ICC Champions Trophy 2025: As the days go by, the buzz around speculations and predictions continues to intensify. For Team India, squad predictions have become a hot topic of discussion, sparking debates everywhere—from cricket fanatics on social media to casual conversations on the streets. Amid this growing excitement, one key question stands out: who will don the wicketkeeping gloves for India in the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
With numerous cricket experts and pundits making bold predictions about India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a common thread runs through most discussions: the inclusion of KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson.
However, opinions are far from unanimous. While some former cricketers have opted to leave Rishabh Pant out of their squads, others argue for his inclusion at the expense of Sanju Samson, fueling a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Let's discuss all three options one by one:
<h2>KL Rahul Frontrunner to Keep Wickets?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677fef7181149.jpg" alt="">
KL Rahul has made a compelling case to be India’s primary wicketkeeping option in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised Rahul’s ability to deliver consistently under pressure, highlighting his crucial contributions at No. 5 and his knack for scoring vital runs when the team needed them most.
Rahul’s reliability behind the stumps was further cemented by his record-breaking performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. With 17 dismissals, including 16 catches and one stumping, he surpassed Rahul Dravid’s 2003 record for the most dismissals by an Indian wicketkeeper in a single World Cup edition.
These achievements underscore his dual efficiency with both the gloves and the bat, solidifying his place as a frontrunner for the role in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
<h2>Is Rishabh Pant Ready for ODI Format?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677ff4b385bc4.jpg" alt="">
Rishabh Pant has proven his mettle in the Test format, but his performances in white-ball cricket have been inconsistent, as highlighted by his ODI stats: 871 runs in 31 matches at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.21. Despite his potential, these numbers suggest he lacks the maturity required for high-pressure limited-overs cricket.
However, Pant’s wicketkeeping skills set him apart. Among the three contenders, he is the most agile and reliable behind the stumps, with quick reflexes, sharp accuracy, and adaptability to various conditions. While his batting in ODIs needs improvement, his exceptional glove work makes him a strong contender for a spot in the squad.
<h2>Can Sanju's Form Secure Him a Spot?</h2>
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_677ff4b73d5fc.jpg" alt="">
Sanju Samson’s impressive ODI stats—510 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.66 and a strike rate of 99.60—underscore his potential as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter. His ability to capitalize on limited opportunities, including a century and three fifties, makes him a strong contender for the squad.
Sanjay Bangar also stated, “You have to give a place to Sanju Samson because he averages above 50 in ODI cricket. Add to that, he is a man in form as well.”
When compared to Rishabh Pant, Samson’s batting stats are significantly better, highlighting his consistency in white-ball cricket. Moreover, Samson’s wicketkeeping skills are nearly on par with Pant’s, making him a well-rounded option. His current form further solidifies his chances of overtaking Pant in the race for the role.
<h2> Who Will Keep Wickets?</h2>
KL Rahul, with his record-breaking wicketkeeping performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and consistent contributions as a batter, emerges as the frontrunner for India’s primary wicketkeeper role. Sanju Samson, backed by Sanjay Bangar for his stellar ODI average of 56.66 and solid form, is a strong contender for the backup spot.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s exceptional wicketkeeping skills and proven Test success make him a valuable asset, though his inconsistent white-ball batting leaves room for improvement. Together, these options reflect India’s enviable depth in the wicketkeeping department heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 
The weight is on KL Rahul to be the first-choice wicketkeeper. Shreyas Iyer is fit and actively playing cricket to provide a good balance in the team and in his presence, KL Rahul would be the best option. Sanju Samson would be a better batter and wicketkeeper in the backup if we take Stats into account. Rishabh Pant might have to wait for a while in the white ball cricket.

With KL Rahul’s consistency, Sanju Samson’s form, and Rishabh Pant’s agility, who should India trust as their wicketkeeper in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? The race is closer than ever.

India’s wicketkeeping dilemma: Rahul’s reliability, Samson’s form, or Pant’s agility? A tough decision awaits ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Who Will Keep Wickets for India in ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, or KL Rahul?

who-will-keep-wickets-for-india-in-icc-champions-trophy-2025-sanju-samson-rishabh-pant-or-kl-rahul-

India head coach Gautam Gambhir is on a mission to eliminate the indiscipline from the Indian dressing room. As per the reports in India Today, it is learned that the coach complained to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the discipline in India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
The off-field antics of the Indian team are taking more hype than the on-field performances. While the Rohit Sharma-led side suffered the 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, there were also some rumours of the rift that came out from the Indian camp during the series. 
Following the poor performances in the Test series against Australia, the BCCI conducted the review meeting. During the meeting, a lot of issues came forward, and one that was put forward by head coach Gautam Gambhir was indiscipline in the camp. 
<h2>Gautam Gambhir, during the review meeting, spoke about indiscipline in the Indian dressing room - BCCI source</h2>
Gautam Gambhir told BCCI that there was an indiscipline in the Indian dressing room, and it is one of the reasons why BCCI is reverting to pre-COVID rules. The coach, however, wants to end all this going forward. Speaking to the Times of India, he explained: 
"Gautam Gambhir, during the review meeting, spoke about indiscipline in the Indian dressing room following the loss in the Border-Gavaskar series. Indiscipline is the reason why the BCCI is reverting to pre-COVID rules, allowing two weeks of family presence on tour. Gautam and the players were on the same page regarding the topic of family stays." 
Gautam Gambhir has come under massive pump for the team's poor performances in Tests of late. The head coach, ever since being appointed as the coach, has faced some poor losses. Under him, the team lost to Sri Lanka in the ODI series after 27 years. After that, it faced a whitewash against New Zealand in Tests at home. 
After that India went on to lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as well for the first time in 10 years and also failed to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/fakhar-zaman-and-babar-azam-climb-rizwan-and-shaheen-afridi-slip-in-icc-player-rankings/">Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam climb, Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi slip in ICC Player Rankings</a>

India head coach Gautam Gambhir is on a mission to eliminate the indiscipline from the Indian dressing room.

Gautam Gambhir reports indiscipline in the Indian camp to BCCI, the governing body to take this huge step now

gautam-gambhir-reports-indiscipline-in-the-indian-camp-to-bcci-the-governing-body-to-take-this-huge-step-now-

India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is all set to be appointed as the captain of the Delhi team for the upcoming game of the Ranji Trophy against Saurashtra. As per the reports in Times of India, it is learned that Delhi and District Cricket Association will be announcing the squad for the match on 17th January. 
The second round of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 is all set to begin on 23rd January, and Delhi will be taking on Saurashtra. In the last few weeks, BCCI has taken several strong steps, with one being asking the players to take part in domestic cricket. 
Several Indian players, including Rishabh Pant, are all set to play the Ranji Trophy to get some rhythm and form under their belt ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This is because batters looked in torrid form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which India lost by the margin of 3-1. 
Rishabh Pant also didn't have the kind of outing he would've wanted as he managed just 255 runs across nine innings, with an average of 28.33. He managed just one half-century, which came during the last game of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. 
<h2>Rishabh Pant will likely be the skipper for the away game versus Saurashtra - DDCA official</h2>
But with him returning to the Ranji Trophy, it will be a massive step, and if he gets some runs under his belt, it will be a massive boost for the team. The official of DDCA confirmed that he will be leading the team and said: 
"A selection meeting will happen in the afternoon tomorrow and Rishabh Pant will likely be the skipper for the away game versus Saurashtra." He told the Times of India. 
Rishabh Pant being set to be announced as the captain of the team comes at the time when India is in a need of a skipper. The keeper-batter's name is being discussed as the potential vice-captain with Jasprit Bumrah being given the full-time leadership role. 
If Delhi performs well under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, then it surely will send a message to selectors. It remains to be seen how the batter performs in the format. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/fakhar-zaman-and-babar-azam-climb-rizwan-and-shaheen-afridi-slip-in-icc-player-rankings/">Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam climb, Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi slip in ICC Player Rankings</a>

India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is all set to be appointed as the captain of the Delhi team for the upcoming game of the Ranji Trophy against Saurashtra

Rishabh Pant announced as captain of red-ball team

rishabh-pant-announced-as-captain-of-red-ball-team

The BCCI is thinking about hiring a new batting coach for the Indian men’s cricket team. While no official announcement has been made, discussions within the team suggest that changes are needed in the support staff to improve results.

The coaching staff has been under pressure after India’s poor tour of Australia and their struggles in Test cricket recently. The batting has been a major concern, with key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not living up to expectations. Kohli’s habit of getting out in the same manner repeatedly has raised questions about the team’s approach to batting and whether fresh ideas are needed.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the BCCI is considering strengthening Gautam Gambhir’s coaching team. Currently, the setup includes bowling coach Morne Morkel, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, and fielding coach T Dilip. Interestingly, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has expressed interest in taking the batting coach role if the BCCI decides to make the position available.

India has had well-known batting coaches in the past. Vikram Rathour served in the role under Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, while Sanjay Bangar was also a part of the setup earlier. Both brought their own styles to the team, but some feel it’s time for a new specialist to bring in fresh ideas.

A meeting held in Mumbai on January 11 reportedly included discussions about the coaching staff. While it’s unclear if any decisions were made, there are suggestions that a new batting coach could help address the team’s current problems.

For now, the BCCI hasn’t made any moves, but it’s clear that improving the batting setup is a priority for the team going forward.

BCCI Search For New Member For Indian Coach's Team | BCCI  Announce New Indian Coach's Soon ...

The BCCI is thinking about hiring a new batting coach for the Indian men’s cricket team. While no official announcement has been made, discussions within the team suggest that changes are needed in the support staff to improve results.  With a poor performace of Indian team in India Vs Australia match, BCCI take strict action for upcoming match.

bcci-search-for-new-member-for-indian-coach-s-team-bcci-announce-new-indian-coach-s-soon-

The ticket rates for the forthcoming Marquee event of this year i.e the Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in Pakistan and the UAE next month, have been revealed, with prices differing for each hosting stadium of the competition. 
After some thorough consultation processes, the final pricing-structure has been formed and according to the news reports of the Pakistan Media, the prices of the tickets at each venue i.e Lahore, Karachi &amp; Rawalpindi will be different depending on the seating category and the venue. 
The minimum ticket-price has been set at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) while the highest are anticipated to reach upto 25,000 Pakistani Rupees (7, 764 Indian Rupees) for the high end VIP &amp; hospitality experiences. 
The Champions Trophy 2025 tickets have been divided into multiple categories including First Class, General-Enclosure, VIP, Premium &amp; VVIP, ensuring that the fans get the chance the chance to choose according to their needs and preferences.
The Semi-Final knockout matches, which are obviously anticipated to draw crouds in huge numbers, will have a higher base price for the tickets, with the minimum rate set at 2,500 Pakistani Rupees (776 Indian Rupees). 
<h2>New Zealand versus Pakistan contest ticket rates</h2>
New Zealand &amp; hosts Pakistan will be locking horns versus each other in the opening contest of the tournament on the 19th of February in the city of Karachi and this fixture features different ticket categories too. The rates of the General Enclosure tickets have been set at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) while the First Class category tickets are priced at 1,500 Pakistani Rupees (465 Indian Rupees).
Premium category tickets for the highly anticipated opening fixture are priced at 3,500 Pakistani Rupees (1,086 Indian Rupees) and fans will be asked to pay 7,000 Pakistani Rupees (2,173 Indian Rupees) for the VIP tickets.
For the rich ones who want to have the experience of the best seats in the stadium, VVIP will be available to book for 12,000 Pakistani Rupees (3,726 Indian Rupees). 
The other matches which are going to be played in the city of Karachi will also have the ticket pricing structure for the First Class, General Enclosure, VIP &amp; Premium tickets, with the General Enclosure ones starting at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees). 
<h2>England versus Australia match ticket rates</h2>
In the city of Lahore, where Ashes-Rivals England and Australia will be squaring off versus each other, the ticket prices will begin at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) for the General Enclosure category and the prices of the First Class tickets have been set at 2,000 Pakistani Rupees (621 Indian Rupees).
Premium category tickets for the England vs Australia are priced at 5,000 Pakistani Rupees (1,552 Indian Rupees) and the VIP tickets will cost 7,500 Pakistani Rupees (2,329 Indian Rupees). For the ones seeking to have the most exclusive and best experience at the stadiums, the VVIP are available at 12,000 Pakistani Rupees (3,726 Indian Rupees), while the Gallery Tickets for the ENG vs AUS contest will be available to purchase for 18,000 Pakistani Rupees (5,590 Indian Rupees). 
<h2>Afghanistan Champions Trophy matches ticket prices</h2>
The matches involving the Cricket team of Afghanistan, including the Afghanistan versus Australia and England versus Afghanistan clashes, will have General Enclosure tickets available to purchase for 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees), with Gallery tickets costing 12,500 Pakistani Rupees (3,882 Indian Rupees). 
For the encounters mentioned above, the Premium, First Class, VIP &amp; VVIP category tickets will not be available for purchasing. 
<h2>Lahore Champions Trophy Semi-Final</h2>
Talking about the ticket prices of the Lahore Semi-Final encounter, the rates are a little higher with General Enclosure tickets available for 2,500 Pakistani Rupees (776 Indian Rupees). VVIP tickets will cost 25,000 Pakistani Rupees (7,764 Indian Rupees), while tickets of the other categories will be unavailable for this particular fixture.
<h2>Rawalpindi Champions Trophy matches ticket rates</h2>
Talking about the matches which will be held in Rawalpindi, the contest between Bangladesh &amp; Pakistan will witness a different pricing-structure. The rates for the General enclosure tickets are set at 2,000 Pakistani Rupees (621 Indian Rupees), with First Class category tickets available at 4,000 Pakistani Rupees (1,242 Indian Rupees). 
Premium category Tickets for the Bangladesh versus Pakistan clash cost 7,000 Pakistani Rupees (2,173 Indian Rupees) and the VIP tickets will be sold for a price tag of 12,500 Pakistani Rupees (3,882 Indian Rupees). The VVIP category tickets along with the Gallery ones are unavailable for this particular match. 
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_6787be44681c1.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="286" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
Talking about the other group stage games which will be held in Rawalpindi, the General enclosure tickets for those matches start at 1,000 Pakistani Rupees (310 Indian Rupees) and the highly premium Gallery Tickets will be available for purchase at the price tag of 12,500 Pakistani Rupees (3,882 Indian Rupees. Premium, First Class, VIP &amp; VVIP category tickets will not be available for buying.
Do Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/jasprit-bumrah-advised-bed-rest-puts-his-icc-champions-trophy-2025-participation-in-jeopardy-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jasprit Bumrah advised bed rest, puts his ICC Champions Trophy 2025 participation in jeopardy</a>

The Men's Champions Trophy at the Robben Island | Image: DP World

The PCB has unveiled the ticket rates for the forthcoming Champions Trophy 2025 tournament and the rates are astonishingly cheap when we compare them with Indian rates

PCB reveals Champions Trophy 2025 Ticket Prices, astonishingly cheap ticket rates

pcb-reveals-champions-trophy-2025-ticket-prices-astonishingly-cheap-ticket-rates

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been advised complete bed rest by the doctors following the back swelling that he developed during the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. As per the reports in Times India, it is learned that the fast bowler's return to action so far seems to have no clarity. 
Jasprit Bumrah has been advised bed rest so that his muscles recover and the swelling gets over. Following that, he will be moving to the newly built NCA of the BCCI, which is known as the Center of Excellence for his recovery and rehabilitation process. 
The BCCI are hopeful that the fast bowler doesn't have a disc bulge or muscle swelling, which is of a higher grade. This might rule him out of cricketing action for a longer period of time and leave a massive void in the Indian team, especially with important assignments around the corner. 
The Board of Control for India doesn't want to rush Jasprit Bumrah back into the action. So far, there hasn't been any clarity on what is the exact nature of the injury, but if it's more than the back swelling, then there are chances his return could take longer than expected. 
<h2>Hope it's not a disc bulge or a muscle swelling which is of a higher grade - BCCI source on Jasprit Bumrah </h2>
A source close to BCCI confirmed the development, saying that they will be deciding on a future course of action once there is clarity. He said that they want to make sure that talent like Bumrah is preserved. Speaking to the Times of India, he explained: 
"Bumrah could go to the CoE next week, but right now, there is no fixed date yet. He has been advised bed rest at home to help the muscles recover and the swelling to subside. Once that is done, the future course of action will be ascertained," said a well-placed source. 
"Bed rest doesn't sound good. I hope it's not a disc bulge or a muscle swelling which is of a higher grade. The approach has to be similar with him - wrap him in cotton wool and preserve the talent like him," added the source. 
Earlier, there were reports which claimed that Jasprit Bumrah would be back in action during the later stages of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The report said that the pacer will miss the league stage and could return to action during the semi-final and final.
Also Read: <a href="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/admin/Gautam%20Gambhir%20finds%20out%20who%20leaked%20dressing%20room%20talks%20during%20BGT%202024-25,%20Player's%20career%20under%20huge%20threat%20now">Gautam Gambhir finds out who leaked dressing room talks during BGT 2024-25, Player's career under huge threat now</a>

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been advised complete bed rest by the doctors following the back swelling that he developed during the last match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Jasprit Bumrah advised bed rest, puts his ICC Champions Trophy 2025 participation in jeopardy

jasprit-bumrah-advised-bed-rest-puts-his-icc-champions-trophy-2025-participation-in-jeopardy-

The discussion between Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar, Rohit Sharma and BCCI officials during the review meeting has been coming out in the media slowly. The higher authorities in Indian cricket talked about the poor performances of the team late in the Test and the ODIs. 
The reports in Dainik Jagran revealed that Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff were asked by the BCCI for the reasons behind the poor performances. However, one of the members of the support staff came up with the massive reasons behind the team's poor performance. 
As per the reports, it is learned that the member of the support staff blamed IPL for the team's poor performance in the Tests. He reportedly said that big IPL contracts were one of the biggest reasons why the players weren't on top of the money with their performances. 
One of the members of the team management said that IPL contracts were the reason why the players didn't play with full intensity and commitment in the Tests. This was one of the reasons given by Gautam Gambhir and his staff for the loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
<h2>India looked extremely torrid with the bat and ball in the Test series against Australia</h2>
India looked extremely torrid with the bat and ball in the Test series against Australia. They won the first match of the series in Perth, but after that, nothing went their way as they faced humiliation in all the remaining games of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. 
India faced a horrific 10-wicket loss in Adelaide, and then, thanks to rain in Gabba, the game ended in a draw. In the Melbourne Cricket Ground Test, the Rohit Sharma-led side faced an 184-run thrashing before bagging a 6-wicket loss in the last game at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. 
The change in the Test team is likely to happen soon. BCCI soon will be taking a massive step ahead of the England Test series. The five-match series between the teams is all set to take place in June next year and it remains to be seen what will be the future of the team.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ashwin-opens-up-on-his-retirement-says-i-am-only-in-the-team-because-/"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ashwin-opens-up-on-his-retirement-says-i-am-only-in-the-team-because-/">Ashwin Opens Up on his Retirement, Says "I am only in the Team Because..."</a>

The reports in Dainik Jagran revealed that Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff were asked by the BCCI for the reasons behind the poor performances

Blame Game on! Gautam Gambhir and the coaching staff blame the IPL for poor Test performances

blame-game-on-gautam-gambhir-and-the-coaching-staff-blame-the-ipl-for-poor-test-performances-

The India Cricket Team of late has been under the massive scanner of late. Not only the poor performances on the field but also there have been various off-field antics as well. Also, there have been several rumours as well of a rift inside the dressing room. 
India faced a thrashing 3-1 loss at the hands of Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Rohit Sharma-led displayed poor performance with the bat and ball, and this saw them getting eliminated from the race to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship for the first time. 
With performances not going in the team's way, there were reports of unrest in the Indian dressing room, especially after the fourth Test. As reported by the Indian Express, head coach Gautam Gambhir was unhappy with the way the team performed and said harsh words to the players that they now have to play in his way. 
Also, there were reports which claimed that some Mr Fix-It had raised his hand to take over the captaincy of the team, especially with the side struggling. He boldly said that he is the right man to take the team forward and is ready to be the interim captain of the team during the transition phase. 
However, this all got leaked and was in the media all over. This saw many reactions from fans and pundits from all across the globe. Even head coach Gautam Gambhir, during the press conference, said things that happen inside the dressing room shouldn't go out of it. 
<h2>Gautam Gambhir blames young batter Sarfaraz Khan for leaking the details from the dressing room during the Australia tour</h2>
In a massive turn of events now, it is learned, as per the reports in News 24, that Gautam Gambhir has blamed young batter Sarfaraz Khan for leaking the details from the dressing room during the Australia tour. The batter was part of the squad but didn't get to play a single match in the series. 
Gautam Gambhir reportedly told the BCCI about Sarfaraz Khan's act. The head coach was confident that it was the Mumbai batter who leaked all the talks and informed the same during the review meeting, where captain Rohit Sharma and the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar were also present. 
This now could be a massive turn in the career of Sarfaraz Khan. The batter is likely to face some punishment for his antics. The reports added that there are chances that his career might also take a hit.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ashwin-opens-up-on-his-retirement-says-i-am-only-in-the-team-because-/"> </a><a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ashwin-opens-up-on-his-retirement-says-i-am-only-in-the-team-because-/">Ashwin Opens Up on his Retirement, Says "I am only in the Team Because..."</a>

Gautam Gambhir was unhappy with the way the team performed  in Australia and said harsh words to the players

Gautam Gambhir finds out who leaked dressing room talks during BGT 2024-25, Player's career under huge threat now

gautam-gambhir-finds-out-who-leaked-dressing-room-talks-during-bgt-2024-25-player-s-career-under-huge-threat-now-

England's Bilateral tour of India is set to commence with the five-match T20 International series which is slated to start from the 22nd of January onwards. The Three Lions have also unveiled their squad for this upcoming tour of India and now they are preparing to travel to India but before this, one player of England's team is facing certain issues. 
It has been learned that he has not received his Indian visa yet, due to which the picture regarding him travelling with the English team to India is not clear yet. We are talking about Saqib Mahmoud, a fantastic fast bowler of the Three Lions. 
<h2>England have set up their training camp in Abu Dhabi</h2>
Whenever the 2019 World Cup winners travel to India for a bilateral series assignment, they first set up a training camp in Abu Dhabi. This time around too, the situation is the same. A news report of ESPNCricinfo has revealed that Saqib may not be a part of the Abu Dhabi training camp till his visa issues get sorted out. 
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are hopeful that the 27-year-old speedster receives his visa before the commencement of the T20 International series on the 22nd of January.
<h2>Due to his Pakistani origin, the visa approval is getting delayed</h2>
It's believes that the main reason behind the delay in the visa approval of 27-year-old Saqib Mahmood is his Pakistani origin. In the past too, English players who have a Pakistani origin have encountered such issues. Last year, when the Three Lions came to India for the Test-Series, spinner Shoaib Bashir also faced issues related to his Indian visa. 
Due to this, he missed the opening Test-Match in Hyderabad but after sorting out the problems, he played in the remaining matches of the series. 
<h2>The case of Rehan Ahmed &amp; Adil Rashid is clear</h2>
Although the ECB has not commented on this entire matter, the board still hopes that Saqib will land on Indian soil before the start of the first T20I between the Suryakumar Yadav-led team and England. The squad announced by the ECB consists of two more players who have Pakistani origin and they are, Rehan Ahmed &amp; Adil Rashid. 
Adil Rashid has played a lot of matches on Indian soil so his visa was never an issue while Rehan also played the Test-Series in India last year so his case is pretty clear too.
<h2>This is how Saqib's International career has been so far</h2>
27-year-old Saqib Mahmood is not only included in the T20I series team, he has also been given a chance in the ODI team. He will also go to Pakistan and play the Champions Trophy matches for England . If we talk about his career so far, Saqib has played 18 T20 International matches for England and has dismissed 18 batters in this format so far. At the same time, he also has 14 scalps next to his name by featuring in nine One-Day International contests.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/captain-rohit-sharma-likely-to-travel-to-pakistan-due-to-this-reason-everything-we-know-so-far/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Captain Rohit Sharma likely to travel to Pakistan due to this reason! Everything we know so far</a>

Saqib Mahmood of England celebrates picking up a wicket versus West Indies | Image: Getty Images

Saqib Mahmood, England Cricket Team's Pakistani origin star has not received his Indian visa yet which is causing issues for the team ahead of their tour of India

England's star seamer Saqib Mahmood has not received his Indian visa yet

England's Pakistani origin star yet to be granted Indian visa, ECB forced to cancel flight ahead of India tour

england-s-pakistani-origin-star-yet-to-be-granted-indian-visa-ecb-forced-to-cancel-flight-ahead-of-india-tour

In what will be disappointing news for the Sanju Samson fans, the keeper-batter is unlikely to cut into the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the Kerala batter is unlikely to be part of the ODI setup for India. 
There were reports earlier that suggested that Sanju Samson would be the second-choice keeper in the team, with Rishabh Pant being the first-choice keeper. However, that won't be the case, as even after KL Rahul was touted to play as a specialist batter, Samson won't be part of the squad. 
As per the reports, it is learned Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are the three players who are fighting for the place of second keeper for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, it is learned that Jurel is expected to get the preference in the team along with Rishabh Pant. 
<h2>BCCI has decided that they will be backing Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel as two keepers in Test and ODI </h2>
The reports claimed that BCCI has decided that they will be backing Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel as two keepers in Test and ODI setup. While Sanju Samson, who hit three centuries in T20Is in 2024, will be the first-choice keeper in the shortest format of the game. 
Dhruv Jurel hasn't made his debut for India in the ODIs. But has performed exceptionally well in Tests. The keeper-batter has shown great maturity in the longest format of the game, which impressed the selectors as they decided to give a long rope. 
Dhruv Jurel also has been named in the Indian squad for the T20I series against England. With Sanju Samson being the first-choice keeper, it is likely that Jurel will get a chance in the XI for the five-match series. He has played two games in the shortest format of the game. 
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be announcing the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on 19th January. Rohit Sharma is set to lead the team, and it will be a massive opportunity for the team to make a comeback after having a horrendous outing in Test cricket of late.
Also Read: <a href="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/admin/Gautam%20Gambhir's%20fate%20decided!%20BCCI%20to%20take%20this%20massive%20step%20amid%20head%20coach's%20desire%20to%20" end%20superstar%20culture""="">Gautam Gambhir's fate decided! BCCI to take this massive step amid head coach's desire to "end superstar culture"</a>

Sanju Samson to play the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Dhruv Jurel are the three players who are fighting for the place of second keeper for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Sanju Samson to play the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? HUGE update arrives from the Indian camp

sanju-samson-to-play-the-icc-champions-trophy-2025-huge-update-arrives-from-the-indian-camp

Indian Cricket Team's skipper and T20 World Cup winning captain Rohit Sharma is anticipated to travel to Pakistan in the month of February ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament, as per the news reports of Indian Media
If the reports are to be believed, this visit would be historical moment in the world of Cricket, making it one of the rarest occasions where an Indian player has travelled to the country of their arch-rivals for an International Cricket event in recent years. 
The visit to Pakistan is apparently planned for a photo shoot of all-captains with the trophy of the marquee event and ICC organized press conference. During this event, the skippers of all the participating sides will share their views and expectations for the upcoming competition. 
Indian Cricket's governing body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not given any official confirmation regarding the visit of Rohit. Additionally, the Men in Blue have not announced their squad for the forthcoming Champions Trophy event yet 
Currently, the Rohit Sharma-led team is focused on their white-ball bilateral series assignment versus England, where they will be taking part in five T20 International matches and three One-Day International contests ahead of the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
<h2>Group Stages  </h2>
All of the participating nations are divided into 2-groups of 4 teams each:  
- Group A: India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh  
- Group B: England, Afghanistan, South Africa &amp; Australia
Tournament hosts Pakistan will be playing in the opening contest of the Champions Trophy versus the Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand on the 19th of February in the city of Karachi. Team India on the other hand, will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign versus Asian-Rivals Bangladesh on the 20th of February in the city of Dubai. The highly awaited Pakistan vs India clash is scheduled to be played on 23rd of February in Dubai.
Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/shubman-gill-all-set-to-replace-rohit-sharma-as-odi-capatin-after-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shubman Gill all set to replace Rohit Sharma as ODI capatin after....</a>

Indian Captain Rohit Sharma having a chat with the media | Image: PTI

Team India captain is likely to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 event

Rohit Sharma is likely to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025