As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, concerns are mounting regarding India’s participation in the tournament, particularly due to ongoing political tensions and calls for boycotts from various quarters. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce its provisional squad, leading to speculation about whether India will ultimately decide to participate in the event scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Political Context and Boycott Calls
The backdrop of this uncertainty is rooted in the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, which has historically influenced cricketing ties. Recently, several UK politicians have urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott matches against Afghanistan due to the Taliban’s treatment of women, a move that could set a precedent for other nations. South Africa’s sports minister has also advocated for a boycott of matches against Afghanistan, citing similar concerns about women’s rights under the Taliban regime.
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When will the BCCI announce India squad?
Amid the boycott call, the BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has the confirmed that the selection meeting for the ICC Champions Trophy is likely to be held on January 19.
“The Champions Trophy squad is likely to be announced on Jan 19,” Shukla told reporters on Sunday at the BCCI’s headquarters, just after the Special General Meeting, where Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia were announced as the new BCCI secretary and treasurer.
According to ICC regulations, all teams were supposed to submit their provisional squads by 11:59 pm on January 12. However, the BCCI can requested for an extension. Typically, teams are required to announce their squads a month before the tournament, but this time the ICC has extended the timeframe to five weeks. Teams will still have the flexibility to make changes to their squads later if needed.
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