Thu Feb 13 10:21:46 UTC 2025: ## India Skips Warm-up Matches Ahead of Champions Trophy

**Dubai, UAE –** India has made the unprecedented decision to forgo all warm-up matches ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, despite several other teams utilizing pre-tournament friendlies. Captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed the team’s strategy, citing the recently concluded 3-0 ODI series victory over England as sufficient preparation. The BCCI supports the decision, noting the team’s already packed schedule.

This marks the first time in recent memory that India will enter an ICC tournament without playing any warm-up games. While they previously opted against prioritizing practice matches before key bilateral series, this decision is particularly notable given the Champions Trophy’s significance. Although the team played a warm-up game against Bangladesh in the last T20 World Cup, they will enter this tournament directly after their series win over England.

India, considered a strong contender for the title, will benefit from playing all their Champions Trophy matches at the Dubai International Stadium. Their campaign begins on February 19th against Bangladesh, followed by crucial encounters against Pakistan and New Zealand.

In contrast to India’s approach, several other teams are utilizing warm-up matches. Pakistan, the original tournament host, will field three separate ‘A’ teams (named Pakistan Shaheens) in matches against Afghanistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh between February 14th and 17th. Other warm-up matches include Afghanistan vs. New Zealand. However, Pakistan will not deploy their main players in these warm-up games. The Champions Trophy will be held from February 19th to March 9th in Pakistan and Dubai.

Read More