Ben Duckett's unbeaten 165-run knock against Australia in the opening game of the 2025 Champions Trophy not only helped England post their highest total in the tournament's history, but also made him the highest individual scorer in the tournament's history. Despite losing early wickets, Duckett's attacking brand of cricket and partnership with Joe Root put England in a commanding position. However, discussions between PCB and ICC after Pakistan's omission from the broadcast logo, and the playing of the Indian national anthem in Lahore, have sparked controversy.
Ben Duckett's Record-Breaking Performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy
Ben Duckett's remarkable innings at the 2025 Champions Trophy has etched his name in cricket history. In the opening match against Australia, the English batsman smashed a majestic 165 runs, not only setting a new record for England's highest total in the tournament but also becoming the tournament's highest individual scorer.
Duckett's innings was crafted with audacity and skill. Despite early wickets falling around him, he remained unyielding, anchoring England's innings with a blend of aggressive strokes and smart shot selection. His partnership with Joe Root proved pivotal, putting England in a dominant position.
Background and Controversy
The 2025 Champions Trophy was not without its controversies. Pakistan's omission from the tournament's broadcast logo, as well as the playing of the Indian national anthem in Lahore during the opening ceremony, sparked heated discussions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The PCB expressed strong dissatisfaction over Pakistan's exclusion from the broadcast logo, arguing that it was a slight to their team and fans. The ICC, on the other hand, maintained that the logo was designed to reflect the tournament's global reach and included the logos of all participating teams.
The decision to play the Indian national anthem in Lahore also raised eyebrows. India and Pakistan have a long history of political tensions, and some critics argued that playing the anthem in Lahore was insensitive. However, the ICC defended the decision, stating that it was a gesture of respect to the Indian team and fans.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Ben Duckett's 165-run knock? Duckett's innings set a new record for England's highest total in the Champions Trophy and made him the tournament's highest individual scorer.
2. Why was Pakistan omitted from the broadcast logo? The ICC stated that the logo was designed to reflect the tournament's global reach and included the logos of all participating teams.
3. What was the controversy over the playing of the Indian national anthem in Lahore? Some critics argued that playing the anthem in Lahore was insensitive given the political tensions between India and Pakistan.
4. What was the result of the match between England and Australia? England emerged victorious, posting their highest total in the Champions Trophy's history thanks to Duckett's match-winning knock.
5. What other controversies have plagued the 2025 Champions Trophy? There have been concerns over the tournament's schedule, which has led to some teams having to play multiple matches in a short period of time.
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