The Champions Trophy has returned after a gap of eight years. And it is back in a country that had not hosted a major tournament this century.
Pakistan left no stone unturned in its effort to gets its three venues ready for the 50-over tournament, a part of which is being held in the UAE due to India's unwillingness to travel to Pakistan.
Since the tournament has returned after eight years and is being hosted in Pakistan - their first major event since the 1996 World Cup - a lot of eyes are on it, even though it is not the World Cup and is being played among the top eight teams.
Still, it is a marquee event and the teams are looking to put their best foot forward, and also look best dressed for the occasion.
Below are the kits of the eight teams competing in the Champions Trophy. Jerseys have been ranked from most to least appealing.
South Africa
Theirs used to be a very common shade at world events. But this time, South Africa’s all dark green jersey stands out for its simplicity and sleek design.
Dark vertical stripes, colour accents on the collar, raised emblem and striking yellow amid all the green make it a truly classy kit.
Afghanistan
Another sleek outfit from the Afghans, who have impressed at major events with their performance and jerseys.
The vibrant blue, local calligraphy and geometric patterns from historic structures make it a beautiful piece of clothing. With most teams going easy on design patters, Afghanistan’s kit is refreshing.
England
England's ODI cricket and kit peaked at the 2019 World Cup. This one is not too far behind though. Geometric patterns, the three lions integrated in the design and various shades of blue gel well.
England's T20 is a striking red, while their ODI colours are more pleasing to the eye. Very good nonetheless.
India
India’s previous ODI kit used at a major event – the 2023 World Cup at home – had a sleek tri colour design on the shoulder; a tribute to the national colours. Their new 50-over jersey has a much more prominent flag design on their shoulders, which looks unique but somehow does not hit the mark the way the 2023 kit did.
Pakistan
Is that really Pakistan green? We have seen many iterations of green in Pakistan’s kits over the years. But the hue they picked this time is a lot closer to that of Ireland.
A perforated design and star pattern on the chest make it one of the more distinct kits in the tournament. But it just not quite scream 'Pakistan'.
New Zealand
A bit disappointing. Black always looks great, but surely there could be a little more effort put into it. Their 2024 T20 World Cup kit was wonderfully retro. This time, they have blacked everything out, with just a hint of design at the side of the torso.
Australia
Once again, Australia have gone with a giant patch of yellow with some green on the sides.
Hardly any other design elements to it. The iconic Aussie yellow colour is more than enough to make opponents wary in ICC tournaments. But still, they could have at least tried something different.
Bangladesh
Quite a lot happening there. The tiger motif, vivid design, striking colours make it a one-of-a-kind design. But does it all go well together?
The design overshadows the jersey and could have looked better if toned down. But full marks for integrating the national colours and imagery on the kit.
MATCH INFO
Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)
TV: Abu Dhabi Sports
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 36')
Liverpool 1 (Lallana 84')
Man of the match: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8
Power: 503hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 685Nm at 2,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Price: from Dh850,000
On sale: now
Prop idols
Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.
Sophie Shams (Dubai Exiles mini, England sevens international)
An Emirati student who is blazing a trail in rugby. She first learnt the game at Dubai Exiles and captained her JESS Primary school team. After going to study geophysics at university in the UK, she scored a sensational try in a cup final at Twickenham. She has played for England sevens, and is now contracted to top Premiership club Saracens.
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Seren Gough-Walters (Sharjah Wanderers mini, Wales rugby league international)
Few players anywhere will have taken a more circuitous route to playing rugby on Sky Sports. Gough-Walters was born in Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, raised in Sharjah, did not take up rugby seriously till she was 15, has a master’s in global governance and ethics, and once worked as an immigration officer at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In the summer of 2021 she played for Wales against England in rugby league, in a match that was broadcast live on TV.
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Erin King (Dubai Hurricanes mini, Ireland sevens international)
Aged five, Australia-born King went to Dubai Hurricanes training at The Sevens with her brothers. She immediately struck up a deep affection for rugby. She returned to the city at the end of last year to play at the Dubai Rugby Sevens in the colours of Ireland in the Women’s World Series tournament on Pitch 1.
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
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The specs: 2018 GMC Terrain
Price, base / as tested: Dh94,600 / Dh159,700
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 252hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 353Nm @ 2,500rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.4L / 100km
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Company: Instabug
Founded: 2013
Based: Egypt, Cairo
Sector: IT
Employees: 100
Stage: Series A
Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
THE SPECS
Engine: six-litre W12 twin-turbo
Transmission: eight-speed dual clutch auto
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh940,160 (plus VAT)
On sale: Q1 2020
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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Mobile phone packages comparison
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Match info
Australia 580
Pakistan 240 and 335
Result: Australia win by an innings and five runs
DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
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The team
Videographer: Jear Velasquez
Photography: Romeo Perez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Models: Meti and Clinton at MMG
Video assistant: Zanong Maget
Social media: Fatima Al Mahmoud
UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
1st ODI, Friday, January 8
2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10
3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12
4th ODI, Thursday, January 14
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi
Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser
Rating: 4.5/5