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  • Afghanistan Confirms Participation In Champions Trophy 2025, Boosting Pakistan’s Hosting Prospects: Reports | cricket news

    In a significant boost for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Afghanistan has confirmed its participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This assurance comes as a relief amid speculations about some countries potentially following India’s lead if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decides not to send its team to Pakistan for the event. The confirmation came during the ICC Annual Board Meeting held in Colombo, where Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) President Mirwais Ashraf and CEO Naseeb Khan met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The Afghan officials expressed their eagerness to participate in the Champions Trophy, marking Afghanistan’s debut in this prestigious tournament.

    Also Read: EXPLAINED: Why Smriti Mandhana Replaced Harmanpreet Kaur As Indian Women’s Team Captain In Match Against Nepal In Women’s Asia Cup 2024

    Naqvi shared the news with optimism, stating, “They told the chairman that Afghanistan is looking forward to sending its team to Pakistan since they are participating in the Champions Trophy for the first time.” This assurance helps counter the prevailing perception that the BCCI’s financial influence could sway other cricket boards, including those of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, to follow its path.

    Overcoming Speculation and Uncertainty

    The cricketing world has been abuzz with speculation about India’s potential non-participation in the Champions Trophy if it is held in Pakistan. A former PCB chairman, Khalid Mehmood, had even suggested in an interview that if India opts out, other teams might insist on relocating the tournament to a different venue.

    However, the ACB’s commitment to participating in the Champions Trophy signifies a positive shift. This development not only bolsters Pakistan’s efforts to successfully host the tournament but also showcases Afghanistan’s commitment to international cricket despite regional politics.

    Historical Significance for Pakistan

    The Champions Trophy 2025 holds immense significance for Pakistan. It will be the first major ICC event hosted by the country since it co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. This tournament presents an opportunity for Pakistan to reaffirm its capability to host high-profile international cricket events, enhancing its reputation on the global stage.

    Excitement Building for the Champions Trophy

    As the cricketing world gears up for the Champions Trophy in February and March 2025, the anticipation is palpable. Afghanistan’s assurance of participation adds an exciting dimension to the tournament, promising thrilling encounters and standout performances.

    Afghanistan’s cricket journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From gaining full member status with the ICC in 2017 to producing world-class talents like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, the team has consistently punched above its weight. Their participation in the Champions Trophy will undoubtedly bring fresh enthusiasm and competitiveness to the event.

    Implications for Regional Cricket Dynamics

    Afghanistan’s decision to play in Pakistan despite potential political pressures highlights the growing maturity and independence of cricketing nations in the region. It also underscores the importance of separating sports from politics, allowing cricket to serve as a unifying force.

    The PCB, on its part, has been diligently working to ensure top-notch security and hospitality for all participating teams. Hosting the Champions Trophy successfully would be a testament to Pakistan’s preparedness and resilience, setting the stage for more international cricket in the country.

  • Afghanistan Stuns Cricket World By Qualifying For T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-Finals After Defeating Bangladesh, Australia Knocked Out | Cricket News

    T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan has stunned cricket experts by reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 after defeating Bangladesh by 8 runs (DLS) in their Super 8 match on Tuesday, June 25, at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St.Vincent. This victory knocked Australia, the 2021 champions, out of the tournament following their losses to India and Afghanistan. Despite rain interruptions in the second innings, Afghanistan kept their cool.

    Finishing second in the table with 4 points and a net run rate of -0.267, Afghanistan secured two wins from three games. After a heavy 47-run loss to India, Rashid Khan’s team made a strong comeback. They will now play against Aiden Markram’s South Africa in the first semi-final on June 27 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.

    Afghanistan chose to bat first but struggled, posting 115 for 5 in 20 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran added 59 runs for the first wicket but couldn’t accelerate. Rishad Hossain dismissed Ibrahim, who scored a slow 18 from 29 balls. Gurbaz managed 43 runs with a strike rate of 78.18.

    The middle-order batsmen, including Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and Karim Janat, also struggled. Skipper Rashid Khan’s unbeaten 19 off 10 balls, including three sixes, gave the innings some late momentum.

    Bangladesh’s chase was interrupted by rain, but with their score at 31 for 3 in 3.3 overs, they had a challenging target. Soumya Sarkar and Towhid Hridoy scored 10 and 14 runs respectively before falling to Rashid Khan. Despite Litton Das’s fighting 54 not out from 49 balls, Bangladesh fell short, being bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs, chasing a revised target of 114 in 19 overs.

    Naveen-ul-Haq Gets Emotional

    Afghanistan’s pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, named Player of the Match, expressed his emotions, saying, “We have worked so hard over the past few years and we were dreaming and working for this day. I’m lost for words. (On his spell) We always knew that they were going hard in the powerplay to chase the total down in 12.1 overs so we knew we were in the game as long as we kept picking wickets. We had confidence that these wickets are not high-scoring wickets. As long as we don’t give easy runs we knew we would have a chance.”

    Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 WC 2024

    Group 2 winners South Africa will play against Afghanistan in the first semi-final, while Group 1 leaders India will face England in the second semi-final. South Africa vs. Afghanistan match will start at 8:30 PM local time on Wednesday, June 26, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The India vs. The England match will be at 10:30 AM local time on Thursday, June 27, at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.