Australia's Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODIs, drawing praise from cricketing legends. Yuvraj Singh said, "You and your family should be proud of all you achieved." David Warner called him "the best player I've played alongside," while Shane Watson recalled Smith's heroics in the 2015 World Cup. Smith, 35, will continue playing Tests and T20Is, eyeing the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. His ODI career saw 5,367 runs in 155 matches, making him one of Australia's greats. Tributes poured in for "Smudge" from fans and teammates worldwide.

Navjot Singh Sidhu praised KL Rahul’s adaptability after India’s 4-wicket win over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final. Rahul, who played a crucial 42* off 34 balls, has frequently switched roles in the Indian team. "Even the spare tyre is not used as much," Sidhu quipped on Star Sports, highlighting Rahul’s contributions across formats. The wicketkeeper-batter hit the winning runs, ensuring India’s final berth against New Zealand on March 9 in Dubai. His flexibility remains key as India eyes another ICC title.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced that she is expecting her first child with husband Somvir Rathee. She shared the news on Instagram on March 6, writing, "A new chapter in our story," alongside a picture with her husband. Vinesh retired from wrestling after the Paris Olympics 2024 but recently hinted at a comeback. Fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshee Malik congratulated her. Since retiring, Vinesh has also entered politics, winning the Julana seat in the Haryana Assembly elections. Fans and well-wishers continue to celebrate this new phase in her life.

Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami faced criticism from cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi for not fasting during India's Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia, calling it a "sin" and a "crime." However, Maulana Khalid Rashid of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board defended Shami, citing Islamic exemptions for travelers. Shami’s family and coach also backed him, urging focus on the final. Politician Rohit Pawar condemned linking religion to sports. Shami led India's bowling attack, taking 3 wickets as India won by 4 wickets. His family called the controversy "shameful."

South Africa’s David Miller criticized the ICC over the Champions Trophy scheduling after his team’s exhausting travel to Dubai before their semifinal loss to New Zealand in Lahore. Due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, the ICC scheduled all their matches in Dubai, forcing South Africa and Australia to fly unnecessarily. “It wasn’t ideal,” Miller said. Despite his unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, South Africa fell 50 runs short in their chase of 363. Miller backed New Zealand to beat India in Sunday’s final in Dubai, calling it a “great” contest and admitting, “I think I'll be supporting New Zealand.”

Virat Kohli and Steve Smith shared an emotional moment after India defeated Australia by 4 wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai. Smith, who scored 73 runs, announced his retirement from ODIs after the match. A viral video captured Kohli asking Smith if it was his last ODI, and upon hearing "Yes," he embraced him warmly. Smith, a two-time World Cup winner, retires with 5,800 ODI runs. India will face New Zealand in the final on March 9. Smith reaffirmed his commitment to Test cricket, with the World Test Championship final against South Africa ahead.

India pacer Mohammed Shami acknowledged that playing all matches in Dubai has “definitely helped” the team in the Champions Trophy. Critics claim India benefited from familiar conditions and no travel, while other teams played across multiple Pakistan venues. “We know the pitch and its behavior well,” Shami said after India’s semifinal win over Australia. However, coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless. India remains unbeaten, with Shami leading the wicket charts with 8 scalps. The final will also be held in Dubai under the Hybrid Model.

As India prepares to face New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday, several factors suggest a challenging contest for Rohit Sharma and his team. New Zealand's spin attack, led by Mitchell Santner and supported by Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra, offers a variety that could exploit the Dubai pitch conditions. Additionally, the Kiwi pacers' ability to generate seam movement and extra bounce has troubled India's top order in past encounters. Their exceptional fielding unit, highlighted by Glenn Phillips, can save crucial runs and convert half-chances into wickets. Moreover, New Zealand's deep batting lineup, featuring in-form players like Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, adds to their competitiveness. Having already played India at this venue recently, New Zealand's familiarity with the conditions further bolsters their position, making the final a potentially tough battle for India. 

India and New Zealand will meet in the Champions Trophy final for the first time since 2000. New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the semi-final, while India beat Australia to reach the final. The last time these teams met in a white-ball final, New Zealand won the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy. India will aim for revenge in the title clash on Sunday in Dubai. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson starred in New Zealand's semi-final win, while India's spinners dominated against Australia. The final promises a thrilling contest between two strong teams.

New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Batting first in Lahore, New Zealand posted 362/6. Kane Williamson (102) and Rachin Ravindra (108) led the charge with centuries. South Africa started well while chasing 363, but they lost wickets in the middle overs. David Miller scored a century off the last ball, but it was not enough. Kagiso Rabada’s dismissal sealed South Africa’s fate. New Zealand will face India in the final on March 9 in Dubai.