Gautam Gambhir’s future as head coach of the Indian cricket team is under intense scrutiny ahead of the Champions Trophy, following concerns about team dynamics and his efforts to end the long-standing "superstar culture." Since taking over in July 2024, Gambhir has faced a series of disappointing results, including six losses in ten Test matches, and reports of rifts with senior players. The BCCI is set to evaluate his position based on India’s performance in the upcoming tournament, with growing unease about his coaching style and relationships within the team.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is confirmed to begin on March 21, with the final scheduled for May 25, as announced by BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla. This comes after the IPL 2025 mega auction, where Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history, joining Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore. In addition, BCCI appointed Devjit Saikia as Secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as Treasurer, with the next meeting focusing on finalizing the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, set to begin on January 22, 2025. The squad sees the return of pacer Mohammed Shami after a 14-month break, while key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja are missing. The series provides India an opportunity to experiment with new combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. With players like Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Arshdeep Singh in form, India will look to build on its aggressive strategy.
R. Ashwin announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on December 18, 2024, ending his illustrious career midway through India’s ongoing Australia tour. The off-spinner made the announcement during a press conference at the Gabba in Brisbane, confirming that his final day as an Indian cricketer had arrived. Reflecting on his career, Ashwin expressed his gratitude to the BCCI, his teammates, and the Australian cricket team, while stating his intention to continue playing at the club level. With 537 wickets in 106 Tests, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with matches to be held in Pakistan and Dubai. India’s league-stage matches, including the India-Pakistan clash, will be played in Dubai, while the semifinal and final will also take place there. If India is eliminated early, the later stages will shift to Pakistan. Additionally, Pakistan has agreed not to travel to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup; instead, their match against India will be held in Colombo. The PCB, in exchange, will host an ICC Women’s tournament after 2027.