Thu Feb 13 09:30:34 UTC 2025: ## India Skips Warm-up Matches Ahead of Champions Trophy, Banking on England Series Victory

**Dubai, UAE –** India will forgo warm-up matches before the upcoming Champions Trophy, choosing instead to rely on the momentum gained from their recent 3-0 ODI series win over England. The Rohit Sharma-led team arrives in Dubai on February 15th, opting for internal training sessions rather than external competition. Their campaign begins on February 20th against Bangladesh.

This strategy mirrors that of Australia, who have also decided to skip pre-tournament warm-ups. In contrast, co-hosts Pakistan have embraced a more rigorous approach, scheduling multiple warm-up matches for their Shaheen squads against Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh.

India’s decision is based on the belief that their recent performances, particularly the strong showing against England, provide sufficient preparation. The team’s recent ODI matches—three against Sri Lanka in August 2024 and three against England—were key factors in this decision. While the Sri Lanka series resulted in a 2-0 defeat, the resounding victory over England seems to have revitalized the team. Key players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer showcased impressive form during the England series, further bolstering the team’s confidence.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will field three separate Shaheen squads in warm-up matches, starting with a clash against Afghanistan in Lahore on February 14th. Two further matches will be played simultaneously on February 17th, with one team facing South Africa in Karachi and the other facing Bangladesh in Dubai. Afghanistan will also play New Zealand in a warm-up fixture in Karachi on February 16th.

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