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India Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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New Delhi, India – January 18, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 20. The team will be led by Rohit Sharma, with Shubman Gill serving as vice-captain.

Key Highlights of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

  • Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Shami Included: Both premier fast bowlers have been named in the squad. However, Bumrah is still recovering from a back injury, and the BCCI’s medical team will confirm his fitness in early February.
  • Rishabh Pant Over Sanju Samson: Despite speculation, Rishabh Pant has been picked over Sanju Samson as India’s primary wicketkeeper.
  • Kuldeep Yadav Returns: The star spinner makes a comeback after recovering from a groin injury sustained in late 2024.
  • Hardik Pandya Retains His Spot: The all-rounder, who was a subject of debate, has retained his position in the squad.

India’s Full Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

✅ Rohit Sharma (Captain)
✅ Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
✅ Virat Kohli
✅ Shreyas Iyer
✅ KL Rahul
✅ Hardik Pandya
✅ Axar Patel
✅ Washington Sundar
✅ Kuldeep Yadav
✅ Jasprit Bumrah
✅ Mohammed Shami
✅ Arshdeep Singh
✅ Yashasvi Jaiswal
✅ Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
✅ Ravindra Jadeja

India’s Schedule for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

📌 February 20 – India vs Bangladesh
📌 February 24 – India vs England
📌 February 28 – India vs Pakistan

Before the Champions Trophy, India will play a three-match ODI series against England on February 6, 9, and 12, providing crucial preparation ahead of the global event.

BCCI’s Statement on Bumrah’s Fitness

Speaking about Jasprit Bumrah’s injury status, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated:

“Bumrah has been advised a five-week offloading period after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. We will get a final update from the medical team in early February. As a precaution, Harshit Rana has been named as a standby for the England series.”

India Eyes Third Champions Trophy Title

India, a two-time Champions Trophy winner (2002, 2013), is aiming for a historic third title. With a strong squad featuring a blend of experience and young talent, expectations are high for Rohit Sharma’s men as they head to the tournament.

Stay tuned for the latest ICC Champions Trophy 2025 updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV!

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Galle Marvels Owner Sentenced in Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Sports Offences Law

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In a landmark ruling under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, Indian businessman Prem Thakkar, the franchise owner of Lanka T10 League side Galle Marvels, has been handed a suspended prison sentence for attempting to fix a match during the 2024 tournament.

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Thakkar pleaded guilty to a match-fixing charge and was sentenced by the Kandy High Court to two years of rigorous imprisonment, suspended for 10 years. He was also ordered to pay a Rs. 6 million fine and Rs. 1 million in compensation.

The charges stem from an incident in December 2024, when Thakkar allegedly approached West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher with an offer to influence the outcome of a Lanka T10 League match involving the Galle Marvels. The case was investigated by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Special Investigation Unit for Sports-Related Offences.

The court further permitted the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to access and analyze data from Thakkar’s mobile device to support ongoing investigations into wider corruption networks.

This conviction marks one of the first high-profile applications of Sri Lanka’s sports-related anti-corruption laws and sends a strong signal about the country’s commitment to upholding integrity in sports. The Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, enacted in 2019, criminalizes corruption in sport and provides legal mechanisms to penalize offenders—including jail time and financial penalties.

From a sports governance standpoint, this case underscores the growing necessity for franchise owners and stakeholders to be held accountable under national laws, especially as the popularity of short-format leagues like the Lanka T10 continues to rise.

Thakkar, who has now been granted permission to leave Sri Lanka after settling the financial penalties, becomes the first franchise owner in Lanka T10 history to be convicted under the country’s sports integrity laws.

As Sri Lanka continues to grow as a regional hub for franchise-based cricket, this incident also raises pressing questions for tournament organizers, including Sri Lanka Cricket, on the due diligence applied when awarding team ownerships and the oversight mechanisms in places.

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IPL Temporarily Suspended, PSL Relocated Amid Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

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In a major development impacting global cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been temporarily suspended for a week, while the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been moved to the UAE due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to pause the IPL was announced on Friday, following heightened military activity along the border in the Kashmir region. The situation has raised significant safety concerns, leading to a precautionary suspension of one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.

“The well-being of players, officials, and fans is paramount. The resumption schedule will be shared after reviewing the evolving situation,” the BCCI said, emphasizing national security as the overriding concern.

This year’s IPL season, which began in March, still had 12 group-stage fixtures remaining before the playoffs. The final, initially scheduled for May 25 in Kolkata, may now face delays or venue changes.

The recent blackout during the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, along with the closure of several airports in northern India, further complicated logistics. Punjab’s upcoming match against Mumbai Indians has already been shifted from Dharamshala to Mumbai as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the relocation of the remainder of the PSL season to Dubai. This move follows increased concerns from foreign players and support staff about their safety.

An incident involving a drone crash near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium just hours before a scheduled PSL match has heightened security concerns. The match was to feature several international stars from countries including Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies.

The ongoing crisis has put the cricketing world on alert, with both cricket boards closely monitoring the geopolitical situation. While cricket holds a significant place in both nations’ cultures, current developments have shifted priorities toward safety and stability.

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Bangladesh to Tour Sri Lanka for Full-Fledged Series in June-July 2025

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Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that the Bangladesh National Men’s Team will tour the island from June 13 to July 16, 2025, for a multi-format bilateral series featuring 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is.

The tour kicks off with the Test series, which begins on June 17 at Galle International Stadium, followed by the second Test from June 25 to 29 at the SSC in Colombo. This red-ball series will offer crucial preparation and exposure for both sides ahead of the upcoming ICC events.

Sri Lanka holds a dominant record in Test encounters, having won 20 out of 26 matches against Bangladesh. Bangladesh has managed just one win, with five Tests ending in draws. Their last Test series in April 2024 saw Sri Lanka claim a clean sweep in Bangladesh, 2-0.

The limited-overs leg begins with ODIs on July 2 and 5 at R. Premadasa Stadium, before the third match takes place on July 8 at Pallekele — all day-night games starting at 2:30 PM.

The action continues with the T20I series, starting July 10 in Pallekele, followed by matches in Dambulla (July 13) and a final showdown at R. Premadasa Stadium on July 16.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Tour Fixtures – 2025:

  • June 17–21: 1st Test – Galle
  • June 25–29: 2nd Test – SSC, Colombo
  • July 2: 1st ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
  • July 5: 2nd ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium
  • July 8: 3rd ODI – Pallekele
  • July 10: 1st T20I – Pallekele
  • July 13: 2nd T20I – Dambulla
  • July 16: 3rd T20I – R. Premadasa Stadium

This tour promises exciting cricket as both teams aim to fine-tune their squads across formats.

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