India's squad for the Champions Trophy is not expected to be revealed this weekend. According to a report from Cricbuzz on Saturday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted to postpone the announcement. Initially, it was anticipated that the BCCI selection committee, chaired by former fast bowler Ajit Agarkar, would disclose the squads for the home One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals against England, as well as a provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, by January 12 (Sunday) following a meeting on Saturday. However, the announcement regarding the Champions Trophy squad has now been deferred.

This delay appears to be deliberate. The report indicated that the BCCI has sought additional time from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize their preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy. Typically, all participating teams are required to submit a provisional squad at least one month prior to an ICC event, as per tournament regulations. However, the governing body has requested that all eight teams submit their provisional squads for the Champions Trophy five weeks ahead of the tournament's commencement.

"The BCCI, referencing recent obligations in Australia for the Test series, is likely to ask for an extension. It is anticipated that the provisional Champions Trophy squad will largely consist of players from the three home ODIs against England," the report stated.

When is the announcement of India's Champions Trophy squad expected?

The announcement is now projected for January 19, precisely one month before the tournament begins, with the host nation Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi on February 19. It is important to note that teams are permitted to modify their provisional squads prior to the tournament's start, provided they inform the ICC in advance. Nevertheless, it is highly probable that the squad selected by Agarkar and his committee on January 19 will be the definitive one for India, barring any new injury issues that may necessitate alterations. The provisional squad will consist of 15 members, along with three traveling reserves, in accordance with ICC regulations.

The report indicated that the One Day International (ODI) team for the upcoming three-match series at home against England will largely mirror the squad selected for the Champions Trophy. Given that the England series represents the final chance for the team to gain essential match experience, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intends to maintain a stable lineup without significant alterations.

In parallel, the announcement of India's squad for the five-match T20 International series against England is anticipated to occur either on Saturday or Sunday. The selectors are likely to retain the majority of the team that participated in the recent series against South Africa, with only minor adjustments.

Review meeting BCCI officials, captain Rohit and coach Gambhir

A review meeting involving BCCI officials, captain Rohit Sharma, and coach Gautam Gambhir is scheduled to take place. The Indian board, which plans to appoint Devjit Saikia as the new secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as treasurer, aims to pose challenging questions to the coach and captain regarding the team's performance in Australia.

Following a disappointing 0-3 defeat at home to New Zealand, expectations were high for the tour of Australia; however, India ultimately lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3, despite an unexpected victory in the first Test by a record margin.

The selectors will convene after the review meeting to finalize the squads for the home series against England and to evaluate the potential composition of India's Champions Trophy team.

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