India to Delay Champions Trophy Squad Announcement Despite ICC Deadline

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to postpone the announcement of India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 past the deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The selection committee was initially scheduled to unveil the provisional Champions Trophy squad by January 12, complying with the ICC’s revised guidelines. However, recent commitments in Australia for the Test series have led the BCCI to consider requesting an extension.

ICC Guidelines

In preparation for major global tournaments like the Champions Trophy, the ICC sets a deadline for boards like the BCCI to submit their provisional squads at least one month before the event. However, the governing body has advanced this deadline to five weeks. The BCCI is expected to finalize and announce India’s Champions Trophy squad between January 18 and 19.

The tournament will begin on February 19, providing India with a critical window to finalize its combinations during the upcoming ODI series against England.

Squad Highlights

India’s ODI squad for the England series is likely to include a mix of experienced players and emerging talents:

• Mohammed Shami is expected to spearhead the bowling lineup, with his recent form and fitness gaining approval from the selectors.
• Washington Sundar and Yashasvi Jaiswal are likely to feature in the squad, reflecting their growing stature in India’s white-ball setup.
• Promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, however, is not expected to make the ODI squad but is set to remain part of the T20I lineup.
• Jasprit Bumrah will likely be rested to give him a chance to recover from his back injury.

England’s Tour: Key for Champions Trophy Preparations

England’s tour of India will begin with five T20Is, starting January 22, followed by three ODIs on February 6, 9, and 12.