BCB president Faruque Ahmed spoke on diplomatic ties with cricket boards and BCB’s stance on senior players after Bangladesh’s group-stage exit.

New Zealand will face India in the final in Dubai on Sunday.

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both made centuries as New Zealand set a big total of 362/6 against South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday for a place in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

"No final in Pakistan after such a heavy investment on the venues is a blow," former captain Rashid Latif told AFP. "Pakistan is at the lowest level in terms of finances and team-wise as well, which is a double loss."

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and decided to bat against South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore on Wednesday.

It was a bustling day at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Security personnel, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, and staff were all in a rush, finalising preparations for the crucial semifinal clash between New Zealand and South Africa.

"He has about 30-40 centuries while chasing, has the most runs while chasing and that's why he has got the tag of 'chase master'," former India opener Virender Sehwag said on website Cricbuzz.

South Africa face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final on Wednesday in Lahore, looking to punch their ticket into Sunday's decider.

"I have always said, if you want only slim guys, then you should go to a modelling competition and pick all the models. It's not about that," Gavaskar told India Today.

Travel fatigue was the hot topic in both New Zealand and South Africa camps right before their semifinal clash of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy but both sides were adamant to keep this issue on the sideline and focus on the task at hand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium today.

The reigning world champions lost by four wickets in Dubai as they failed to defend a below-par total of 264 all out.

South Africa have a history of coming up short on the global stage, losing their 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final to Australia and the T20 World Cup final to India last year.

With a fresh-look squad, Pakistan now turn their focus to a tour of New Zealand. Bangladesh, on the other hand, remain at a crossroads.

New Zealand convincingly won their first two games of the ODI tournament in Pakistan, then lost to India in Dubai on Sunday, and have now flown back to Pakistan again for the encounter at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

India coach Gautam Gambhir praised his side for their achievements at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, thus far, after beating Australia to reach the final.

Virat Kohli hit 84 as India beat Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday.

Skipper Steve Smith and Alex Carey hit half-centuries as Australia made 264 all out against India in the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Dubai on Tuesday.

Australia won the toss and have chosen to bat first against India in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the UAE today.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said that India would start out as favourites in their ICC Champions Trophy semifinal clash against the Aussies today in Dubai, however, he cautioned Rohit Sharma’s men about their opponent’s uncanny ability of playing their ‘best cricket’ in knockout fixtures.

New Zealand bring "positive emotions" on their return to Lahore for the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa after good results during the Pakistan tri-series, coach Gary Stead said on Tuesday.