ICC Champions Trophy: Pakistan unveil jersey; tournament's official song released
With a little less than a fortnight to hosting their first major cricket tournament in 29 years, Pakistan is gearing up of the return of big-time cricket in the country.
Pakistan, which last held a major cricketing event in its country when it co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with neighbours India and Sri Lanka, will host this edition of the ICC Champions Trophy.
And the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday unveiled the team's official jersey for the eight-team competition. The tournament takes place from February 19 to March 9 and follow a hybrid model. Pakistan are the hosts but India will play their matches in Dubai.
Official song
Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the release of the official song, Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke, by renowned singer Atif Aslam.
The official song for the event is produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, with lyrics penned by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad. The music video is a visual celebration of the diverse culture of Pakistan from the streets to the markets to the stadium and represents the love and enjoyment of the game.
"I am very fond of cricket and I always wanted to be a fast bowler. Having the passion and understanding of the game — I feel connected to the adrenaline of the crowd, their cheers and the feeling of being a fan. I used to wait for matches in particular the India versus Pakistan game which was always full of emotions and sentimental value. And that is why I am very excited to have been a part of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 official song," singer Atif Aslam said.
Gaddafi Stadium reopened after renovation
The Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore, one of three to be used in its first major international cricket event in almost 30 years, was reopened on Friday after renovation.
Gaddafi Stadium was reopened after a 117-day renovation during which LED floodlights, larger score screens, new hospitality boxes and upgraded seating were installed.
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Int'l Cricket Council
28 minutes ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Confident Smith relishing Lord's reunion
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Int'l Cricket Council
3 hours ago
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Mega induction sees seven new names added in ICC Hall Of Fame
Amla, Dhoni, Hayden, Smith and Vettori initiated along with women players Sana Mir and Sarah Taylor at 'A Day with the Legends' event in London Photos and videos from the event are available in the Online Media Zone for free editorial use The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced seven iconic players in the latest list of additions to the ICC Hall of Fame at a glittering ceremony held at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. Hashim Amla, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, Graeme Smith and Daniel Vettori were the five men's players inducted as the class of 2025 with Sana Mir and Sarah Taylor the women's players in the list, taking the list of ICC Hall of Fame inductees to 122. The seven distinguished cricketers were voted by the ICC Hall of Famers, senior executives and members of the media and inducted during 'A Day with the Legends' event that was watched in different parts of the world as it was telecast live by several of ICC's broadcast partner networks. Mr Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, said: 'Through the ICC Hall of Fame, we pay tribute to the finest players the game has seen, individuals whose remarkable careers have shaped cricket's legacy and inspired generations.' 'This year, we are privileged to induct seven truly outstanding individuals into this prestigious group. On behalf of the ICC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them and hope they cherish this well-deserved recognition as a defining moment in their cricketing journey.' The event also served as a prelude to the ICC World Test Championship Final with captains Temba Bavuma of South Africa and Pat Cummins of Australia looking ahead to the much-awaited match to be played at Lord's from 11-15 June. The ICC Hall of Fame pays tribute to the extraordinary achievements of cricket legends who have shaped the sport's rich and vibrant history with players inducted only five years after they have played their last international match. The ICC Hall of Fame was launched in January 2009 as part of the ICC's centenary celebrations. Since then, it has helped celebrate the greatest players ever to have graced the game during its long and illustrious history. Hashim Amla: "It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme. The Hall of Fame includes some of the most celebrated players in the history of cricket, all of whom have big achievements. Such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful." Mahendra Singh Dhoni: "It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognizes the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world. To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever." Matthew Hayden: "The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against. Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognized along with them." Graeme Smith: 'It feels amazing to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some legendary cricketers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game in their own way. This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.' Daniel Vettori: 'Looking at the past inductees of the ICC Hall of Fame, one can see the outstanding talent and contribution they made to the growth and popularity of the game. To gain recognition alongside them is simply overwhelming and I can't find words to describe the feeling.' Sana Mir: 'From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women's team in our country to now standing here, inducted among the very legends I idolized long before I ever held a bat or a ball – this is a moment I couldn't have dared to imagine. 'I am incredibly grateful for this honour and hope to give back to the sport in any way I can. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, coaches and family for all their support over the years.' Sarah Taylor: "Being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the best moments of my life and truly feels like a dream come true. Women's cricket has been thriving in recent years, and receiving this award during such a significant time makes it even more special. I am grateful to the members of the ICC Hall of Fame selection panel for this recognition." Brief profiles of the inductees: Men: Hashim Amla (South Africa) 9,282 runs at 46.64 in 124 Tests 8,113 runs at 49.46 in 181 ODIs 1,277 runs at 33.60 in 44 T20Is The first South African to score a triple century in Test cricket when he struck an unbeaten 311 against England at The Oval in 2012, he ended as the second-leading run-scorer for his country in the longer form of the game. He led South Africa in 14 Tests, captaining them to victory against Sri Lanka in his first series as permanent captain. He was equally efficient in ODI cricket, where he is still the fastest to reach 6,000 and 7,000 runs. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India) 4,876 runs at 38.08 in 90 Tests with 256 catches and 38 stumpings 10,773 runs at 50.57 in 350 ODIs with 321 catches and 123 stumpings 1,617 runs at 37.60 in 98 T20Is with 57 catches and 34 stumpings Under his leadership, India rose to take the top prize in all formats: winning the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007, leading the Test rankings for 18 months from December 2009, and finally winning the 50-over World Cup in 2011, when he struck the winning six in the final against Sri Lanka. No-one has captained his country in more international matches, and he was named in the ICC's ODI and T20I Teams of the Decade at the end of 2019. Matthew Hayden (Australia) 8,625 runs at 50.73 in 103 Tests 6,133 runs at 43.80 in 161 ODIs 308 runs at 51.33 in 9 T20Is After a slow start to his Test career, which saw him dropped from the Test team for two and a half years, he epitomised the all-conquering Australian side of the 2000s. He set a record for the highest individual score in Test cricket when he struck 380 against Zimbabwe at Perth in 2003 and made three centuries as Australia won ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean. Graeme Smith (South Africa) 9,265 runs at 48.25 and 8 wickets at 110.62 in 117 Tests 6,899 runs at 37.98 and 18 wickets at 52.83 in ODIs 982 runs at 31.67 in 33 T20Is He celebrated his appointment to the South African captaincy by striking 259 against England at Lord's – the highest score by an opposition batter at the ground. His physical presence at the top of the order gave reassurance to South African fans, and he became the first player to captain his side in more than a hundred Tests and to more than 50 victories. He captained his country to multiple Test series wins in Australia and won the ICC Test mace in early 2013. Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) 4,531 runs at 30.00 and 362 wickets at 34.36 in Tests 2,253 runs at 17.33 and 305 wickets at 31.71 in ODIs 205 runs at 12.81 and 38 wickets at 19.68 in T20Is The youngest man to play Test cricket for New Zealand at his debut, he became an invaluable part of the New Zealand team for a decade and a half, becoming one of just three players to achieve the 4000 run / 300 wicket Test double. He took over as national captain from Stephen Fleming and led the team to the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2009 and two other ICC semi-finals. Women: Sana Mir (Pakistan) 1,630 runs at 17.91 and 151 wickets at 24.27 in 120 ODIs 802 runs at 14.07 and 89 wickets at 23.42 in 89 T20Is Sana became Pakistan's captain at 23 and led them for seven years, including winning two Asian Games gold medals in 2010 and 2014. Having enjoyed a 15-year international career, she retired as her country's leading wicket-taker in ODI cricket and second-highest in T20I cricket. Having started out as a pace bowler, a stress fracture forced her to switch to off-spin, and in October 2018 she became the first Pakistan woman to reach the summit of the ICC rankings when she went top of the ODI bowling table. Sarah Taylor (England) 300 runs at 18.75 with 18 catches and two stumpings in 10 Tests 4,056 runs at 38.26 with 87 catches and 51 stumpings in 126 ODIs 2,177 runs at 29.02 with 23 catches and 51 stumpings in 90 T20Is A naturally talented wicket-keeper-batter, she burst onto the scene in 2006 and struck a maiden ODI century against Australia at Chennai when just 17 years old. She played a key part in England's World Cup and World T20 double in 2009 and struck 54 and 45 in the semi-final and final respectively as England won the 2017 World Cup on home soil. She set the standard for wicket-keepers around the world, especially standing up to the stumps, specialising in leg-side stumpings and she retired with a then-record 232 dismissals across formats. ENDS
Int'l Cricket Council
4 hours ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Seven new inductees added to ICC Hall of Fame
The ICC announced seven new additions to the ICC Hall of Fame on Monday, with a large group of former greats added as the latest inductees. ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed the new members to the Hall of Fame at a gala event at Abbey Road Studios in London. "Through the ICC Hall of Fame, we pay tribute to the finest players the game has seen, individuals whose remarkable careers have shaped cricket's legacy and inspired generations," Shah said. 'This year, we are privileged to induct seven truly outstanding individuals into this prestigious group. On behalf of the ICC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of them and hope they cherish this well-deserved recognition as a defining moment in their cricketing journey.' The seven inductees are: 103 Tests – 8,625 runs at an average of 50.73 161 ODIs – 6,133 runs at an average of 43.80 9 T20Is – 308 runs at an average of 51.33 A powerful opening batter who intimidated the best fast bowlers in the world, Matthew Hayden joins an exclusive group in the ICC Hall of Fame . With a whopping 30 Test centuries and Test average greater than 50, Hayden's outstanding numbers in the longest format speak for themselves. The left-hander was just as adept in the 50-over game, with Hayden smashing three centuries alone at the 2007 edition of the ICC men's Cricket World Cup to finish the tournament as the leading run-scorer. It was the second of two World Cup titles that Hayden helped Australia win and the burly opener has since turned into a highly respected commentator around the world. Hayden was thrilled to receive the induction. "The ICC Hall of Fame includes many of my heroes of yesteryear as well as contemporaries whom I admired and enjoyed competing against," he said. "Each of these players gave something to the game in their own way. It is incredible to be recognised along with them." Hashim Amla 124 Tests – 9,282 runs at an average of 46.64 181 ODIs – 8,113 runs at an average of 49.46 44 T20Is – 1,277 runs at an average of 33.60 A calm and composed top-order batter, South Africa's steady head Hashim Amla is a well deserved member of the ICC Hall of Fame . Amla's overall record was top class in Test cricket and perhaps even more outstanding in the 50-over format as the underrated right-hander scored bulk runs against every opposition and in all conditions. With a superb cover drive and a trademark leg-side flick, Amla was a mode of consistency and a reliable member of a powerful South African side that scaled the heights to become the No.1 ranked Test team during his long and distinguished career. Amla dominated bowling attacks for much of his 15-year international career, becoming the first South African to score a triple century when he hit an unbeaten 311* against England in 2012 when he was at the top of his game. A total of 55 international centuries shows exactly how good Amla was and the South African great is a welcome inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame. The South African said it was a great honour to receive the recognition alongside former teammate Graeme Smith. "It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme," Amla said. "The Hall of Fame includes some of the most celebrated players in the history of cricket, all of whom have big achievements. Such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful." The Master of Class | Hashim Amla | ICC Hall of Fame 90 Tests – 4,876 runs at an average of 38.08, 294 dismissals 350 ODIs – 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57, 444 dismissals 98 T20Is – 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60, 91 dismissals MS Dhoni produced so many highlights throughout his lengthy international career and is a popular inclusion into the ICC Hall of Fame. His most memorable moment came when he produced one of his trademark helicopter shots when hitting the winning runs for India at the 2011 edition of the ICC Men's cricket World Cup, but there was so much more to the inspirational skipper. Dhoni was ahead of his time with the way he kept wickets in all formats, but perhaps excelled most against the white-ball when he was well renowned for his ability to time a run chase to perfection in the dying overs. The Indian great remains the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball tournaments, having led India to success at the inaugural ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2007, the 50-over World Cup in 2011 and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Dhoni said it was a great thrill to be inducted alongside so many great players. "It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world," he said. "To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever." India's Captain Cool | MS Dhoni | ICC Hall of Fame 117 Tests – 9,265 runs at an average of 48.25, 8 wickets 197 ODIs – 6,989 runs at an average of 37.98, 18 wickets 33 T20Is – 982 runs at an average of 31.67 A superb opening batter and arguably an even better captain, Graeme Smith is a welcome addition to the ICC Hall of Fame . Smith forged a great career as a tough and uncompromising top-order batter and was thrust into the captaincy role he relished at the young age of 22. He excelled in this position in what was a high-class South African side and hit new heights as a batter while captaining the team. Smith felt great pride in receiving induction into the Hall of Fame. 'It feels amazing to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some legendary cricketers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game in their own way," he said. "This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.' Proteas' Relentless Leader | Graeme Smith | ICC Hall of Fame graeme SMITH HALL OF FAME (2025-06-09 13:36:12Z) 113 Tests – 4,531 runs at an average of 30.00, 362 wickets 295 ODIs – 2,253 runs at an average of 17.33, 305 wickets 34 T20Is – 205 runs at an average of 12.81, 38 wickets An outstanding left-arm spin bowler, who was a more than handy middle to lower-order batter, Daniel Vettori joins the ICC Hall of Fame . Vettori paved out an excellent career as a player and was one of just three players to score 4,000 runs and take 300 wickets in Test cricket. He was also an excellent captain for the Black Caps, taking over from Stephen Fleming and leading the side to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2009. Now an assistant coach with the Australian team, Vettori was in London to receive his Hall of Fame induction in person. 'Looking at the past inductees of the ICC Hall of Fame, one can see the outstanding talent and contribution they made to the growth and popularity of the game," Vettori said. "To gain recognition alongside them is simply overwhelming and I can't find words to describe the feeling.' New Zealand's Spin Maestro | Daniel Vettori | ICC Hall of Fame Sana Mir 120 ODIs – 1,630 runs at an average of 17.91, 151 wickets 106 T20Is – 802 runs at an average of 14.07, 89 wickets Sana Mir becomes the first Pakistan women to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame , following a superb international career. With more than 200 international wickets against the white-ball, Mir is renowned for her work on the field and off the field. Mir was well known for her strong stance on body shaming, prioritising mental health and helped people affected by the COVID pandemic and fulfils a childhood dream by joining the ICC Hall of Fame. 'From dreaming as a little girl that one day there would even be a women's team in our country to now standing here, inducted among the very legends I idolised long before I ever held a bat or a ball – this is a moment I couldn't have dared to imagine," she said. 'I am incredibly grateful for this honour and hope to give back to the sport in any way I can. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, coaches and family for all their support over the years.' Pakistan's Trailblazer | Sana Mir | ICC Hall of Fame 10 Tests – 300 runs at an average of 18.75, 20 dismissals 126 ODIs – 4,056 runs at an average of 38.26, 138 dismissals 90 T20Is – 2,177 runs at an average of 29.02, 74 dismissals One of the most talented female players in recent times, England's star keeper-batter Sarah Taylor joins the ICC Hall of Fame following a 14-year career at international level . While Taylor was renowned for her sensational glovework behind the stumps and her trademark leg-side stumpings, she was also an extremely capable top-order batter and her record in big games gives further indication of this. Taylor played a major role in helping England win the double of the ICC Women's cricket World Cup and ICC women's T20 World Cup in 2009 and then stepped up once again at the backend of the 2017 50-over World Cup triumph on home soil by top-scoring for her side in the semi-final victory over South Africa and then producing an equally important innings of 45 in the title decider with India. Taylor said it was one of the biggest highlights of her career to receive induction into the Hall of Fame. "Being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame is one of the best moments of my life and truly feels like a dream come true," Taylor said. "Women's cricket has been thriving in recent years, and receiving this award during such a significant time makes it even more special. I am grateful to the members of the ICC Hall of Fame selection panel for this recognition." England's wicketkeeping pioneer | Sarah Taylor | ICC Hall of Fame
