According to reports, India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad is set to be announced soon. The eight-team tournament is set to be played from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and UAE. Due to the refusal by India to travel to Pakistan, the Men in Blue will play all their all games in Dubai.
Interestingly, the selection committee is yet to announce the squad for the five-match T20I series against England, scheduled to be played from January 22 to February 2. Then, both sides are slated to meet in the three-match ODI series from February 6 to 12.
It is important to note that the deadline for announcing the provisional squad of the Champions Trophy is January 12. It is expected that the squad for the ODI series and the marquee event might be announced on the same date. All eight teams will have time until February 13 to make some changes in their provisional squad.
The players featuring for India in the England series are expected to be a part of the Champions Trophy squad as well. The biltaeral series will be crucial for the Indian team in preparing for the highly-anticipated ICC event. The Rohit Sharma-led side last played a 50-over game in August 2024 against Sri Lanka, where they lost the ODI series 2-0.
Despite his struggles in the test format, Rohit is likely to captain the side in the Champions Trophy, with the presence of Virat Kohli as well. According to reports, Jasprit Bumrah might be rested for England series to unleash himself better in the Champions Trophy.
Further, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja are not likely to make it to the 15-man squad, with Yashasvi Jaiswal making a strong case for himself with impressive form. Shami hasn’t played any games for India since November 2023 after undergoing an ankle surgery. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are expected to be the spin options for the Indian team in the showpiece event.
Pakistan stadiums in disappointing state ahead of Champions Trophy
With around 40 days to kickoff the Champions Trophy, the three stadiums in Pakistan – Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are still undergoing renovation and significant construction work still remains incomplete. The hospitality boxes, floodlight installations, seat arrangements are some of the key areas which have been worked upon by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“It is a very disappointing picture. All three stadiums are far from ready and it’s not renovation or refurbishment, but proper construction which is underway. There is so much work left with seats, floodlights, facilities and even the outfield and playing surfaces,” a source was quoted as saying by Times of India.
However, PCB later put all speculations to rest and remains steadfast on completing all the work before the January 25 deadline. Interestingly, they have shifted their four-match tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa to Lahore and Karachi, originally scheduled to be played in Multan, to indicate their readiness of hosting the competition.
“The PCB is fully committed to ensuring that all venues are ready to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and other international matches. With over 250 workers labouring day and night to meet the 25 January deadline, the PCB is confident that the upgrades will elevate the fan experience and uphold Pakistan’s reputation as a premier cricketing destination,” it said.
The reports also state that if the stadiums in Pakistan aren’t ready to host the Champions Trophy, all the games might be shifted to the UAE.
