Will India boycott Champions Trophy 2025? Here’s why the BCCI hasn’t announced its provisional squad

As ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, there is growing concern about India’s participation in the tournament, particularly due to ongoing political tensions and calls for a boycott from various quarters. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce its provisional squad, leading to speculation as to whether India will finally decide to participate in the event, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, 2025.

Political context and calls for boycott

The background to this uncertainty is rooted in the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, which has historically affected cricket ties. Recently, several British politicians have called on the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to boycott matches against Afghanistan over the Taliban’s treatment of women, a move that could set a precedent for other nations. South Africa’s sports minister also called for a boycott of matches against Afghanistan, citing similar concerns about women’s rights under the Taliban regime.

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When will BCCI announce Indian squad?

Amid calls for a boycott, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has confirmed that the selection meeting for the ICC Champions Trophy is likely to take place on January 19.

“The Champions Trophy line-up is likely to be announced on January 19,” Shukla told reporters at the BCCI headquarters on Sunday, immediately after a special general meeting, where Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia were named as the new secretary and treasurer of the BCCI.

According to ICC rules, all teams were supposed to submit their provisional squads by 23:59 on January 12. However, the BCCI can ask for an extension. Typically, teams have to announce their squads a month before the tournament, but this time the ICC extended the time frame to five weeks. Teams will still have the flexibility to make changes to their lineups later if necessary.

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