India to Play in UAE Under Hybrid Model; Shukla Denies Rumors of Rift Between Team Management
New Delhi, January 14: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be finalized by February 18 or 19, according to Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice President.
Shukla shared the update while addressing the media during the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi.
"On February 18 or 19, the selection committee and secretary will sit and decide on the squad," Shukla said.
India’s Champions Trophy Campaign
The ICC Champions Trophy will run from February 19 to March 9 and will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and UAE under a hybrid model. India will play its matches in the UAE, with the tournament featuring 15 matches among eight teams.
India’s Group Stage Fixtures:
- February 20: India vs. Bangladesh
- February 23: India vs. Pakistan (Dubai)
- March 2: India vs. New Zealand
Group A: Pakistan (hosts), India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh
Group B: Australia (World Cup 2023 champions), Afghanistan, England, and South Africa
Shukla Denies Rift Rumors
Addressing rumors about a possible rift between head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma, Shukla firmly denied the allegations.
"Completely wrong statement to be made. There is no rift between the coach, selection chairman, or the captain," he clarified.
On the poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Shukla was optimistic:
"In sports, form fluctuates. These are phases of life. Rohit even opted out of the Sydney Test when he felt he was not in form."
The two players, considered India’s modern-day batting greats, had a tough Test season in 2024-25.
- Rohit Sharma: Scored 164 runs in 15 innings at an average of 10.93, with one fifty.
- Virat Kohli: Scored 382 runs in 19 innings at an average of 22.87, with a solitary century and one fifty.
Kho Kho World Cup Kicks Off
Shukla also highlighted the significance of the Kho Kho World Cup, which began in New Delhi on Monday.
"This is unique in itself. It’s an Indian sport, and showcasing it on a global platform through a World Cup is commendable. So many countries have sent their teams," he said.
The tournament opened with India defeating Nepal in the men’s division. The women’s matches will start with England taking on Australia on Tuesday.
The Kho Kho World Cup will run until January 19.
