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Champions Trophy diary: All roads lead to the India-Pakistan match—unless they're closed!

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By K.R. Nayar Dubai.   For most cricket fans, nothing is more important on Feb 23 than the India-Pakistan match at the Dubai International Stadium. In Dubai, many events planned for this day have been canceled. Those attending ongoing functions have informed organizers that they will disappear by noon when the match starts. All roads will lead to Dubai Sports City, where the Dubai International Stadium is located. The only question is: how many roads will be open to reach the stadium? It is understood that many roads will be closed as early as 9 AM. Unlike other cricket venues, this stadium is not located near a metro station, meaning everyone must use cars or buses to reach the venue. All roads will lead to Dubai International Stadium. No-show should be a crime Everywhere one goes, the talk is only about the India-Pakistan match. If someone is even remotely connected to the event, the first question they face is whether they have a spare ticket. There have been many past ...
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Sunil Gavaskar in Kerala on the day the state team creates Ranji Trophy history

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By K.R. Nayar  Dubai. The legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar landed in Kerala on the day the state team created history by reaching the Ranji Trophy final. He was traveling from Mangalore to Kasaragod to attend a function organized by the Kasaragod Municipality, which has named a road after him, when this reporter informed him about Kerala securing the crucial two-run lead that ultimately decided the semifinal winner. Sunil Gavaskar in Kasaragod for the naming of his road function. “It is wonderful news,” he remarked, looking forward to the grand reception in Kasaragod, which would showcase the deep love of the people there for cricket. Gavaskar’s presence in Kerala on this historic day for Kerala cricket is akin to the legendary footballer Pelé’s presence in a footballing milestone. Late on Friday evening, thousands gathered to cheer for Gavaskar. Sunil Gavaskar being driven in an open vehicle cheered by fans    With Kerala reaching the Ranji Trophy final, it ...
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Shubman Gill’s blazing unbeaten century lifts India to victory over Bangladesh

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By K.R. Nayar  Dubai.  Indian skipper Rohit Sharma dropped a sitter at first slip, denying Axar Patel his hat-trick. Fortunately, that drop did not cost India the match. From 35 for 5 in 8.3 overs, Bangladesh recovered to post 228 in 49.4 overs. However, this total wasn’t enough, and they lost the match by six wickets. Indian opener Shubman Gill guided India to victory with a brilliant unbeaten 101 off 129 balls, including nine boundaries and two sixes, in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. It was Gill’s second consecutive ODI century. The in-form opener and vice-captain of the Indian team has been in tremendous touch, with scores of 87, 60, and 112 against England in the recent three-match series. His knock helped overshadow a few dropped catches by the Indian team. Shubman Gill celebrates his century. Photo BCCI   Unfortunately for Towhid Hridoy, his 100 for Bangladesh went in vain. Jaker Ali, who was dr...
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Gavaskar flies to Kasaragod on Friday to unveil a road named in his honor

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By K.R. Nayar  Dubai.  The legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar will depart from Dubai for Kasaragod on Friday (February 21) to attend a public celebration marking the naming of a road after him.  Speaking to this reporter during the commentary break of the India-Bangladesh ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Dubai International Stadium, Gavaskar said, “I am taking an early morning flight on Friday to Mangalore and then traveling to Kasaragod. The Kasaragod Municipality has organized a function as part of the road-naming ceremony in my honor. I will return in time to attend the India-Pakistan match.” Sunil Gavaskar ... yet another honour   Gavaskar was delighted to learn that many expatriates from Kasaragod live in the UAE. He then shared details about the road, stating that the Kasaragod Municipal Stadium Road will now be known as Sunil Gavaskar Municipal Stadium Road. He will officially inaugurate the road at a function scheduled for 3:30 PM on Frida...
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Champions Trophy diary: Pakistan's rusty start and the great ticket chase for February 23

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By K.R. Nayar Dubai. Walking around with a media accreditation card often leads to the question, “Do you have tickets for the India-Pakistan match?” Indian fans attending the Bangladesh match have mistaken journalists for officials, as the accreditation cards prominently display "NRH" (Non-Rights Holder) instead of "Media." With persistent requests flooding in for India-Pakistan match tickets on February 23, the only way to evade the constant inquiries was to jokingly claim that "NRH" stands for "No Requests Here."   Accreditation card NRH: Please read as No Request Here   Indians are online ticket heroes   Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand in the tournament opener has delighted Indian fans in the UAE. The majority of tickets for the India-Pakistan match have been purchased by Indians. “Is it because Indians are experts in online ticket purchases?” quipped a Sri Lankan cricket fan who was unable to buy a ticket online. In response, the Em...
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Adapting to situation is the key to success, says Indian skipper Rohit Sharma

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By K.R. Nayar Dubai.  Adapting to the situation is the key to success. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma believes in this dictum and talked about it on the eve of their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy against Bangladesh. His last two One International innings at the Dubai International Stadium were an unbeaten 111 against Pakistan followed by a valuable match-winning knock of 48 runs in the final against Bangladesh in the 2018 Asia Cup. Rohit Sharma says that adaption to the situation is the key. Photo by K.R. Nayar Responding to a query from this reporter on what is it that has helped him score heavily at this ground and what is it that would be needed to get the upper hand here when compared with other venues, Sharma said: “I think it's about assessing the pitch as quickly as possible and then let your batsmanship, let your experience, let your mind take over. That's what I've done here. We've played a lot of cricket here in the recent past. You know it does assis...
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Bangladesh skipper confident: “We can beat any team in Champions Trophy”

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By K.R. Nayar Dubai. Bangladesh skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto is confident that his team will excel in all departments of the game. Responding to a query from this reporter about facing India in conditions familiar to both teams and what it takes to succeed, Shanto said: “I think we have to perform well in all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding. Over the last few years, we have built a strong side in this format. As you mentioned, the conditions are quite similar for both teams, and I am confident that we will prepare ourselves well. I hope for the best in tomorrow's match." Nazmul Hossain Shanto ... confident talk. Photo by K.R. Nayar  Shanto believes that all eight participating teams are strong. “If you look at all eight teams, they are quality sides. We have good memories against India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, having won a few matches in recent times. Last year, when we played India in Bangladesh, we had some great moments. But that is in the past. If we pla...
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