Mon Feb 03 15:17:56 UTC 2025: **Bumrah’s Fitness in Doubt for ICC Champions Trophy 2025**
DUBAI – The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a hybrid model tournament hosted primarily by Pakistan, is set to begin on February 19th. India’s campaign starts on February 20th against Bangladesh in Dubai. However, a cloud hangs over the participation of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah, included in the 15-member Indian squad, suffered a back muscle strain during the Sydney Test against Australia this month. He has undergone scans at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, with the medical team awaiting the results to determine his availability.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed Bumrah’s unfitness at the team announcement, expressing hope for his recovery by the tournament. As a precaution, Harshit Rana was included in the squad for the ongoing ODI series against England as a potential replacement. Agarkar stated that Bumrah will miss the first two ODIs and has been advised to rest for five weeks. The BCCI medical team will provide further updates, with a February first-week recovery hoped for.
The Indian team has until February 11th to make changes to its squad. Any subsequent replacements would require ICC approval. Therefore, Agarkar has just eight days to make a final decision on Bumrah’s participation. If deemed unfit, either Rana or Mohammed Siraj could replace him.
The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups. India and Pakistan are in Group A alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh. Group B consists of South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England. All matches will be played across four venues: three in Pakistan and one in Dubai. India will play all their matches in Dubai. The final, if India qualifies, will be held in Dubai instead of Lahore.
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