In a surprising turn of events, Team India has decided to skip warm-up matches before the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Initially, there were reports that India would play at least one practice game, possibly against Bangladesh or the UAE in Dubai. But now, that plan has been scrapped.
So, the big question is: Is this a smart move or a risky gamble?
India’s Champions Trophy Schedule
The Men in Blue will begin their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But the match everyone is waiting for? India vs. Pakistan on February 23!
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Here’s how India’s group-stage schedule looks:
📅 February 20 – vs. Bangladesh (Dubai)
📅 February 23 – vs. Pakistan (Dubai)
📅 March 2 – vs. New Zealand (Dubai)
Unlike other teams warming up in Pakistan, India will head straight to Dubai on February 15 and dive right into the action.
Why is India Skipping Warm-Up Matches?
There’s no official word yet, but a few factors could be in play:
- Workload Management – India is currently playing a white-ball series against England, so the players might already be match-ready.
- Strategic Reasons – They might not want to reveal their tactics before the tournament begins.
- Focus on Acclimatization – Spending extra time in Dubai might help them adjust to the conditions better.
But is this the right call?
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Could This Decision Backfire?
Skipping warm-up matches can be risky. Even the best teams need game time in new conditions before a big tournament. The pitches in Dubai behave differently, and not having a practice match could mean a slow start for India.
Plus, India’s first game is against Bangladesh, a team that knows Dubai’s conditions better than most. And let’s not forget, the Pakistan clash on February 23 will be an intense, high-pressure game.
Could rustiness cost India early points?
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