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T20 World Cup

My India Times 2025-02-24 3

Complete List of Upcoming ICC Tournaments (2025-2031): Hosts, Formats, and Key Details

Cricket fans across the globe have an exciting lineup of ICC tournaments to look forward to between 2025 and 2031. With marquee events such as the ICC Champions Trophy, ICC T20 World Cup, ICC ODI World Cup, and World Test Championship Finals, the next few years promise to be a thrilling period for international cricket.

During this phase, the cricketing world will witness expanded tournament formats, new host nations, and an increased global outreach for the sport. The ICC has strategically scheduled these tournaments to ensure maximum engagement and provide equal opportunities for all participating teams.

Here is a detailed breakdown of all major ICC tournaments set to take place between 2025 and 2031, including their hosts and formats.

ICC Tournaments Schedule (2025-2031): Complete List of Events

Year	Tournament	Host Nation(s)
2025	ICC Champions Trophy	Pakistan
2025	ICC World Test Championship Final	England
2026	ICC T20 World Cup	India & Sri Lanka
2026	ICC Women’s ODI World Cup	India
2026	ICC Women’s T20 World Cup	England
2027	ICC World Test Championship Final	England
2027	ICC ODI World Cup	South Africa, Zimbabwe & Namibia
2027	ICC Women’s Champions Trophy	Sri Lanka
2028	ICC T20 World Cup	Australia & New Zealand
2029	ICC Champions Trophy	India
2030	ICC T20 World Cup	England, Ireland & Scotland
2031	ICC ODI World Cup	India & Bangladesh

This list highlights how ICC has strategically planned these tournaments to ensure a mix of traditional cricketing nations and emerging hosts.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Return to Pakistan for an ODI Spectacle

The ICC Champions Trophy is set to make a grand return in 2025, with Pakistan playing host for the prestigious eight-team ODI tournament. Scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, this will mark a historic moment as Pakistan welcomes a major ICC event after decades.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format before progressing to the knockout stages, with matches expected to be played in cricketing hubs like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Given the enthusiasm of Pakistani cricket fans, this edition is anticipated to be a landmark event.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: India and Sri Lanka Set to Co-Host

The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will take place in February 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This tournament will be expanded to 20 teams, offering more nations a chance to compete at the highest level.

With matches set to be played across multiple venues in India and Sri Lanka, this event is expected to draw massive crowds and elevate the excitement surrounding T20 cricket. Given India's history of hosting global events and Sri Lanka’s passionate fanbase, the tournament promises to be a spectacle of cricketing excellence.

ICC ODI World Cup 2027: Cricket Returns to Africa

The 2027 ICC ODI World Cup will mark the return of the premier 50-over tournament to African soil, with South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia jointly hosting the event. Scheduled for October-November 2027, this edition will feature 14 teams, an expansion aimed at increasing global participation.

Matches will be held in key venues across the three host nations, giving African cricket a massive boost. South Africa will aim to capitalize on home advantage, while Zimbabwe and Namibia will get an opportunity to showcase their cricketing culture to the world.

ICC T20 World Cup 2028: Australia and New Zealand Host Another High-Octane Tournament

The 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will take place in October 2028, with Australia and New Zealand joining forces as co-hosts.

Australia and New Zealand have a rich history of hosting successful ICC events, and with the fast-paced T20 format, this tournament is expected to provide fans with plenty of thrilling encounters. Given the large stadiums and enthusiastic crowds in both countries, this edition of the T20 World Cup will likely be a cricketing festival.

ICC Champions Trophy 2029: India to Host the Prestigious ODI Event

India is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2029, with the tournament scheduled for October. Featuring the top eight ODI teams, this event will bring back the nostalgia of one of cricket’s most competitive tournaments.

The matches will be held in some of India's most iconic venues, promising a mix of high-scoring encounters and intense bowling battles. With India's growing dominance in world cricket, this edition is expected to attract enormous global viewership.

ICC T20 World Cup 2030: A Historic Tournament in England, Ireland & Scotland

For the first time, the ICC T20 World Cup 2030 will be hosted across England, Ireland, and Scotland, highlighting ICC's effort to expand cricket in non-traditional nations.

Scheduled for June 2030, this edition will bring together 20 teams competing in venues across the three countries. While England has been a powerhouse in white-ball cricket, this tournament will provide Ireland and Scotland with an opportunity to showcase their progress in the shortest format.

ICC ODI World Cup 2031: India & Bangladesh Join Hands for a Grand Event

The final event in this ICC cycle, the 2031 ICC ODI World Cup, will be co-hosted by India and Bangladesh in October-November. This edition will again feature 14 teams, as ODI cricket continues to maintain its prestige in the international circuit.

India, with its world-class infrastructure and passionate fanbase, will provide a grand stage for the tournament, while Bangladesh will look to make a statement by co-hosting such a prestigious event.

An Exciting Future for Cricket

The next decade of ICC tournaments is set to bring an exciting mix of global events, expanded formats, and emerging host nations. With the Champions Trophy making a comeback, T20 World Cups growing in size, and ODI World Cups heading to diverse locations, cricket fans have plenty to look forward to.

As cricket continues to evolve, these tournaments will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the game, ensuring greater inclusivity and a wider global reach. Fans worldwide can expect high-octane action, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments in the coming years.

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My India Times 2025-02-24 3

India Clinch U19 Women's T20 World Cup Title with a Dominant Nine-Wicket Victory Over South Africa

India’s Young Stars Shine as They Outclass South Africa in Kuala Lumpur

In a spectacular display of skill, dominance, and composure, India lifted the ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup trophy after crushing South Africa by nine wickets in the grand finale. With a clinical bowling performance followed by an aggressive run chase, the Indian team reaffirmed its stature as the powerhouse of youth cricket.

South Africa Struggles as India's Bowlers Take Control

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, South Africa faced a nightmare start as they lost early wickets within the powerplay. The Indian bowlers, led by the exceptional Gongadi Trisha, exploited the conditions to perfection, making scoring difficult for the opposition.

The Proteas limped to 20-3 inside the first six overs, failing to find any rhythm against India's disciplined bowling attack. Wickets continued to tumble as South Africa found themselves completely shackled, unable to build any significant partnerships.

Trisha, who later proved to be India's hero with the bat, was devastating with the ball, registering figures of 3-15. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Soumya Sisodia added to the carnage, taking 2-6 in her spell.

Despite a resilient knock of 23 from 18 balls by Van Vorst, South Africa struggled to push the scoring rate. Eventually, their innings folded for a mere 82 runs, bowled out on the last ball of their 20 overs.

India’s Chase: A Masterclass in Calm and Aggression

Chasing 83 for victory, India made their intent clear from the very first over. Trisha, who had already delivered with the ball, showcased her class with the bat, hammering the South African bowlers to all parts of the ground.

The 19-year-old opener played with supreme confidence, hitting crisp boundaries and rotating the strike efficiently. Her unbeaten 44 off 33 balls ensured India stayed in complete command throughout the chase.

Sanika Chalke, playing a supporting role, remained unbeaten on 26 from 22 balls, steering India comfortably toward the target. The duo stitched together a dominant partnership, making the chase look effortless.

India sealed the victory in just 11.2 overs when Chalke smashed a boundary, sparking jubilant celebrations as the players rushed onto the field to embrace the triumph.

Trisha’s All-Round Brilliance Headlines India's Triumph

Gongadi Trisha’s remarkable all-round performance was the defining feature of India's victory. Not only did she dismantle the South African batting lineup with her precise bowling, but she also played a match-winning knock in the chase.

Her consistency throughout the tournament was evident as she finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with 309 runs in seven matches—over 130 runs clear of England’s Davina Perrin, who ended in second place.

Trisha's performances throughout the tournament have cemented her reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.

India's Continued Dominance in U19 Women's Cricket

With this emphatic victory, India secured their second consecutive ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup title, having also won the inaugural edition in 2023. Their dominant campaign, highlighted by a well-balanced squad and standout individual performances, demonstrated the depth of talent in India's youth cricket setup.

This triumph serves as a testament to India's exceptional grassroots cricket development, paving the way for future stars to make their mark on the international stage.

As the young champions bask in the glory of their triumph, the future of Indian women’s cricket looks brighter than ever.

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My India Times 2025-02-24 3

Zimbabwe and Ireland Gear Up for Crucial T20I Series with T20 World Cup Aspirations in Focus

As the cricketing world inches closer to the highly anticipated T20 World Cup, Zimbabwe and Ireland are set to battle in a three-match T20I series, starting this Saturday. With both teams looking to fine-tune their strategies, this series holds significant importance—especially for Zimbabwe, who must still navigate the Africa qualifiers to secure their place in the global tournament.

A Series with High Stakes and World Cup Preparations in Mind

With the 2026 T20 World Cup set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, every T20I match leading up to the tournament serves as a crucial preparation phase. Ireland, having already secured qualification based on their ICC ranking, will be using this series to refine their squad, identify their best playing XI, and prepare for their upcoming home series against West Indies in June.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, faces a more challenging path. Ranked No. 12 in the world, they must clear the Africa qualifiers, set to take place in September, to earn their spot in the tournament. The heartbreak of missing out on the 2024 edition remains fresh, and Zimbabwe will be determined to avoid a similar fate. This series presents an opportunity for them to sharpen their skills, build team chemistry, and gain valuable game time against a competitive Irish side.

Team Form and Key Players to Watch Out For

Zimbabwe: Seeking Stability Amid a Transition Phase

Zimbabwe will be led by Sikandar Raza, one of the most formidable all-rounders in modern-day cricket. Fresh off his ILT20 triumph with the Dubai Capitals, Raza brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the side.

The Zimbabwean batting lineup boasts promising talents like Brian Bennett and Johnathan Campbell, both of whom have shown good form in recent matches. Dion Myers returns to the squad with a point to prove after missing out on the ODIs, while Ryan Burl's presence adds depth and stability in the middle order.

In the bowling department, the fast-bowling duo of Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava will be crucial in leading the attack. Their ability to generate pace and extract bounce on Zimbabwean surfaces makes them key players in determining the series outcome.

Ireland: Looking to Rebound After ODI Series Defeat

Despite being a Full Member nation, Ireland enters the T20I series on the back foot after losing the ODI series 2-1 to Zimbabwe. The visitors have also suffered a setback with their in-form seamer Mark Adair ruled out due to injury. His absence places added responsibility on Graham Hume and Matthew Humphreys, who have shown promise in the limited-overs format.

Josh Little, known for his lethal left-arm swing bowling, has struggled on this tour and will need to find his rhythm quickly. To compensate for Adair's absence, Craig Young has been drafted into the squad, bringing additional experience and variety to the bowling attack.

In the batting department, captain Paul Stirling remains Ireland’s most explosive player at the top of the order. Alongside him, the likes of Harry Tector and Curtis Campher will need to step up and deliver match-winning performances if Ireland is to emerge victorious.

Pitch Conditions and What to Expect from the Series

All three T20Is will be played in Harare, the same venue where the ODI series took place. The conditions in Harare have traditionally favored batters early on, but as the pitch wears down, spinners tend to gain the upper hand.

Recent T20I matches in Harare suggest that chasing teams have had a clear advantage. When Zimbabwe faced Afghanistan here last December, first-innings scores of 144, 153, and 127 were posted, with the chasing side winning two of those three matches. The trend continued when Zimbabwe and Ireland played T20Is in Harare twice in 2023, where all six games saw the chasing team emerge victorious.

With the first two matches scheduled as day games and the final match under floodlights, teams will need to be flexible with their strategies. Dew could play a factor in the night match, making conditions favorable for teams batting second.

Final Thoughts: Who Holds the Edge?

Zimbabwe will be keen to capitalize on home advantage and continue their winning momentum after clinching the ODI series. With a squad in transition, this series will be a crucial test for their younger players, who will be aiming to cement their spots ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Ireland, despite their recent struggles, remains a strong side in the shortest format. With an experienced batting lineup and a well-rounded bowling attack, they have the potential to bounce back and take control of the T20I series.

As the countdown to the T20 World Cup continues, both teams will view this series as a vital stepping stone in their journey. For Zimbabwe, it's a chance to prove they belong on the biggest stage. For Ireland, it’s about fine-tuning their approach before taking on stronger oppositions in the coming months.

Regardless of the outcome, cricket fans can expect a fiercely contested series filled with high-intensity action, thrilling moments, and crucial insights into each team's readiness for the global stage.

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My India Times 2025-02-24 2

David Miller Reignites Controversy Over Suryakumar Yadav’s T20 World Cup Catch, Accuses ICC and BCCI of Boundary Manipulation

The heartbreak of South Africa’s defeat in the T20 World Cup 2024 final still lingers, and recent comments by David Miller have once again brought the controversial dismissal back into the spotlight. More than seven months after the thrilling final between India and South Africa, Miller has made a bold claim regarding Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational catch that played a pivotal role in India’s victory.

David Miller Questions Legitimacy of Suryakumar Yadav’s Boundary Catch

In a recent interaction, David Miller didn’t hold back while recalling the last over of the final, where his dismissal became one of the most debated moments of the tournament. The South African batter expressed his doubts over the legality of Suryakumar Yadav’s catch and went as far as to suggest that the boundary ropes might have been manipulated to favor the Indian team.

Speaking about the incident, Miller said:

"It was always going to be a close game, and that boundary rope situation was just weird. The space where SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) took the catch was exactly 2-3 meters inside, and I still believe it was a six. But at the end of the day, the decision was made, and it wasn’t meant to be for us."

His statement has reignited debates on whether the positioning of the boundary ropes was altered before the final or if the catch was truly clean.

The Catch That Changed the Game: Suryakumar Yadav’s Spectacular Effort

Suryakumar Yadav’s catch in the final over was nothing short of extraordinary and proved to be a turning point in the match. With South Africa needing 16 runs off the last over, Hardik Pandya bowled a wide full toss, which Miller attempted to send over the boundary.

Running in from long-off, Suryakumar displayed remarkable athleticism as he leaped to grab the ball. Realizing that his momentum would carry him beyond the boundary, he quickly threw the ball in the air before stepping outside the field of play. He then re-entered and completed the catch cleanly, prompting an immediate review by the third umpire.

The dismissal of Miller, who had scored 21 off 17 balls, left South Africa without any recognized batters, ultimately sealing India’s victory by 7 runs and securing the prestigious trophy.

South African Fans Cry Foul Play Over Catch Decision

The final decision by the third umpire to rule Miller out sparked outrage among South African fans, who believed the catch was not clean. Many argued that Suryakumar’s foot had indeed touched the boundary rope before he regained control of the ball.

Social media exploded with divided opinions—while Indian fans hailed it as one of the greatest catches in T20 World Cup history, South African supporters accused the ICC and BCCI of unfairly favoring India. Some even claimed that the boundary ropes had been pushed further in before the final to give Indian fielders an advantage.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Response to the Controversy

After India’s historic win, Suryakumar Yadav addressed the controversy surrounding his catch. Speaking to reporters, he maintained his stance that he had followed the rules correctly and had not touched the boundary.

"I know people will always have opinions, but I know I didn’t touch the rope. The third umpire checked it from every angle, and the decision was fair. I can’t keep everyone happy, so I just want to cherish the moment," Suryakumar said.

Despite his clarification, the debate continues, with many South African fans still questioning the fairness of the decision.

A Never-Ending Debate or a Moment of Brilliance?

Even months after the T20 World Cup final, David Miller’s comments prove that the sting of defeat is still fresh for South African supporters. Whether or not the boundary ropes were manipulated remains a subject of speculation, but one thing is certain—Suryakumar Yadav’s stunning catch will be remembered as one of the most defining moments in T20 World Cup history.

As the cricketing world moves forward, this controversy serves as yet another reminder of how a single moment can change the course of an entire tournament. Whether it was sheer brilliance or a questionable call, the debate is far from over.

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