BCCI Likely To Request ICC Extension For Champions Trophy 2025 Squad Announcement
Ajit Agarkar-Led Selection Committee Faces Time Constraints
The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has been under pressure to name India’s squad for the prestigious Champions Trophy. However, reports suggest that the committee is contemplating a delay in the announcement of the squad for the upcoming ODI series against England. The reason cited for this delay is primarily the BCCI’s current commitments, particularly the ongoing Test tour to Australia, which has stretched the board’s resources thin.
Sources close to the BCCI revealed that the selectors are requesting an extension from the ICC, citing these scheduling conflicts. The original deadline for the provisional squad submission is set for January 12, but the new proposed date for the squad announcement is now likely to fall between January 18 and 19, 2025. This revised timeline gives the selectors a little more breathing room to carefully assess players’ performances during the ongoing series against England and make informed decisions.
Impact of England ODI Series on Squad Selection
The upcoming three-match ODI series against England, set to start in early February, is a critical fixture for India. This series will provide the selectors with the final opportunity to observe the performances of players who could potentially make it to India’s Champions Trophy squad. The selectors are expected to focus on the ODI series as a significant evaluation point, with key players likely to be named for both the England series and the Champions Trophy.
It’s anticipated that India’s squad for both the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy will largely overlap. This overlap is seen as an effective strategy by the BCCI to ensure that players are given enough time to adapt to both formats and gel as a cohesive unit ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Key Players Likely to Feature in the Squad
While the final selection remains under wraps, some key players are already being tipped to make the cut. Among them, fast bowler Mohammed Shami is expected to make a comeback after featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Bengal. Shami’s return is seen as a significant boost for India’s pace attack, with the veteran bowler potentially offering much-needed experience for the Champions Trophy.
On the batting front, young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal is also expected to be included. Having made a strong impact in Test cricket, Jaiswal is now seen as a regular contender for the national team across all formats. His inclusion in the ODI squad against England would mark his debut in the 50-over format, further strengthening India’s batting depth.
Selectors are also likely to look closely at players like Arshdeep Singh, who is expected to spearhead India’s bowling attack in both the ODI and T20I formats. The left-arm pacer’s impressive performance in recent matches has solidified his place in the squad for both series.
The Champions Trophy 2025: A Crucial Tournament for India
The Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be a defining event for Indian cricket. With the tournament scheduled to begin in February 2025, India’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. The delay in squad announcements only adds to the growing anticipation surrounding the team’s preparations for the tournament. Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy, with the opening match set to be played in Karachi. As one of the favorites to lift the trophy, India’s squad needs to be finely tuned, ensuring that every player is in peak form.
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