Thu Feb 13 05:21:11 UTC 2025: ## India Skips Practice Matches Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy
**Dubai, UAE** – India will not play any warm-up matches before the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, unlike several other participating teams. This decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) comes after the recently concluded three-match ODI series against England. The Indian team is scheduled to arrive in Dubai on February 15th. The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19th to March 9th.
In contrast, Pakistan has announced three different “Shaheens” (Pakistan A team) squads to play practice matches against Bangladesh, South Africa, and Afghanistan between February 14th and 17th. These matches will be day-night encounters. Afghanistan will also play a warm-up against New Zealand on February 16th. South Africa and New Zealand are already engaged in a tri-series in Pakistan. Different Shaheens captains will lead the team in each match.
The Indian squad for the Champions Trophy includes Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, and other prominent players. The team’s focus will be directly on the tournament matches in Dubai, forgoing the opportunity for pre-tournament practice games.
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