Former Indian cricket player Wasim Jaffer has raised concerns about India’s One Day International (ODI) schedule leading up to the 2025 Champions Trophy. Notably, on August 7, India lost a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka 0-2 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In the third ODI, India suffered a significant defeat of 110 runs, with Sri Lankan spin bowlers dominating the Indian batters.
This victory marked Sri Lanka’s first win over India in ODIs since 1997. In response to India’s series loss, Jaffer congratulated Sri Lanka, stating they earned the win. However, the former opening batsman mentioned that while he is not disheartened by India’s loss, he is concerned about the scheduling of ODIs before the Champions Trophy.
“SL played better cricket and deserve the series win. It doesn’t worry me that India lost a series. Wins and losses are part of the game. However it’s a point of concern that India has just 3 ODIs before the Champions Trophy. #SLvIND,” wrote Jaffer on his X account.”
After the Sri Lanka series, India is set to play only three more One Day Internationals (ODIs) before the Champions Trophy in February 2025, which will be against England. This means the Indian cricket team, known as the Men in Blue, has limited time to decide on their best lineup. Following their recent series loss, they face even more uncertainties.
Key fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who is likely to participate in the ICC event next year, will have only three matches to get ready for this major competition. Shami was the top wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup 2023, with 24 wickets in seven innings, averaging 10.70 and maintaining an economy rate of 5.26.
At the same time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent the planned schedule for the Champions Trophy to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The competition is expected to start on February 19, with the championship game set for March 9.
But, it’s not clear if India will join the event because they probably won’t go to Pakistan for it, given the tense political situation between the two nations. The PCB has asked the ICC to find out if India will take part.
