DRS Dec 1: Champions Trophy not in Pakistan, Jay Shah still not ICC Chairman & no India in WTC Final?

And the delay continued. The impasse over the ICC Champions Trophy just continues to give after the ICC’s meeting with PCB and the BCCI was once again postponed (reportedly). But later in the day, we got a massive update: PCB agreeing over a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, albeit with terms and conditions apply. Simultaneously, on December 1, Jay Shah was supposed to officially become the new ICC Chairman. But now, the Champions Trophy turmoil has delayed this development. Meanwhile, on the cricket front, India’s practice game against the Prime Minister’s XI was abrupted so much so that the entire Day 1 was called off. Now, Day 2 will see a 50-over per-side affair. In the meantime, Shubman Gill had a fun banter with his coaching staff members. On that note, let us look at the top six cricketing stories from November 30, Saturday.

Jay Shah: Not yet ICC Chairman?

The ICC Champions Trophy has been facing a stalemate due to the disagreement between the BCCI and PCB over the tournament’s location. The current situation has led to the postponement of Jay Shah’s ICC chairman role, and Greg Barclay will continue until December 31, 2024. The BCCI refuses to play in Pakistan, while the PCB is unwilling to accept a hybrid model. The ICC is attempting to resolve the issue, with potential scenarios including a hybrid model, shifting the tournament out of Pakistan or Pakistan boycotting the tournament. The ICC is working to find a solution to avoid reputational damage and financial losses. With Jay Shah involved in the discussion on behalf of the BCCI, it could be a conflict of interest if he takes charge of the ICC during the negotiations.

PCB accepts hybrid model for Champions Trophy?

Incredibly, the BCCI vs PCB tensions over the ICC Champions Trophy is nearing an end, with Pakistan relenting to the hybrid model. Pakistan will host the tournament, while India’s matches will be played at a neutral venue, likely in the UAE. However, Pakistan has set three conditions: a neutral venue for their matches in future ICC events hosted by India, the Champions Trophy semifinal and final to be held in Pakistan if India is knocked out, and Dubai to host all of India’s matches. If India qualifies for the semifinal or final, those matches will be held in Dubai, not Pakistan .Mohsin Naqvi has softened his stance, but there is also one more condition that could ruin the ICC Champions Trophy agreement. To accept a hybrid model for the tournament, PCB wants ICC to increase its revenue share from 5.75% to align with its concession.

Tough for India to qualify for WTC Final?

South Africa did themselves a huge favour. They have not only gained an early 1-0 lead in their two-game Test series against Sri Lanka but have even staked their claim to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025. This has now increased their chances to qualify for the final to 77%, which is the most by any team currently. Their next three matches (1 vs SL, 2 vs PAK) are all at home, meaning it might not be that tough for them now. As for India, the chances are only 22%. The Men in Blue need to build on their Perth performance in order to give themselves a clear chance.

Shubman Gill trolls Abhishek Nayar?

Team India’s practice game was cancelled due to rain, but Shubman Gill, recovering from a thumb injury, participated in a fun fielding drill session with coaching staff. A video shared by BCCI shows Gill and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar trying to hit a stump from behind a line, with Gill finally succeeding. Nayar joked that the bail wouldn’t have fallen in a real game, prompting a humorous response from Gill, who said “Pagal ho kya?”. Fielding coach T Dilip then joined in and impressively uprooted the stumps with a precise throw, having the last laugh.

Dravid, Kumble at M Chinnaswamy!

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is renaming 10 stands at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after former Karnataka cricket legends, including Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Erapalli Prasanna, and B.S. Chandrasekhar. The move comes after a request from historian Ramachandra Guha and support from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. However, the omission of former India women’s captain Shantha Rangaswamy’s name has led to controversy and is currently trending on social media. The KSCA aims to recognize the contributions of these legends to Indian cricket and their growth in the state.

Virat Kohli at Ronaldo, Messi level?

Virat Kohli’s popularity has surpassed India’s greats in Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, with the Australian cricket team and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese particularly taken by him. The PM joined a photo session with the Indian team and was seen interacting with Kohli, with his former teammate Shreevats Goswami noting the PM’s fascination with Kohli and comparing his aura to that of global sports icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Indian team had a frustrating day with their practice game being called off due to rain, but the photo session and PM’s interaction with Kohli lifted their spirits