Indian Cricket Team to Play Warm-Up Match in Dubai
In the coming days, Team India will begin preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This tournament is set to start on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, with the Indian team scheduled to play its matches in Dubai. Ahead of the tournament, Team India will also play an ODI series against England, which will be a crucial part of their preparation. In addition to this series, the team is set to play a warm-up match in Dubai before the competition begins.
Practice Match in Dubai
According to India Today, the Indian team will play a practice match upon reaching Dubai. However, the exact date and the opponent for this match are yet to be announced. It is also unclear whether the ICC is organizing warm-up matches for all teams or if the BCCI is making independent arrangements to prepare Team India. This match will help the team adapt not only to the playing conditions but also to their skill requirements ahead of the tournament.
Importance of the ODI Series Against England
With limited time between the conclusion of the India-England ODI series and the start of the Champions Trophy, Team India is likely to play only one practice match. Hence, the three-match ODI series against England becomes even more significant for players, including captain Rohit Sharma, to assess their form and readiness.
The ODI series against England is scheduled as follows:
- 1st ODI: February 6 in Vadodara
- 2nd ODI: February 9 in Cuttack
- 3rd ODI: February 12 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Following the conclusion of the series, Team India will depart for Dubai to continue their preparations.
Team India’s Matches in the Champions Trophy
The ICC Champions Trophy will commence on February 19. Team India is placed in a group with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The team’s schedule for the group stage is as follows:
- 1st Match: February 20 vs. Bangladesh
- 2nd Match: February 23 vs. Pakistan in Dubai (highly anticipated match)
- 3rd Match: March 2 vs. New Zealand
If Team India progresses to the semi-finals and the final, both matches will also take place in Dubai.
