BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla Rubbishes Reports Of Rifts In Team India Ahead Of Champions Trophy Squad Selection

January14, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy will be announced around February 18 or 19. BCCI official Shukla shared this update with the media on the sidelines of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in New Delhi, stating that the selection committee and the secretary would meet to finalize the squad.

The ICC Champions Trophy, starting on February 19 and running until March 9, will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. India will play its matches in the UAE under a hybrid model. The tournament will feature eight teams, with India placed in Group A alongside the defending champions and hosts Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B includes World Cup 2023 champions Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa. India's first match will be against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a high-stakes encounter with arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23. The team’s final group-stage match will be against New Zealand on March 2.

Addressing media reports about rifts within the Indian team, Shukla dismissed claims of discord between chief selector Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma, labeling them as false. He also addressed concerns over the poor form of batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing that such phases are a natural part of a cricketer's career. He reminded that during a lean patch, Rohit had opted out of a Test match in Sydney.

On the subject of the Kho Kho World Cup, Shukla expressed pride in the tournament, calling it a unique opportunity to showcase an Indian sport on the global stage. The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, which began on January 8, is being held in New Delhi until January 19. The first match saw India secure a win against Nepal in the men's competition, with the women’s tournament kicking off the following day with England facing Australia.