Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy Group Stage Due to Back Injury
Team India has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the tournament’s group stage matches due to a back injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has advised Bumrah to undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru as he works towards recovery.
The highly anticipated Champions Trophy is set to commence on February 19 in Pakistan, with matches scheduled across Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. However, the marquee India-Pakistan match will take place in Dubai. The tournament will feature eight of the world’s top cricket teams competing for the prestigious title.
On Thursday, Indian selectors convened in Mumbai to finalize the squad for the upcoming T20I series against England. During the meeting, Bumrah’s fitness update was discussed, and although the official announcement of India’s Champions Trophy squad was expected soon, it has been delayed.
The selectors are currently deliberating whether to include Bumrah in the 15-member squad or list him as a reserve player. In the meantime, the BCCI has already submitted a preliminary squad to the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the option to make changes up until February 12. This gives the selectors additional time to assess Bumrah’s recovery progress before making a final decision. The BCCI remains optimistic that Bumrah will be fit to return by early March.
India’s final group stage match in the Champions Trophy is set to take place against New Zealand on March 2. Before that, India will face Bangladesh on February 20 and arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23.
