ICC’s selection for his “breakout season” following his ODI debut in November against Australia, where he scored a combined 125 runs from three ODIs. Three of his last five innings have produced centuries, including two in South Africa in December, a three-match series that saw him average 78.3, ICC said. In his nine ODI appearances for Pakistan, the left-handed batter scored 515 runs at an average of 64.37 and a strike rate of 105.53. He also hit three tons and one fifty, while his highest score was 113. Earlier this month, Ayub was ruled out of competitive cricket for six weeks after the youngster fractured his ankle. However, he will not need surgery and will instead undergo rehab in London, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed last week. Pacer Afridi had a “big impact” despite...

The participation of Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma in the captains' event ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan remains shrouded in uncertainty. The event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17 in Karachi, is set to bring together all eight participating team captains, but clarity regarding Sharma's attendance is still awaited. According to a cricket website, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to address the matter. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that no discussions have taken place regarding Sharma's travel to Pakistan. Saikia added that this matter is not currently on the agenda, leaving it unclear whether governmental approval would be required for his visit. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reiterated its commitment and has already urged the ICC to ensure that all events surrounding the Champions Trophy are conducted in accordance with established policies and traditions. However, the uncertainty...

Indian players' jerseys will feature the ICC's official logo, including Pakistan's imprint to highlight the host nation, during the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Wednesday. Newly-appointed BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, in an exclusive interview with an Indian cricket news website, confirmed that the Indian team’s jersey will feature the tournament’s official logo, comprising host nation Pakistan's name. He added that the BCCI will follow the International Cricket Council's (ICC) guidelines regarding the men’s Champions Trophy, specifically regarding sporting the official logo. "We will follow whatever the ICC guidelines are," said Saikia. "We will follow the ICC directive," he added. Earlier this week, Indian media reported that the BCCI reportedly refused to wear jerseys featuring the host nation's name, Pakistan, on the Indian team’s jersey for the upcoming Champions Tr...

England's captain Jos Buttler expressed that he does not think a boycott of Afghanistan's cricket team is the appropriate response ahead of their scheduled match in next month's Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. The match, set to take place in Lahore on February 26, has faced significant political scrutiny in recent weeks. This followed a letter from Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi to Richard Gould, the ECB Chief Executive, condemning the "insidious dystopia" and "sex apartheid" affecting 14 million women in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. The letter, signed by over 160 British politicians, urged England's men's team to speak out against the mistreatment of women and girls, including the ban on female participation in sports since 2021. Antoniazzi suggested that a boycott would send a "clear signal" that such abuses would not be tolerated. In response, Gould rejected the call for a boycott, emphasising the need for a "coor...

A common cold, that is typically caused by rhinovirus, has the ability to cause a runny nose, congestion, coughing as well as sneezing. Signs that it's more than a cold include a sore throat, chills, diarrhoea, nausea and throwing up, reported Health. However, it's important to see a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or worsen. Fever above 101 degrees When you have a cold, it's possible to be feverish, however, a high fever is not common. It is important to note that a fever higher than 101 degrees may be a sign of strep throat. In the first few days of illness, most people with strep throat develop a high fever. Low-frade fever for several days Even if it does not feel super intense, be diligent about checking your body temperature. Additionally, running a low-grade fever for several days in a row might be a sign your body is trying to fight off more than a cold. Pattern to your symptoms Allergies and colds can share symptoms, however, a key differe...

Whether COVID-19 was unleashed by a laboratory mishap or spilled over from animals remains an enduring, fiercely contested mystery. Here are the leading arguments that fuel both sides of this debate, as AFP reflects on the virus's impact five years after it reshaped the world. The case for lab leak Proponents of the lab-leak hypothesis highlight that the earliest known COVID-19 cases emerged in Wuhan, China — home to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), a major hub for coronavirus research — located roughly 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometres) from the nearest bat populations carrying similar SARS-like viruses. "Wuhan labs performed research that placed them on a trajectory to obtain SARS viruses having high pandemic potential," Richard Ebright, a microbiologist and professor at Rutgers University, told AFP. "One year before the outbreak, Wuhan labs proposed research to obtain SARS viruses having even higher pandemic potential and features that match, in detail, t...

England batter James Vince has raised concerns about the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) no-objection certificate (NOC) policy, criticising its restrictions on participation in overseas leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), during the English domestic season, while granting exemptions for the Indian Premier League (IPL). After being retained by Karachi Kings in the PSL, Vince pointed out the "double standards" in the ECB's approach. “PSL is a shorter competition, so if you're going to play in that, you're probably missing less domestic cricket than if you're going to the IPL," Vince said. "So, that was a big one where it just didn't seem right,” he added. The ECB’s policy, introduced in November last year, restricts players from participating in overseas leagues that clash with the English summer, including the PSL, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Major League Cricket (MLC). However, players can secure NOCs for...

England beat Pakistan by six wickets in their ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup match at the Johor Cricket Academy Oval in Johor, Malaysia on Monday, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB said in a statement that England chased the 67-run target in 9.2 overs to seal their first win of the tournament. Pakistan, who were awarded one point for their washed-out opening game against the US, are now placed third in Group B with Ireland at fourth. After England invited Pakistan to bat first, the Komal Khan-led outfit lost wickets at regular intervals slipping to 35-5 in 9.2 overs and then 66 all out in 18.5 overs. Zoofishan Ayyaz top-scored with a 13-ball 15 with the help of two boundaries, while Komal contributed with 12 off 25 balls with the help of two fours. For England, Amuruthaa Surenkumar was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-17, while Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Olivia Brinsden picked up two wickets each. In turn, England were reduced to 33-4 before player ...

The Sindh Health Department has directed all the district health offices to implement measures to prevent surge in COVID-19 and H1N1 influenza cases across the province. Viewing the ongoing winter season and the diseases' spread, the health department said that the implementation of the urgent measures were imperative to keep the upsurge and further transmission, it emerged on Monday. Sindh Health Department has directed all the district health officers for implementation of the guidelines as well as strengthening of active surveillance for COVID-19 and H1N1 cases across all healthcare facilities in their respective districts. "Ensure timely and accurate reporting of suspected and confirmed cases from healthcare facilities and labs to the provincial health office. Ensure the availability and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and other essential supplies at all healthcare facilities,” the provincial department said. It ordered the health officers to educate the ...

Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar has recently revealed his favorites to win the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. It’s worth noting that India will play all their matches in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament will be played across Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi in Pakistan. The final is scheduled in Lahore on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Sunil Gavaskar, during an interview, named Pakistan as the favorites, highlighting their home advantage as a major factor. “The tag of favourites should be given to the home team Pakistan as it’s not easy to beat any team in their home conditions,” Gavaskar said. The legendary batter cited India’s example of their domin...

A new study has revealed that eating processed red meat increases the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. According to The Jerusalem Post, a study published in the medical journal Neurology found a strong link between consumption of processed red meat and dementia. The study that analysed health and nutrition data of 133,771 individuals of 49 years found that people who consume processed meat daily, equivalent to two slices of bacon or one hot dog, have a higher risk of dementia as compared to others. The study also revealed that replacing processed red meat with fish lowers dementia risk by 28%, while swapping it with plant-based protein sources such as nuts and legumes could decrease the risk by 20%. Dr. Daniel Wang, an assistant professor, said, “Our study found processed red meat may increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. But the good news is that it also found that replacing it with healthier alternatives, like nuts, fish, and poultry, may reduce a person...

Spinner Sajid Khan took five wickets and Abrar Ahmed another four to guide Pakistan to a 127-run win on the third day of the first Test against West Indies in Multan on Sunday. Sajid took 5-50 for match figures of 9-115, while leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed snared 4-27 as West Indies were dismissed for 123, falling well short of their victory target of 251. Pakistan's spinners took all the wickets in West Indies' second innings, with Noman Ali chipping in with 1-42, as the home side took an early advantage in the two-Test series. Left-handed batter Alick Athanaze hit 55, the only half-century of the match for the tourists, and added 41 runs for the sixth wicket with Tevin Imlach. Sajid removed the dangerous Athanaze, while Abrar's haul included the final wicket of Jomel Warrican. Left-armer Warrican had led the spin attack for the tourists with a career-best 7-32 as Pakistan were bowled out for 157 in their second innings. They were also the best figures by a West Indian b...

India on Saturday unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, as well as the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. The squad was officially revealed during a press conference by Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. One of the key highlights of the squad is the return of pacer Mohammed Shami, who last featured in an ODI match against Australia during the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shami’s inclusion comes as a significant boost to India’s bowling attack as they prepare for the major events ahead. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the selection of Jasprit Bumrah for the Champions Trophy 2025. The pacer is currently recovering from a back injury and, as a result, has been excluded from the ODI squad for the England series. Harshit Rana has been called up as a replacement in Bumrah’s absence. The final decision on Bumrah's participation in the Champions Tr...

Spinner Sajid Khan wrecked the West Indies top order taking four wickets after Pakistan was bowled out for 230 runs in their first innings in the inaugural Test being played at Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday. In reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 230 runs, West Indies lost top four batters with only 26 runs on board. The wrecker-in-chief for Pakistan was spinner Sajid Khan who grabbed all the four wickets in as many overs for just 10 runs. Earlier, the whole Pakistani team was bowled out for 230 runs on the second day of the first cricket Test against West Indies. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 84 runs while Muhammad Rizwan was out after hitting 71 runs. For West Indies, Jayden Seales took three wickets for 27 runs while Jomel Warrican also grabbed three wickets for 69 runs. Kevin Sinclair claimed two wickets for 61 runs. Spinners Jomel Warrican and Kevin Sinclair led a West Indies charge with five wickets between them to dismiss Pakistan for 230 on the second day of ...

Coffee drinkers have good news from the biomedical researchers: a morning cup can benefit your heart and help you live longer. However, the timing of consumption matters more than the quantity. While caffeine could be playing a role in boosting health, coffee also contains several bioactive compounds, including anti-inflammatory substances, that work together to protect your heart when consumed in the morning. According to the first major study examining the health benefits of coffee at different times of the day, those who enjoy their morning coffee reap distinct advantages that are not observed in those who indulge later. Analysing the coffee consumption habits of over 40,000 adults, the research found that morning coffee drinkers were 16% less likely to die from any cause and 31% less likely to succumb to cardiovascular disease over a 10-year period compared to those who abstained. However, the heart health benefits appeared to fade in individuals who consumed coffee throughout...

The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) newly-elected secretary Devajit Saikia commented on the prospects of longer formats captain Rohit Sharma’s visit to Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Indian media reported earlier this month that their national men’s team’s captain Sharma will likely cross the border for preceding events related to the tournament. The events will include an all-captains photo shoot and a press conference where skippers will share their expectations for the tournament. For the Champions Trophy 2025, all eight participating captains are scheduled to participate in this event organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, as per the latest development, Saikia revealed that the BCCI did not receive any such proposal and also that it was not part of the board’s discussions with the apex cricketing body. "We haven't got any such proposal. This hasn't been part of our discussions with the ICC," Sai...