India has opted out of the warm-up matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while other teams prepare for the tournament with practice games. The tournament is set to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and Dubai. India playing all their matches in Dubai due to political and security concerns.
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The warm-up matches, scheduled between February 14 and 17, will see Pakistan’s Shaheens (Pakistan A) squads competing against Bangladesh, South Africa, and Afghanistan. These practice matches are crucial for teams to adjust to conditions and fine-tune their strategies before the main event. However, India’s decision to skip these games means they will head straight into the tournament without match practice in similar conditions.
Pakistan has named three different squads for these warm-up fixtures, reflecting their intent to provide young and emerging players with exposure against top teams. The move also allows the main Pakistan squad to remain focused on their preparations. While the Shaheens test their strengths against international opponents.
India’s approach to preparation is different, likely relying on internal training camps and practice within their own squad. While this decision minimizes exposure to other teams’ strategies, it could also mean a lack of match readiness before the tournament. With the ICC Champions Trophy being a high-stakes event, teams will look to gain momentum early.
B CCI’s Decision: No Champions Trophy 20205 Practice Games for Team India
India’s performance without warm-up matches will be closely watched, while other teams will use the practice games to their advantage. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided against playing warm-up matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This decision comes as India is currently engaged in a three-match ODI series against England, which concludes on February 14.
The Indian team is set to arrive in Dubai on February 15, giving them only a few days before their first match in the tournament. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh will participate in warm-up matches on February 14 and 17 to fine-tune their preparations. Additionally, Afghanistan will play another practice game against New Zealand on February 16 in Karachi.
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These matches serve as the final opportunity for teams to adapt to conditions before the high-stakes tournament begins. South Africa and New Zealand are already in Pakistan, participating in a tri-series alongside the host nation. Pakistan has also announced three separate Shaheens squads for the warm-up matches, giving young and emerging players a platform to showcase their talent.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad and Warm-Up Matches
Shadab Khan will captain the Shaheens against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 14, while two other squads will be in action on February 17. Mohammad Hurraira led against South Africa in Karachi and Mohammad Haris captained against Bangladesh in Dubai. The New Zealand-Afghanistan clash in Karachi on February 16 will provide both teams with crucial match practice.
Other teams make full use of these warm-up opportunities, and India’s decision to forgo practice games will be closely analyzed. As they enter the Champions Trophy without prior exposure to tournament conditions. The former India coach has recalled a major blunder made by Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Anil Kumble during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final against Pakistan.
While Kohli was an exceptional captain who led India to success across formats. His team struggled to win ICC tournaments despite reaching multiple knockout stages. One of the most heartbreaking defeats came in the final against Pakistan, a game where India was completely outplayed. Having already beaten Pakistan in the group stage, India was expected to dominate the final. However, a crucial tactical error proved costly.
Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, posted a massive total, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s century. In response, India faltered early, unable to mount a serious challenge. The strategic misstep, according to the former coach, played a significant role in India’s downfall. This loss remains one of the most painful defeats in Indian cricket history.
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India’s Costly Decision in the 2017 Champions Trophy Final
In the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final, India’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved costly, as Pakistan posted a commanding 338/4. The Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for just 158. Recalling the game, then-batting coach Sanjay Bangar admitted that Virat Kohli, along with other key decision-makers. Like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Anil Kumble, made a strategic error.
Hardik Pandya was India’s lone fighter, smashing boundaries and sixes, but his unfortunate run-out ended any hopes of a comeback. The loss remains one of India’s most painful defeats in ICC tournaments.
“The sun was out, and we should have batted first. Virat Kohli, head coach Anil Kumble, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and I were part of the decision,” Bangar said during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo.
“We lost all the main batters early in the innings but Hardik was going great guns. We knew we were out of the game but Hardik gave us some hope. He was furious when that run-out happened but the all-rounder didn’t say anything to Jadeja. He was livid with himself as he couldn’t win the match for his country,” he added.
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