ECB CEO supports Pakistan as CT 2025 host

‘Ready to host Pak-India Test series in England’

Richard Gould, Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has expressed his strong support for the Champions Trophy 2025 to be hosted in Pakistan next year, despite the possibility of India withdrawing from the event.

In a recent interview with BBC Test Match Special, Gould also discussed the exciting prospect of England hosting a Test match between India and Pakistan.

During the tea break on day one of the third Test between England and the West Indies, Gould addressed various topics, including the potential for England to facilitate a historic Test match between India and Pakistan.

This idea has been circulating for a few years, with prominent English venues like Lord's, The Oval, and Edgbaston showing interest in hosting the event.

"Everybody would love that. I wouldn't say it's [hosting and India v Pakistan Test] impossible. The politics between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board are long known, as are the politics between governments. And I find that fascinating," Gould said.

"We were in Sri Lanka over the weekend for ICC meetings, and you see Pakistan cricket supporters and India cricket supporters getting on so well, but as soon as the political element is put in, it creates issues," he added.

Gould also confirmed the ECB's commitment to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year despite uncertainties regarding India's participation due to political tensions.

"There's a great deal of determination to make sure it [Champions Trophy] is [hosted in Pakistan next year]," said Gould. "Particularly from the PCB and the ECB."

The last Champions Trophy was held in England in 2017, where Pakistan triumphed over India in the final to claim the title.

Pak Shaheens falter with bat as BD seizes control

Pakistan Shaheens faltered with the bat on Saturday, posting just 179 runs in their first innings of the ongoing four-day match against Bangladesh A in Darwin.

Kamran Ghulam led the way for Shaheens with a solid 48 runs. Tayyab Tahir chipped in with 30, and Umar Amin added 25 runs to the tally.

However, the team faced challenges, with several key players falling short of substantial contributions.

Haseebullah scored 18 runs, while skipper Sahibzada Farhan and Omair Bin Yousuf could only muster 4 and 7 runs, respectively.

Bangladesh bowlers capitalized on this advantage, with Ripon Mondal claiming four wickets and Rejaur Rahman Raja securing three wickets, effectively dismantling the Pakistan Shaheens' batting lineup.

Bangladesh A were bundled out for 258 runs in their first innings. Khurram Shehzad was the standout bowler for Pakistan Shaheens, claiming three key wickets, while Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, and Faisal Akram each picked up two wickets in their spells.

As Bangladesh A began their second innings, they had a rough start, losing opener Parvez Hossain Emoin for just 7 runs, dismissed by Khurram Shahzad in the third over.

Amite Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan Joy then attempted to stabilize the innings, but their efforts were interrupted when Amite Hasan was dismissed for 25 runs off 61 deliveries by Faisal Akram.

The pressure mounted as they lost Hasan Murad for a duck, with Khurram Shahzad taking his second wicket of the innings.

The Bengal Tigers ended the second day at 84 runs after losing three wickets, leading by 163 runs, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy (39) and Aich Mollah (8) at the crease.