The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the squad for this year’s ICC Champions Trophy will be finalized and revealed by February 18 or 19. Speaking at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi, Rajeev Shukla confirmed the timeline, stating, “On 18 or 19 February. The selection committee and secretary will sit and decide.”
The ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will be held under a hybrid model, with matches taking place in Pakistan and the UAE. India’s matches will be hosted in the UAE. The eight-team tournament will feature 15 one-day international matches. India’s campaign kicks off against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by their highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. India will conclude the group stage against New Zealand on March 2.
Group A includes hosts and current Champions Trophy holders Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B features Cricket World Cup 2023 champions Australia, alongside England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
Addressing rumors of discord among team management, Shukla dismissed media reports of a rift involving chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma. Shukla clarified, “Completely wrong statement to be made. No rift between coach, selection chairman, coach, and captain.”
Regarding the underwhelming form of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Shukla commented, “When you play sport, being in form or out of form happens. These are phases of life. When Rohit felt he was not in form, he opted out of the Sydney Test.” The 2024-25 Test season was disappointing for the duo, with Rohit managing only 164 runs in eight matches at an average of 10.93, and Kohli accumulating 382 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.87.
Meanwhile, Shukla also highlighted the significance of the Kho Kho World Cup, calling it a moment of pride for Indian sports. He noted, “This is unique in itself. It is an Indian sport. If an Indian sport is being showcased through the medium of a World Cup, it should be supported by all. So many countries have sent their teams.”
The first-ever Kho Kho World Cup began with a grand opening ceremony in New Delhi and will run until January 19. In the opening men’s match, India secured a victory against Nepal. The women’s competition will begin with England facing Australia.
