Islamabad, Jan 11: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to postpone the announcement of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, potentially missing the deadline set by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Initially, the selection committee aimed to unveil the provisional Champions Trophy squad by January 12, in line with the ICC’s revised guidelines. However, ongoing commitments with the Test series in Australia have led the BCCI to consider requesting an extension.
ICC Guidelines and Revised Deadlines
The ICC mandates all participating boards to submit provisional squads for major tournaments, such as the Champions Trophy, five weeks before the event. This deadline was recently extended from one month to provide teams with additional preparation time.
Despite the delay, the BCCI is now expected to finalize and announce India’s Champions Trophy squad between January 18 and 19. The tournament begins on February 19, giving the team a critical opportunity to fine-tune its lineup during the ODI series against England.
Potential ODI Squad for England Series
India’s squad for the England ODI series is anticipated to feature a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents, offering selectors the chance to test various combinations ahead of the Champions Trophy. Key highlights include:
Mohammed Shami: Likely to lead the bowling attack, given his current form and fitness.
Washington Sundar and Yashasvi Jaiswal: Set to feature prominently, reflecting their rising status in India’s white-ball cricket.
Nitish Kumar Reddy: While not expected in the ODI lineup, the all-rounder is tipped to continue in the T20I squad.
Jasprit Bumrah: Likely to be rested to facilitate recovery from his back injury.
England’s Tour: A Litmus Test
England’s tour of India is crucial for India’s preparations for the Champions Trophy. The series begins with five T20Is starting January 22, followed by three ODIs on February 6, 9, and 12.
This series will serve as a vital platform for India to assess team combinations, test player fitness, and refine strategies for the highly competitive Champions Trophy. With the deadline looming, the BCCI faces the dual challenge of meeting administrative requirements while ensuring optimal squad readiness.
The final squad announcements will set the tone for India’s campaign in both the England series and the Champions Trophy, where the team will aim to reassert its dominance on the global stage.
