BCCI Seeks Extension To Name Champions Trophy Squad: Reports

The BCCI are reportedly to announce their Champions Trophy squad on January 12. The ICC has asked teams to announce their preliminary squads by Sunday. However, the teams have been given time to make changes to their final squad till February 13.

Now the BCCI has requested the ICC to give them some more time to finalise their Champions Trophy squad. However, the squad for the England T20I series might be announced sooner, probably on Saturday.

The reason behind BCCI asking for an extension is to monitor the fitness of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. As per reports in Cricbuzz, Shami is close to getting fitness clearance from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. That might clear his path for a Team India comeback. The Indian pacer who has been out of the squad since the ODI World Cup 2023, recently played in the Vijay Hazare domestic one-day competition for Bengal. 

The report further said that India's Champions Trophy squad is expected to be announced next weekend, by January 18-19. According to the report, the BCCI is expected to request additional time because of the team's recent commitments in Australia for the Test series.

BCCI Concerned With Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah's Fitness

Apart from Shami, the BCCI medical team is also monitoring the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah closely as well. He was taken for scans on his back in the final Test in Sydney. He also did not bowl on day 2 and 3 of the Test match. There are further reports that BCCI might rest him for the England white-ball series to keep him fit for the Champions Trophy.

England and India are scheduled to play five T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series starts from January 22. The three ODIs between the two teams are slated to be held on February 6, 9 and 12.