ICC Champions Trophy 2025: England takes the hard call on Ben Stokes

England has officially announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be one of the marquee events of the year. The team will be led by wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of steering England's campaign in the highly anticipated tournament. The same squad will also feature in the three-match ODI series against India, scheduled for February 2025, serving as a crucial preparatory opportunity just weeks before the eight-team tournament kicks off.

However, the absence of star all-rounder Ben Stokes from the squad has raised eyebrows. Stokes is currently under assessment for a left hamstring injury that he sustained during the recent third Test against New Zealand. The England Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed his unavailability through an official media release issued on Sunday, December 22. While his exclusion is a significant blow to the team, the ECB emphasized that the decision was taken in the best interest of Stokes’ recovery and long-term fitness.

Despite this setback, England boasts a well-balanced squad brimming with experience and youthful exuberance, aiming to make a strong statement in the Champions Trophy. The ODI series against India will provide an ideal platform for the team to fine-tune their strategies and adapt to subcontinental conditions. Under Buttler’s leadership, England will be eager to build momentum as they seek to reclaim the Champions Trophy title and reaffirm their position as one of the dominant forces in international cricket.

The England Cricket Board has announced that the national team will depart for their upcoming white-ball tour of India on January 17, ensuring ample time to acclimatize to subcontinental conditions. The squad is set to arrive four days before the first of five T20Is, giving players an opportunity to prepare both mentally and physically for the high-stakes series. The tour is seen as a critical component of England’s preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, offering the team valuable match practice against a formidable Indian side on their home turf. The five-match T20I series will serve as an intense prelude to the subsequent three ODIs scheduled in February, with both formats providing England the chance to refine their strategies, adapt to Indian pitches, and solidify their combinations.

England’s coaching staff and players are expected to make the most of this preparatory period, focusing on honing their skills and familiarizing themselves with local conditions. Under Jos Buttler's leadership, the team will aim to set a strong tone in the T20I series and carry that momentum into the ODI leg of the tour. With India known for its challenging cricketing atmosphere and passionate fanbase, the upcoming series promises to be a thrilling encounter between two cricketing giants. The England squad announcement for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 featured some notable omissions, including Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, and premier all-rounder Ben Stokes. While Stokes was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent Test series against New Zealand, both Bairstow and Curran were excluded from the ODI lineup.

The decision to drop Bairstow and Curran reflects the selectors' focus on building a balanced squad, possibly considering their recent performances in the 50-over format. Stokes’ absence is particularly significant, given his reputation as a game-changer in crucial matches. However, his recovery remains a priority, and his future availability will be closely monitored by the England Cricket Board. Despite these absences, England has assembled a strong contingent, with captain Jos Buttler leading the charge. The squad is set to compete in three ODIs against India before heading into the Champions Trophy.

"Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes was not considered for selection as he continues to be assessed following a left hamstring injury sustained during the third Test match against New Zealand earlier this month," the ECB release read.

England squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and India tour

Jos Buttler (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

England T20I squad for India tour

Jos Buttler (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

India vs England 2025 schedule