Gautam Gambhir misses Champions Trophy squad Press conference, replaced by Rohit Sharma

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared that the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series and the Champions Trophy 2025 will be unveiled on January 18. In a recent announcement, it was confirmed that India's captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar will address the media in Mumbai on Saturday. The press conference, scheduled to commence at 12:30 PM, will be followed by the official squad reveal. Interestingly, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir will be absent from the press conference.

“The Men’s Selection Committee will select India’s squad for the IDFC First Bank ODI series against England and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tomorrow in Mumbai. The selection meeting will be followed by a press conference, details of which are below,” the BCCI statement read.

On Thursday, the BCCI introduced a 10-point policy aimed at fostering “discipline and unity.” The policy includes making domestic cricket compulsory, limiting the presence of families and personal staff during tours, and prohibiting individual commercial endorsements during active series.

Before the ODIs against England, India will begin a five-match T20I series against the same team on January 22.

The series will kick off in Kolkata on January 22, with the second and third matches scheduled for January 25 and 28 in Chennai and Rajkot, respectively. The fourth match will be played in Pune on January 31, and the series will conclude in Mumbai on February 2.

Following the T20Is, the three-match ODI series will start from February 6. India’s next major challenge is the ICC Champions Trophy, which will run from February 19 to March 9. Hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, India will play its games in the UAE under a hybrid model.

This eight-team competition will feature 15 50-over matches, held in Pakistan and Dubai. The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan will take place on February 23 in Dubai, with India opening their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. India’s final group-stage match will be against New Zealand on March 2.

Group A of the tournament includes the reigning Champions Trophy champions and hosts Pakistan, along with India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Group B consists of 2023 Cricket World Cup winners Australia, along with Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.