India’s likely Champions Trophy warm-up opponent revealed: Surprise match in Dubai? | Report

Rohit Sharma and his team will play a practice match in Dubai on February 18, one day before their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh. The warm-up game will help the team adjust to Dubai’s conditions. Reports suggest India could face either Bangladesh or the UAE, though the ICC has not confirmed the final schedule.

According to Dainik Jagran, ICC officials are in talks to arrange the match since India will play all their tournament games in Dubai. This decision follows the Indian government’s denial of clearance for the team to travel to Pakistan, the official host of the tournament.

Bangladesh, grouped with India in the Champions Trophy, looks like the likely opponent for the warm-up game. Since both teams will already be in Dubai, the chances of them playing a preparatory match are high. However, if India and Bangladesh do not reach an agreement, the UAE team may step in as a substitute.

The UAE, despite not participating in the Champions Trophy, remains available for the match. This option would ensure India has sufficient match practice before the tournament begins.

India’s Champions Trophy preparation extends beyond Dubai. Before the ICC event, India will face England in a three-match ODI series at home, starting February 6. The series will feature a full-strength squad, excluding injured pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

Currently, the Indian team is playing a five-match T20I series against England. This series will transition smoothly into the ODI games, keeping the players in rhythm for the global tournament.

Political tensions between India and Pakistan forced the BCCI to move India’s games to Dubai instead of playing in Pakistan, the official host nation. This arrangement aims to ensure India’s participation while maintaining a neutral venue.

India’s first Champions Trophy match on February 19 will also be against Bangladesh, giving the warm-up game added significance. The practice match will allow both teams to assess each other’s form and strategies ahead of the tournament clash.

India’s campaign will begin with the warm-up game and continue with a series of matches exclusively in Dubai. Rohit Sharma’s leadership and the team’s extensive preparations at home and abroad aim to bring glory in this high-stakes ICC event.