After much deliberation and talks in the lead-up to the squad announcement for the England ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday (Jan 18) in Mumbai, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar briefed the media and informed everyone of the chosen 15. What stood out was the selection of unfit Jasprit Bumrah, the return of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill's appointment as the new vice-captain.
Though the decision-makers went defensive in naming the tried-and-tested players for the first showpiece event of the year, the latest reports suggest something else.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/coldplays-chris-martin-gives-shout-out-to-indian-cricketer-jasprit-bumrah-during-mumbai-concert-watch-8634470" rel="dofollow">Coldplay&rsquo;s Chris Martin gives shout-out to Bumrah during Mumbai concert &ndash; Watch</a>
As per a Dainik Jagran report, the delay in the squad announcement by over two hours was because of disagreements over the selection of a few players and the roles of others in the team.
The BCCI selection committee, alongside the team captain and the head coach (Gautam Gambhir), made a few bold calls, with Gill getting promoted as Rohit&rsquo;s deputy the talking point of the squad announcement. What makes this call interesting is how they ignored Pandya - India&rsquo;s vice-captain during the home World Cup just 15 months ago.
Meanwhile, Gambhir is said to have asked for Pandya as Rohit&rsquo;s deputy for the eight-team tournament, one of his two demands the chief selector and captain rejected; instead, they chose a relatively younger Gill to be Rohit&rsquo;s successor for the white-ball captaincy.
Notably, Pandya has led India across two formats in Rohit&rsquo;s absence and also dons the captaincy hat at Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which replaced Rohit with him as the side&rsquo;s new captain ahead of the previous season.&nbsp;
<h2>&lsquo;More drama&rsquo;</h2>
It doesn&rsquo;t end here.
The report also suggests that Gambhir, a staunch supporter of overlooked Kerala gloveman Sanju Samson, also asked for him in the Champions Trophy squad; Rohit and Agarkar, however, showed confidence in returning Rishabh Pant.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/destroyed-by-egos-of-administrators-congress-mp-shashi-tharoor-on-sanju-samsons-absence-from-indias-champions-trophy-squad-8634644" rel="dofollow">'Destroyed by egos...,' Shashi Tharoor blames state administrators for Samson's CT omission</a>
Even though Samson&rsquo;s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy for personal reasons cast doubts over CT participation, his recent form and ODI average of over 50 were enough for the selectors to consider him, which wasn&rsquo;t the case. His absence sparked a debate on social media, with former cricketers and politicians coming out in his support.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m63ej2bc-l71ksanm-pnprsa3s">
The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson -- the player wrote to KCA, in advance, regretting his inability to attend a training camp between the SMA and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was promptly dropped from the squad -- has now resulted in&hellip;
&mdash; Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1880588056010657798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
Besides, the BCCI not picking Karun Nair, who scored over 750 runs across eight matches in the domestic 50-over tournament, averaging over 350, made everyone question their selection parameters for an India call-up.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m63ejkbf-muqkt00i-c3xbw5bc">
Is there a point playing Domestic cricket when you don&rsquo;t pick players based on form &amp; performance ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarunNair?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarunNair</a>
&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1880604353301725215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
Agarkar, however, explained what made them not pick Nair in the ODI team, saying,&nbsp;
"Yeah, it was tough. Those are really special performances. Someone who averages 700-plus. We did have a chat," Agarkar said during the presser in Mumbai.
"At the moment, finding a spot in the squad, in this team, is really difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15. But those performances certainly make you take notice. If there is a loss of form (for a player) or injuries, there's certainly going to be a conversation around him," the chief selector continued.
<h3>India&rsquo;s CT 2025 squad &ndash;</h3>
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Though the decision-makers went defensive in naming the tried-and-tested players for Champions Trophy 2025, the latest reports suggest something else. 

After much deliberation and talks in the lead-up to the squad announcement for the England ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday (Jan 18) in Mumbai, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar briefed the media and informed everyone of the chosen 15. What stood out was the selection of unfit Jasprit Bumrah, the return of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill's appointment as the new vice-captain. Though the decision-makers went defensive in naming the tried-and-tested players for the first showpiece event of the year, the latest reports suggest something else. Also read | Coldplay’s Chris Martin gives shout-out to Bumrah during Mumbai concert – Watch As per a Dainik Jagran report, the delay in the squad announcement by over two hours was because of disagreements over the selection of a few players and the roles of others in the team. The BCCI selection committee, alongside the team captain and the head coach (Gautam Gambhir), made a few bold calls, with Gill getting promoted as Rohit’s deputy the talking point of the squad announcement. What makes this call interesting is how they ignored Pandya - India’s vice-captain during the home World Cup just 15 months ago. Meanwhile, Gambhir is said to have asked for Pandya as Rohit’s deputy for the eight-team tournament, one of his two demands the chief selector and captain rejected; instead, they chose a relatively younger Gill to be Rohit’s successor for the white-ball captaincy. Notably, Pandya has led India across two formats in Rohit’s absence and also dons the captaincy hat at Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which replaced Rohit with him as the side’s new captain ahead of the previous season. ‘More drama’ It doesn’t end here. The report also suggests that Gambhir, a staunch supporter of overlooked Kerala gloveman Sanju Samson, also asked for him in the Champions Trophy squad; Rohit and Agarkar, however, showed confidence in returning Rishabh Pant. Also read | 'Destroyed by egos...,' Shashi Tharoor blames state administrators for Samson's CT omission Even though Samson’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy for personal reasons cast doubts over CT participation, his recent form and ODI average of over 50 were enough for the selectors to consider him, which wasn’t the case. His absence sparked a debate on social media, with former cricketers and politicians coming out in his support. The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson -- the player wrote to KCA, in advance, regretting his inability to attend a training camp between the SMA and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was promptly dropped from the squad -- has now resulted in… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 18, 2025 Besides, the BCCI not picking Karun Nair, who scored over 750 runs across eight matches in the domestic 50-over tournament, averaging over 350, made everyone question their selection parameters for an India call-up. Is there a point playing Domestic cricket when you don’t pick players based on form & performance ? #KarunNair — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 18, 2025 Agarkar, however, explained what made them not pick Nair in the ODI team, saying, "Yeah, it was tough. Those are really special performances. Someone who averages 700-plus. We did have a chat," Agarkar said during the presser in Mumbai. "At the moment, finding a spot in the squad, in this team, is really difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15. But those performances certainly make you take notice. If there is a loss of form (for a player) or injuries, there's certainly going to be a conversation around him," the chief selector continued. India’s CT 2025 squad – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja (With inputs from agencies)

Coach Gambhir wanted Hardik Pandya as vice-captain but Rohit rejected - Report

Sanju Samson failed to make the cut in Team India&rsquo;s 15-man Champions Trophy 2025 squad announced on Saturday (Jan 18) in Mumbai, and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has attributed his exclusion to Kerala Cricket Association&rsquo;s (KCA) failure in handling Samson&rsquo;s case. Tharoor alleges the administrators&rsquo; egos have cost Samson a place in India&rsquo;s ODI squad for the first showpiece event of the year.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/coldplays-chris-martin-gives-shout-out-to-indian-cricketer-jasprit-bumrah-during-mumbai-concert-watch-8634470" rel="dofollow">Coldplay&rsquo;s Chris Martin gives shout-out to Bumrah during Mumbai concert &ndash; Watch</a>
Although Samson is part of India&rsquo;s 15-man T20I squad for the England series, starting January 22 in Kolkata, his omission from the One-Day side has more to do with his absence from the just-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy.
After Samson informed his state association of his unavailability for a preparatory camp ahead of the squad selection last December, KCA enforced their policy of needing the players to appear for the camp, leading to his exclusion from the squad.
&ldquo;The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson &ndash; the player wrote to KCA, in advance, regretting his inability to attend a training camp between the SMA and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was promptly dropped from the squad -- has now resulted in Sanju's exclusion from the Indian team,&rdquo; Shashi wrote on his social media handle (X, previously known as Twitter).
&ldquo;A batsman who has a highest score of 212* in the Hazare, who averages 56.66 in ODIs for India (including a century in his last outing, against South Africa) is having his career destroyed by the egos of cricket administrators,&rdquo; he continued.
Meanwhile, Tharoor pointed fingers at the failed management of KCA, asking them tougher questions.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Doesn't it bother the KCA bosses that by leaving Sanju out, they ensured Kerala didn't even reach the quarter-finals of the Hazare? Where does this leave him?&rdquo; Tharoor added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m63bivmq-que4w1g8-z5piw0n0">
The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson -- the player wrote to KCA, in advance, regretting his inability to attend a training camp between the SMA and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was promptly dropped from the squad -- has now resulted in&hellip;
&mdash; Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1880588056010657798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
Earlier, Samson captained Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, where his team narrowly failed to make the knockouts, having won four out of six matches. During the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Salman Nizar captained the state team in Sachin Baby&rsquo;s absence, out with an injury.&nbsp;
<h2>Samson&rsquo;s star show and India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad</h2>
Samson scored two T20I hundreds during his last international tour (away four-match series against South Africa in November last year), pressing his case for retention in the shortest format. Although he succeeded in his attempt, with India naming him for England T20Is, Samson&rsquo;s decent 50-over record was not enough for him to break into the 15-man Champions Trophy squad.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/rishabh-pant-to-captain-lucknow-super-giants-in-ipl-2025-report-8634265" rel="dofollow">Rishabh Pant to captain Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 &ndash; Report</a>
Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul will share the wicket-keeping duties during both series.
<h3>India&rsquo;s CT 2025 squad &ndash;</h3>
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor alleges the administrators’ egos have cost Samson a place in India’s ODI squad for the first showpiece event of the year.

Sanju Samson failed to make the cut in Team India’s 15-man Champions Trophy 2025 squad announced on Saturday (Jan 18) in Mumbai, and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has attributed his exclusion to Kerala Cricket Association’s (KCA) failure in handling Samson’s case. Tharoor alleges the administrators’ egos have cost Samson a place in India’s ODI squad for the first showpiece event of the year. Also read | Coldplay’s Chris Martin gives shout-out to Bumrah during Mumbai concert – Watch Although Samson is part of India’s 15-man T20I squad for the England series, starting January 22 in Kolkata, his omission from the One-Day side has more to do with his absence from the just-concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. After Samson informed his state association of his unavailability for a preparatory camp ahead of the squad selection last December, KCA enforced their policy of needing the players to appear for the camp, leading to his exclusion from the squad. “The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson – the player wrote to KCA, in advance, regretting his inability to attend a training camp between the SMA and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was promptly dropped from the squad -- has now resulted in Sanju's exclusion from the Indian team,” Shashi wrote on his social media handle (X, previously known as Twitter). “A batsman who has a highest score of 212* in the Hazare, who averages 56.66 in ODIs for India (including a century in his last outing, against South Africa) is having his career destroyed by the egos of cricket administrators,” he continued. Meanwhile, Tharoor pointed fingers at the failed management of KCA, asking them tougher questions. “Doesn't it bother the KCA bosses that by leaving Sanju out, they ensured Kerala didn't even reach the quarter-finals of the Hazare? Where does this leave him?” Tharoor added. The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson -- the player wrote to KCA, in advance, regretting his inability to attend a training camp between the SMA and the Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was promptly dropped from the squad -- has now resulted in… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 18, 2025 Earlier, Samson captained Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, where his team narrowly failed to make the knockouts, having won four out of six matches. During the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Salman Nizar captained the state team in Sachin Baby’s absence, out with an injury. Samson’s star show and India’s Champions Trophy squad Samson scored two T20I hundreds during his last international tour (away four-match series against South Africa in November last year), pressing his case for retention in the shortest format. Although he succeeded in his attempt, with India naming him for England T20Is, Samson’s decent 50-over record was not enough for him to break into the 15-man Champions Trophy squad. Also read | Rishabh Pant to captain Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 – Report Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul will share the wicket-keeping duties during both series. India’s CT 2025 squad – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja (With inputs from agencies)

'Destroyed by egos...,' Shashi Tharoor blames state administrators for Samson's CT omission

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar took over two and a half hours before announcing the ODI squad for the England series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday during a presser in Mumbai. Although several hits and misses of that announcement have made headlines all over, what stood out was Rohit&rsquo;s take on BCCI&rsquo;s new ten-point policy document.
In the wake of India&rsquo;s horror show in the past two Test series, having lost six out of the eight contested Tests (three against New Zealand at home and as many to Australia Down Under), the BCCI, following a high-profile meeting early this week, released this policy document, with restrictions over player&rsquo;s wives or partners from accompanying them throughout the away tours being one of them.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/chief-selector-ajit-agarkar-explains-karun-nairs-snub-from-indias-champions-trophy-2025-squad-8632946" rel="dofollow">Agarkar explains Karun Nair&rsquo;s snub from India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad</a>
Meanwhile, before the presser began, Rohit (and Agarkar), who was settling down while arranging his microphones, was caught off guard telling Agarkar about how he plans to talk to the new BCCI secretary over relaxing the rule around player&rsquo;s partners&rsquo; travel restriction, as everyone&rsquo;s been calling him about the same.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I will have to sit (with BCCI officials) for one or one and a half hours after this. Will have to sit with the secretary to discuss regarding all this family and all, all are saying to me&hellip;," Rohit said to Agarkar ahead of the presser.
<h3>Watch -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m625ntxw-0xmhr66t-jubex5ke">
Rohit Sharma on the BCCI policies: "After the PC, we have to discuss family rules, all the players are calling me". 🤣 He didn't know the mic was on 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/Xx7purPCp5">pic.twitter.com/Xx7purPCp5</a>
&mdash; Kuljot (@Ro45Kuljot) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ro45Kuljot/status/1880554960334852600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>&lsquo;Restriction&rsquo;</h2>
Per the BCCI new policy document, wives or partners can stay up to 14 days on a long tour, with that reduced to half (seven days) on the shorter ones.&nbsp; Among the other mentioned policies, travelling together as a team and staying in the same hotel, unlike how a few players travelling alongside their families requested to stay elsewhere on the long tours, are included.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bumrah-shami-return-to-15-man-india-squad-for-champions-trophy-karun-nair-misses-out-8632588" rel="dofollow">India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return</a>
&ldquo;Players these days have their families around along with a big entourage. Some have even requested to stay in different hotels, and a few have made their own travel arrangements within the country. These players are barely seen with the rest of the team. The board is contemplating restricting the length of stay for families to two weeks on a lengthy tour," a BCCI source had said, as quoted by the Times of India.
Meanwhile, Rohit will lead the Indian Team for the England ODIs and in the ICC Champions Trophy starting next month.
Here is India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad &ndash;
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Although several hits and misses of that announcement made headlines all over, what stood out was Rohit’s take on BCCI’s new ten-point policy document.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar took over two and a half hours before announcing the ODI squad for the England series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Saturday during a presser in Mumbai. Although several hits and misses of that announcement have made headlines all over, what stood out was Rohit’s take on BCCI’s new ten-point policy document. In the wake of India’s horror show in the past two Test series, having lost six out of the eight contested Tests (three against New Zealand at home and as many to Australia Down Under), the BCCI, following a high-profile meeting early this week, released this policy document, with restrictions over player’s wives or partners from accompanying them throughout the away tours being one of them. Also read | Agarkar explains Karun Nair’s snub from India’s Champions Trophy squad Meanwhile, before the presser began, Rohit (and Agarkar), who was settling down while arranging his microphones, was caught off guard telling Agarkar about how he plans to talk to the new BCCI secretary over relaxing the rule around player’s partners’ travel restriction, as everyone’s been calling him about the same. “I will have to sit (with BCCI officials) for one or one and a half hours after this. Will have to sit with the secretary to discuss regarding all this family and all, all are saying to me…," Rohit said to Agarkar ahead of the presser. Watch - Rohit Sharma on the BCCI policies: "After the PC, we have to discuss family rules, all the players are calling me". 🤣 He didn't know the mic was on 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Xx7purPCp5 — Kuljot (@Ro45Kuljot) January 18, 2025 ‘Restriction’ Per the BCCI new policy document, wives or partners can stay up to 14 days on a long tour, with that reduced to half (seven days) on the shorter ones. Among the other mentioned policies, travelling together as a team and staying in the same hotel, unlike how a few players travelling alongside their families requested to stay elsewhere on the long tours, are included. Also read | India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return “Players these days have their families around along with a big entourage. Some have even requested to stay in different hotels, and a few have made their own travel arrangements within the country. These players are barely seen with the rest of the team. The board is contemplating restricting the length of stay for families to two weeks on a lengthy tour," a BCCI source had said, as quoted by the Times of India. Meanwhile, Rohit will lead the Indian Team for the England ODIs and in the ICC Champions Trophy starting next month. Here is India’s Champions Trophy squad – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja (With inputs from agencies)

'I will have to sit with BCCI secretary...,' Rohit caught off guard during CT squad announcement presser - Watch

The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained why Karun Nair failed to make the cut in India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad announced on Saturday (Jan 18). Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Agarkar revealed the chosen 15 for the first showpiece event of the year during a presser in Mumbai.
Karun Nair, only the second Indian batter after Virender Sehwag to hit a Test triple hundred (in 2016), has been making the right noises with his stupendous performances in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Nair, 33, who scored as many as 752 runs, including a record-equaling five centuries and averaging the same (a whopping 752), had several greats like Sachin Tendulkar praising him for his star outings.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bumrah-shami-return-to-15-man-india-squad-for-champions-trophy-karun-nair-misses-out-8632588" rel="dofollow">India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return</a>
However, per the reports in the lead-up to the squad announcement date, Nair was not going to get selected despite his towering performances in the domestic 50-over tournament, with the Champions Trophy squad announcement confirming this.
Upon being asked about thoughts on not picking Nair, Agarkar revealed they discussed his name during the chat, but looking at how stacked the Indian ODI middle order is, he, unfortunately, had to wait for his turn.
"Yeah, it was tough. Those are really special performances. Someone who averages 700-plus. We did have a chat," Agarkar said during the presser in Mumbai.&nbsp;
"At the moment, finding a spot in the squad, in this team, is really difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15. But those performances certainly make you take notice. If there is a loss of form (for a player) or injuries, there's certainly going to be a conversation around him," the chief selector continued.&nbsp;
<h2>Team India&rsquo;s Champions Trophy squad &ndash;&nbsp;</h2>
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja
India will host England for five T20Is and three ODIs before flying to Dubai for the eight-team tournament starting February 19.&nbsp;
The Men in Blue, placed in Group A, will open their campaign against Bangladesh (Feb 20) before facing host Pakistan (Feb 23) in the marquee clash. India&rsquo;s last league game is against New Zealand a week later (Mar 2), with Dubai hosting all of their matches, including the knockouts, should they qualify.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Nair, 33, who scored 752 runs, including a record-equaling five centuries in Vijay Hazare, had several greats like Sachin Tendulkar praising him for his star outings.

The BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained why Karun Nair failed to make the cut in India’s Champions Trophy squad announced on Saturday (Jan 18). Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Agarkar revealed the chosen 15 for the first showpiece event of the year during a presser in Mumbai. Karun Nair, only the second Indian batter after Virender Sehwag to hit a Test triple hundred (in 2016), has been making the right noises with his stupendous performances in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Nair, 33, who scored as many as 752 runs, including a record-equaling five centuries and averaging the same (a whopping 752), had several greats like Sachin Tendulkar praising him for his star outings. Also read | India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return However, per the reports in the lead-up to the squad announcement date, Nair was not going to get selected despite his towering performances in the domestic 50-over tournament, with the Champions Trophy squad announcement confirming this. Upon being asked about thoughts on not picking Nair, Agarkar revealed they discussed his name during the chat, but looking at how stacked the Indian ODI middle order is, he, unfortunately, had to wait for his turn. "Yeah, it was tough. Those are really special performances. Someone who averages 700-plus. We did have a chat," Agarkar said during the presser in Mumbai. "At the moment, finding a spot in the squad, in this team, is really difficult. Look at the guys who have been picked. All average well in excess of mid-40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15. But those performances certainly make you take notice. If there is a loss of form (for a player) or injuries, there's certainly going to be a conversation around him," the chief selector continued. Team India’s Champions Trophy squad – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja India will host England for five T20Is and three ODIs before flying to Dubai for the eight-team tournament starting February 19. The Men in Blue, placed in Group A, will open their campaign against Bangladesh (Feb 20) before facing host Pakistan (Feb 23) in the marquee clash. India’s last league game is against New Zealand a week later (Mar 2), with Dubai hosting all of their matches, including the knockouts, should they qualify. (With inputs from agencies)

Agarkar explains Karun Nair’s snub from India’s Champions Trophy squad

The BCCI has picked Jasprit Bumrah in India&rsquo;s 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced during a presser in Mumbai. His fellow seamer Mohammed Shami returned to the ODI team for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, while the selectors have also named Rishabh Pant in the star-studded squad.
The surprise inclusion, however, is that of uncapped star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.&nbsp;
<h2>India&rsquo;s 15-man squad for Champions Trophy &ndash;</h2>
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-india-but-sunil-gavaskar-predicts-this-team-to-win-champions-trophy-2025-8632495" rel="dofollow">Not India, but Sunil Gavaskar predicts THIS team to win Champions Trophy 2025</a>
Meanwhile, this is also the same squad for England ODIs, with seamer Harshit Rana added as Bumrah&rsquo;s cover until the board and the selectors get a green signal from the NCA over his ailing back.
<h2>Gill &ndash; the new vice-captain</h2>
Among all the hits and misses, youngster Shubman Gill getting appointed new vice-captain raised a few eyebrows. Even despite seasoned campaigners KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya around, with Pandya holding that post some time back, Gill&rsquo;s promotion to being Rohit&rsquo;s deputy is the sign of things to come in Indian cricket.
However, contrary to that is the absence of batter Karun Nair from the squad, who has been making all the right noises in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, averaging a whopping 752, including hitting five centuries thus far.
The selectors have picked Rishabh Pant as the specialist keeper-batter, with doubts casting over Rahul&rsquo;s role as the gloveman in the side.&nbsp;
The decision-makers seem to have chosen a safer choice regarding naming the squad for the showpiece event, picking tried-and-tested players instead of recalling domestic performers.
<h2>Squad breakdown</h2>
Young Jaiswal earned his maiden India call-up for an ICC event, although he was picked as Gill&rsquo;s cover. Alongside him, Rohit and Shubman will play at the top, while Virat Kohli will play at number three.&nbsp;
The middle order consists of Shreyas Iyer, Rahul, Pant and lone seam-bowling all-rounder Pandya, with the selectors naming three spin-bowling all-rounders &ndash; Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.&nbsp;
In the pacers department, Bumrah will lead the attack, as Ajit revealed that he continues to recover from the back injury that ruled him out of action since leaving the field during the SCG Test, meaning his participation remains unclear. Shami and Arshdeep Singh made the cut, with the selectors overlooking workhorse Mohammed Siraj for the England ODIs and Champions Trophy.
India will play five T20Is against England starting January 22, with the three ODIs (on 6, 9 and 12) to follow.&nbsp;
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh (on February 20) in Dubai.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Cricket, Sports: Karun Nair, who has been making the right noises with his star show in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, has been overlooked, with the selectors naming Pant in the squad.

The BCCI has picked Jasprit Bumrah in India’s 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced during a presser in Mumbai. His fellow seamer Mohammed Shami returned to the ODI team for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, while the selectors have also named Rishabh Pant in the star-studded squad. The surprise inclusion, however, is that of uncapped star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. India’s 15-man squad for Champions Trophy – Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal Also read | Not India, but Sunil Gavaskar predicts THIS team to win Champions Trophy 2025 Meanwhile, this is also the same squad for England ODIs, with seamer Harshit Rana added as Bumrah’s cover until the board and the selectors get a green signal from the NCA over his ailing back. Gill – the new vice-captain Among all the hits and misses, youngster Shubman Gill getting appointed new vice-captain raised a few eyebrows. Even despite seasoned campaigners KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya around, with Pandya holding that post some time back, Gill’s promotion to being Rohit’s deputy is the sign of things to come in Indian cricket. However, contrary to that is the absence of batter Karun Nair from the squad, who has been making all the right noises in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, averaging a whopping 752, including hitting five centuries thus far. The selectors have picked Rishabh Pant as the specialist keeper-batter, with doubts casting over Rahul’s role as the gloveman in the side. The decision-makers seem to have chosen a safer choice regarding naming the squad for the showpiece event, picking tried-and-tested players instead of recalling domestic performers. Squad breakdown Young Jaiswal earned his maiden India call-up for an ICC event, although he was picked as Gill’s cover. Alongside him, Rohit and Shubman will play at the top, while Virat Kohli will play at number three. The middle order consists of Shreyas Iyer, Rahul, Pant and lone seam-bowling all-rounder Pandya, with the selectors naming three spin-bowling all-rounders – Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. In the pacers department, Bumrah will lead the attack, as Ajit revealed that he continues to recover from the back injury that ruled him out of action since leaving the field during the SCG Test, meaning his participation remains unclear. Shami and Arshdeep Singh made the cut, with the selectors overlooking workhorse Mohammed Siraj for the England ODIs and Champions Trophy. India will play five T20Is against England starting January 22, with the three ODIs (on 6, 9 and 12) to follow. India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh (on February 20) in Dubai. (With inputs from agencies)

India squad for Champions Trophy 2025 announced; Bumrah, Shami return

The BCCI selectors will announce Team India's 15-man Champions Trophy 2025 squad on Saturday (Jan 18), with the latest reports emerging that they could pick ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah subject to him being fit in time for the eight-team tournament starting next month.
The Indian quick last played during the final BGT Test in Sydney (against Australia), where, early on day two, after bowling eight overs across two spells, he left the field with discomfort in his back. Though the reports did not reveal a stress fracture in his back, exertion over playing all five Tests on the trot, wherein he bowled 151.2 overs in nine innings, led to the breakdown.
Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/harbhajan-singh-on-champions-trophy-and-india-pak-clash" rel="dofollow">Harbhajan Singh On Champions Trophy And India-Pak Clash</a>
However, the BCCI medical team advised a five-week rest for Bumrah, after which he will undergo a test to determine his participation in the first showpiece event of the year in Pakistan (and the UAE &ndash; for India).
Should Bumrah get the go-ahead from the BCCI&rsquo;s medical team, he might feature in the final ODI against England (scheduled for February 12) to test his match fitness before returning to lead the pace attack in the Champions Trophy starting February 19. The final date of squad submission for the ICC event is February 11.
As things stand, the BCCI selectors will announce Team India ODI squads for the England series and the Champions Trophy today, likely including Bumrah for both (final ODI and CT 2025).
<h2>India ready for white-ball season</h2>
After a horrid Test season, where India lost six out of eight matches (three to New Zealand at home and three against Australia Down Under), the Men in Blue gear up for a dynamic white-ball season before IPL 2025 gets underway in late March.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/nathan-lyon-donates-kohli-bumrah-signed-bats-to-support-disabled-cricketers-8630473" rel="dofollow">Lyon donates Kohli, Bumrah-signed bats to support disabled cricketers</a>
India will begin with five T20Is against England starting on January 22 in Kolkata, with three ODIs (February 6, 9 and 12) to follow - their first ODI series since the away Sri Lankan tour in August last year.&nbsp;
Next will be the ICC Champions Trophy, where India, placed in Group A, will face host and arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team will open their campaign against Bangladesh (on February 20) before taking on Pakistan three days later in a marquee clash.&nbsp;India&rsquo;s last league game is against New Zealand (on March 2), with all of their matches taking place in Dubai, including the knockouts, should they qualify.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: BCCI selectors will announce Team India ODI squads for the England series and the Champions Trophy today, likely including Bumrah for both (final ODI and CT 2025).

The BCCI selectors will announce Team India's 15-man Champions Trophy 2025 squad on Saturday (Jan 18), with the latest reports emerging that they could pick ace seamer Jasprit Bumrah subject to him being fit in time for the eight-team tournament starting next month. The Indian quick last played during the final BGT Test in Sydney (against Australia), where, early on day two, after bowling eight overs across two spells, he left the field with discomfort in his back. Though the reports did not reveal a stress fracture in his back, exertion over playing all five Tests on the trot, wherein he bowled 151.2 overs in nine innings, led to the breakdown. Watch - Harbhajan Singh On Champions Trophy And India-Pak Clash However, the BCCI medical team advised a five-week rest for Bumrah, after which he will undergo a test to determine his participation in the first showpiece event of the year in Pakistan (and the UAE – for India). Should Bumrah get the go-ahead from the BCCI’s medical team, he might feature in the final ODI against England (scheduled for February 12) to test his match fitness before returning to lead the pace attack in the Champions Trophy starting February 19. The final date of squad submission for the ICC event is February 11. As things stand, the BCCI selectors will announce Team India ODI squads for the England series and the Champions Trophy today, likely including Bumrah for both (final ODI and CT 2025). India ready for white-ball season After a horrid Test season, where India lost six out of eight matches (three to New Zealand at home and three against Australia Down Under), the Men in Blue gear up for a dynamic white-ball season before IPL 2025 gets underway in late March. Also read | Lyon donates Kohli, Bumrah-signed bats to support disabled cricketers India will begin with five T20Is against England starting on January 22 in Kolkata, with three ODIs (February 6, 9 and 12) to follow - their first ODI series since the away Sri Lankan tour in August last year. Next will be the ICC Champions Trophy, where India, placed in Group A, will face host and arch-rivals Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Rohit Sharma-led Indian Team will open their campaign against Bangladesh (on February 20) before taking on Pakistan three days later in a marquee clash. India’s last league game is against New Zealand (on March 2), with all of their matches taking place in Dubai, including the knockouts, should they qualify. (With inputs from agencies)

Selectors to pick Bumrah in Champions Trophy squad subject to fitness

South Africa called up pacers Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi to the 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5urzyum-vqvabloz-dojwijn7">
🚨SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT🚨 White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in Pakistan from 19 February &ndash; 09 March. One-Day International captain Temba Bavuma will lead the full-strength squad, which&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/Bzt0rqjveG">pic.twitter.com/Bzt0rqjveG</a>
&mdash; Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ProteasMenCSA/status/1878701631317106819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
South Africa, the winners of the inaugural editions in 1998, boasts a strong squad for the eight-team tournament scheduled in Pakistan and the UAE. Temba Bavuma will lead the Proteas, who are placed in Group B alongside Australia, England and Afghanistan.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pakistan-has-edge-over-india-in-champions-trophy-2025-mohammad-amir-8614193" rel="dofollow">Pakistan has edge over India in Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Amir</a>
The pace battery of Nortje and Ngidi missed the entire home season due to injuries.
While Nortje suffered a broken toe, Ngidi was out with a groin injury. Both will join seasoned campaigner Kagiso Rabada and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the fast-bowling department, with the Proteas naming Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi as two frontline spinners.
The 15-man squad already includes 10 players featured in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, with Mulder and openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickleton among the ones earning their maiden ICC tournament call-up.
<h2>Beware of South Africa</h2>
South Africa reached the semis of the 50-over World Cup two years ago, looking daunting and unbeatable until India broke their back with a thumping win. That, however, wasn&rsquo;t enough to stop them as they cruised to the semis only to suffer a defeat at the hands of the eventual winners Australia.
In Champions Trophy 2025, they would aim to repeat their past performances that broke countless records, and to do that, they have firepower in their batter, including Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs.&nbsp;
With newcomers added to this spicy batting line-up, South Africa will be a force to reckon with in this competition.&nbsp;
<h3>South Africa Champions Trophy 2025 squad -</h3>
Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen
<h3>South Africa&rsquo;s Group B fixtures &ndash;</h3>
<ul>
<li>February 21: South Africa vs Afghanistan, Karachi</li>
<li>February 25: South Africa vs Australia, Rawalpindi</li>
<li>March 1: South Africa vs England, Karachi</li>
</ul>
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, Cricket: Proteas' 15-man squad includes ten players featured in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, with Mulder, de Zorzi and Rickleton earning their maiden ICC event call-up.

South Africa called up pacers Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi to the 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 🚨SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT🚨 White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be played in Pakistan from 19 February – 09 March. One-Day International captain Temba Bavuma will lead the full-strength squad, which… pic.twitter.com/Bzt0rqjveG — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) January 13, 2025 South Africa, the winners of the inaugural editions in 1998, boasts a strong squad for the eight-team tournament scheduled in Pakistan and the UAE. Temba Bavuma will lead the Proteas, who are placed in Group B alongside Australia, England and Afghanistan. Also read | Pakistan has edge over India in Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Amir The pace battery of Nortje and Ngidi missed the entire home season due to injuries. While Nortje suffered a broken toe, Ngidi was out with a groin injury. Both will join seasoned campaigner Kagiso Rabada and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the fast-bowling department, with the Proteas naming Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi as two frontline spinners. The 15-man squad already includes 10 players featured in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, with Mulder and openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickleton among the ones earning their maiden ICC tournament call-up. Beware of South Africa South Africa reached the semis of the 50-over World Cup two years ago, looking daunting and unbeatable until India broke their back with a thumping win. That, however, wasn’t enough to stop them as they cruised to the semis only to suffer a defeat at the hands of the eventual winners Australia. In Champions Trophy 2025, they would aim to repeat their past performances that broke countless records, and to do that, they have firepower in their batter, including Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs. With newcomers added to this spicy batting line-up, South Africa will be a force to reckon with in this competition. South Africa Champions Trophy 2025 squad - Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs and Rassie van der Dussen South Africa’s Group B fixtures – February 21: South Africa vs Afghanistan, Karachi February 25: South Africa vs Australia, Rawalpindi March 1: South Africa vs England, Karachi (With inputs from agencies)

Bavuma-led South Africa call up pacers Nortje,  Ngidi for Champions Trophy 2025

Australia, the two-time Champions Trophy winners, announced their preliminary 15-man&nbsp; squad for the 2025 edition of the series on Monday (Jan 13), including two seasoned pacers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who recently suffered injuries.
The reigning world champions have named an all-rounder-heavy team for the first showpiece event of the year, with Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie earning their maiden call-up for an ICC tournament.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5ukmm8n-xpununb2-05h4kdnm">
Our preliminary squad for the 2025 <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> is here 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/LK8T2wZwDr">pic.twitter.com/LK8T2wZwDr</a>
&mdash; Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1878593842997575965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
Fresh from winning the coveted BGT against India at home, Australia&rsquo;s next target is bagging the first ICC tournament of the year, where they will face England, Afghanistan and South Africa in the Group Stage, with Pakistan hosting their matches.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-news-shreyas-iyer-news-punjab-kings-skipper-8613563" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025: Punjab Kings name Shreyas Iyer as new skipper</a>
A boost for the world champions is the return of their captain Cummins to the ODI side after previous reports suggested that he could miss the Champions Trophy 2025 due to an injury. Cummins will, however, miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting January 29, for the birth of his second child. Veteran batter Steve Smith will lead in his absence.
Meanwhile, most World Cup-winning players have retained their places, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh picked as openers. Marnus Labuschagne, Smith and Glenn Maxwell will play in the middle order, while Marcus Stoinis and two relatively newer faces in the ODIs &ndash; Hardie and Short &ndash; will take care of the lower-order duties.
Australia has named two glovemen - Alex Carey and first-choice Josh Inglis.
Cummins, Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are part of the bowling department, with the right-arm seamer Nathan Ellis picked as a backup. Australia, however, has just named one specialist spinner in Adam Zampa.
"This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year's successful tour of the UK and the more recent Pakistan home series," chief selector George Bailey said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.&nbsp;
"It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on the opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan,&rdquo; he added.
<h2>Australia squad for Champions Trophy 2025 -&nbsp;</h2>
Pat Cummins (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa
<h3>Australia&rsquo;s Group B Fixtures &ndash;</h3>
<ul>
<li>February 22: Australia v England, Lahore</li>
<li>February 25: Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi</li>
<li>February 28: Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore</li>
</ul>
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie have earned their maiden call-ups for an ICC tournament as Australia pick an all-rounder-heavy squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. 

Australia, the two-time Champions Trophy winners, announced their preliminary 15-man squad for the 2025 edition of the series on Monday (Jan 13), including two seasoned pacers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who recently suffered injuries. The reigning world champions have named an all-rounder-heavy team for the first showpiece event of the year, with Matthew Short and Aaron Hardie earning their maiden call-up for an ICC tournament. Our preliminary squad for the 2025 @ICC #ChampionsTrophy is here 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LK8T2wZwDr — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 13, 2025 Fresh from winning the coveted BGT against India at home, Australia’s next target is bagging the first ICC tournament of the year, where they will face England, Afghanistan and South Africa in the Group Stage, with Pakistan hosting their matches. Also read | IPL 2025: Punjab Kings name Shreyas Iyer as new skipper A boost for the world champions is the return of their captain Cummins to the ODI side after previous reports suggested that he could miss the Champions Trophy 2025 due to an injury. Cummins will, however, miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting January 29, for the birth of his second child. Veteran batter Steve Smith will lead in his absence. Meanwhile, most World Cup-winning players have retained their places, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh picked as openers. Marnus Labuschagne, Smith and Glenn Maxwell will play in the middle order, while Marcus Stoinis and two relatively newer faces in the ODIs – Hardie and Short – will take care of the lower-order duties. Australia has named two glovemen - Alex Carey and first-choice Josh Inglis. Cummins, Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are part of the bowling department, with the right-arm seamer Nathan Ellis picked as a backup. Australia, however, has just named one specialist spinner in Adam Zampa. "This is a balanced and experienced squad with the core having been involved in the previous one-day World Cup, the West Indies series, last year's successful tour of the UK and the more recent Pakistan home series," chief selector George Bailey said, as quoted by cricket.com.au. "It offers a variety of options for touring management depending on the opposition and the conditions that may present in Pakistan,” he added. Australia squad for Champions Trophy 2025 - Pat Cummins (captain), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa Australia’s Group B Fixtures – February 22: Australia v England, Lahore February 25: Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi February 28: Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore (With inputs from agencies)

Australia include pace duo in preliminary Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Shakib Al Hasan, a veteran Bangladesh cricketer, has failed his second bowling test in Chennai and subsequently found no place in the 15-man Champions Trophy squad.
Shakib faced suspension from top-flight and international cricket over a suspected bowling action earlier, failing to pass the second test undertaken at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai last month.
As a result, his suspension remains in place, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced in a statement.
"Consequently, the player's existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment at the testing centre of Loughborough University in the UK also remains in place. A successful reassessment is required for the bowling suspension to be lifted,&rdquo; the board statement read.
"While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket,&rdquo; it further stated.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-nightmare-for-team-india-as-jasprit-bumrah-to-miss-group-stage-report-8611837" rel="dofollow">Jasprit Bumrah to miss Champions Trophy 2025 group stage - Report</a>
Shakib was reported for a suspect bowling action during a County game in September last year. The ECB conducted a bowling test at UK's Loughborough University late last year, which he failed, prompting the board to suspend him.&nbsp;
However, by clause 11.3 of the ICC's regulations for illegal bowling actions, the apex body recognised it and enforced his suspension across all cricket.
<h2>No Shakib in the CT squad</h2>
Despite BCB president Faruque Ahmed saying on Friday that he would like to have Shakib back in the ODI team for the Champions Trophy 2025, the left-handed all-rounder found no place in the final 15, announced on Sunday (Jan 12). Star keeper-batter Litton Das also failed to make the cut.
The Bangladesh squad comprises veteran cricketers Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Mustafizur Rahman, alongside several emerging players. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed made it to the 15, with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz retaining his place.&nbsp;
Top-order batter Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the team.
<h3>Bangladesh&rsquo;s Champions Trophy Squad 2025 &ndash;</h3>
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Shakib and Nahid Rana
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5tapt02-0mvx9d14-8gi1tlg1">
Bangladesh Squad for ICC Men&rsquo;s Champions Trophy 2025<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsTrophy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsTrophy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/GtO9UtNihp">pic.twitter.com/GtO9UtNihp</a>
&mdash; Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCBtigers/status/1878329828182827448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is placed in Group A with India, Pakistan and New Zealand, beginning their season against the Men in Blue on February 20 in Dubai.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Sports, cricket: Bangladesh announced a strong Champions Trophy 2025 squad, with several veterans finding a place, but not Shakib Al Hasan, who failed his second bowling test.

Shakib Al Hasan, a veteran Bangladesh cricketer, has failed his second bowling test in Chennai and subsequently found no place in the 15-man Champions Trophy squad. Shakib faced suspension from top-flight and international cricket over a suspected bowling action earlier, failing to pass the second test undertaken at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai last month. As a result, his suspension remains in place, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced in a statement. "Consequently, the player's existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment at the testing centre of Loughborough University in the UK also remains in place. A successful reassessment is required for the bowling suspension to be lifted,” the board statement read. "While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket,” it further stated. Also read | Jasprit Bumrah to miss Champions Trophy 2025 group stage - Report Shakib was reported for a suspect bowling action during a County game in September last year. The ECB conducted a bowling test at UK's Loughborough University late last year, which he failed, prompting the board to suspend him. However, by clause 11.3 of the ICC's regulations for illegal bowling actions, the apex body recognised it and enforced his suspension across all cricket. No Shakib in the CT squad Despite BCB president Faruque Ahmed saying on Friday that he would like to have Shakib back in the ODI team for the Champions Trophy 2025, the left-handed all-rounder found no place in the final 15, announced on Sunday (Jan 12). Star keeper-batter Litton Das also failed to make the cut. The Bangladesh squad comprises veteran cricketers Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah Riyad, and Mustafizur Rahman, alongside several emerging players. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed made it to the 15, with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz retaining his place. Top-order batter Najmul Hossain Shanto will lead the team. Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy Squad 2025 – Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Shakib and Nahid Rana Bangladesh Squad for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025#BCB #Cricket #ChampionsTrophy #Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/GtO9UtNihp — Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 12, 2025 Meanwhile, Bangladesh is placed in Group A with India, Pakistan and New Zealand, beginning their season against the Men in Blue on February 20 in Dubai. (With inputs from agencies)

Suspended Shakib finds no place in Bangladesh Champions Trophy squad

India&#39;s cricket administration has thumbed its nose at International Cricket Council by not announcing the Indian team for the Champions Trophy before the April 25 deadline.

The&nbsp;Board of Control for Cricket in India -- the administrators of Indian cricket -- is apparently in no hurry to announce the&nbsp;squad, a move that will escalate tensions between the two cricket bodies.

The BCCI and ICC have recently sparred over the proposed revenue-sharing model. The new proposal would result in Indian cricket receiving a lot less money than they have in recent years.

Some reports suggest that the BCCI could lose up to&nbsp;$190 million if the new model is implemented. The Indian cricket administration will continue to remain the highest earners, but the massive pruning in their take-home earnings has prompted the BCCI to stoutly oppose the proposed model.

India&#39;s decision to not name the squad before the April 25 deadline is being viewed as BCCI&#39;s way of putting pressure on the ICC.

The BCCI is yet to officially seek an extension, which many could perceive as a show of defiance. The ICC extends the deadline only under special circumstances.

The BCCI top brass feels that naming the India squad is a mere formality as the selectors know who are the certainties.

With at least 14 of the 15 members of the Indian team more or less known, the Indian officials are in no tearing hurry. &quot;Tell me one thing, if we name the squad, say for example on May 5, will ICC bar us from participation. We have a settled squad and naming it is a mere formality,&quot; a top BCCI official told PTI today.

The Champions Trophy will be held in the United Kingdon from June 1 to 18, and India are the defending champions.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

BCCI flies in the face of ICC by not announcing the Champions Trophy squad before April 25

India's cricket administration has thumbed its nose at International Cricket Council by not announcing the Indian team for the Champions Trophy before the April 25 deadline. The Board of Control for Cricket in India -- the administrators of Indian cricket -- is apparently in no hurry to announce the squad, a move that will escalate tensions between the two cricket bodies. The BCCI and ICC have recently sparred over the proposed revenue-sharing model. The new proposal would result in Indian cricket receiving a lot less money than they have in recent years. Some reports suggest that the BCCI could lose up to $190 million if the new model is implemented. The Indian cricket administration will continue to remain the highest earners, but the massive pruning in their take-home earnings has prompted the BCCI to stoutly oppose the proposed model. India's decision to not name the squad before the April 25 deadline is being viewed as BCCI's way of putting pressure on the ICC. The BCCI is yet to officially seek an extension, which many could perceive as a show of defiance. The ICC extends the deadline only under special circumstances. The BCCI top brass feels that naming the India squad is a mere formality as the selectors know who are the certainties. With at least 14 of the 15 members of the Indian team more or less known, the Indian officials are in no tearing hurry. "Tell me one thing, if we name the squad, say for example on May 5, will ICC bar us from participation. We have a settled squad and naming it is a mere formality," a top BCCI official told PTI today. The Champions Trophy will be held in the United Kingdon from June 1 to 18, and India are the defending champions. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India runs the risk of not participating in this year's Champions Trophy