Cricket
India Announces 15-Member Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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!
Cricket
Bangladesh to Tour Sri Lanka for Full-Fledged Series in June-July 2025
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.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Soars to Fourth in ICC ODI Rankings After Remarkable Year
Sri Lanka has climbed to 4th place in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, marking a major achievement in the team’s ongoing revival in international cricket. This surge, confirmed after the International Cricket Council’s annual update, reflects a year of consistent and impressive performances.
The upward shift in rankings saw Sri Lanka gain five valuable rating points, pushing them past powerhouse teams like Pakistan and South Africa. Now trailing only India, Australia, and England, Sri Lanka has re-established itself as a major contender in the One Day International (ODI) format.
Key Factors Behind Sri Lanka’s Rise in ODI Rankings
This rankings boost has been fueled by a string of dominant series wins, especially at home. Victories against top-tier teams such as India and Australia have been pivotal. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit has shown exceptional control and discipline, while the batting lineup has evolved into a reliable force, capable of adapting to various match situations.
The leadership of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka has been central to this transformation. Jayasuriya’s experience and aggressive tactical approach have revitalized the team, while Asalanka’s calm leadership and key contributions with the bat have earned him praise as a future great.
Youth and Experience Creating a Winning Combination
Emerging stars like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage have provided fresh energy and depth. Their seamless integration alongside veterans has created a balanced and confident unit.
With ICC global tournaments on the horizon, this momentum places Sri Lanka in a strong position to challenge the world’s best. The team’s rise to fourth in the ICC ODI rankings is more than just a number — it’s a testament to their growing belief and ambition on the world stage.
Cricket
Sri Lanka Women Stun India in Record-Breaking Run Chase at R. Premadasa
Sri Lanka Women pulled off a sensational chase to defeat India Women by 3 wickets with 5 balls to spare in a high-scoring thriller at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the fourth match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series 2025. Chasing a formidable target of 276, the home side held their nerve to reach 278/7, registering one of their most memorable victories in ODI history.
India Women, after being put in to bat first, posted a commanding 275/9 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a fluent 50 from Richa Ghosh, who struck 5 fours and 2 sixes in her 42-ball knock. Useful contributions from the top and middle order pushed India past the 250-mark, despite late wickets stalling momentum.
Sri Lanka’s chase started steadily, but the game came alive in the middle overs thanks to key innings from Harshitha Madavi (50 off 57) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu. However, the turning point came when Nilakshika Silva took charge with a blistering 56 off just 33 balls, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Her late onslaught, along with support from the lower middle order, ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line at 278/7 in 49.1 overs.
This match also set a record as the highest match aggregate (553 runs) between the two sides in Women’s ODIs, underlining the growing competitiveness of Sri Lanka Women’s cricket on the international stage.
Nilakshika Silva was named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock under pressure.
With this win, Sri Lanka Women have gained valuable momentum and sent a strong message to both opponents in the tri-series, showcasing their depth and fighting spirit.
Match Summary:
- India Women: 275/9 (Richa Ghosh 50, D Hemalatha 34; SL bowlers shared wickets)
- Sri Lanka Women: 278/7 in 49.1 overs (Nilakshika Silva 56*, Harshitha Madavi 50)
Tri-Series 2025: Points Table & Team Form Update
With each team having played at least two matches, the Women’s ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka is heating up as both India and Sri Lanka have secured two wins each, while South Africa is yet to register a victory.
Points Table (as of May 4, 2025):
- India Women sit at the top based on a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), despite their 3-wicket loss to Sri Lanka on May 4.
- Sri Lanka Women made a strong comeback after an opening loss to India, now securing back-to-back wins against South Africa and India.
- South Africa Women have struggled, with two straight losses and a negative NRR.
The battle for a place in the final is still open, with each upcoming match carrying significant weight.
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