The selection of the India A squad for the upcoming tour of England has been delayed, primarily due to the revised schedule of the Indian Premier League 2025. This development follows a week-long pause in the tournament, which was necessitated by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan along the border. The sudden disruption led to logistical and security concerns, forcing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to halt the league temporarily before resuming it under a modified schedule.
The IPL is now set to conclude in early June, overlapping with the originally proposed dates for the India A tour of England. As a result, the national selectors have postponed finalizing the India A squad. This delay highlights the ongoing balancing act between domestic commitments and international responsibilities, especially in a cricket calendar that is already congested.
The India A team was initially scheduled to depart by the end of May to begin preparations for a multi-format series against England Lions. However, the extension of the IPL has created a conflict, as several players being considered for India A are actively participating in the IPL and might be involved in the knockout stages. The selectors are now faced with the challenge of picking a competitive squad without disrupting players who are in form and playing crucial matches in the league.
It is understood that the BCCI is considering a two-phase selection process. In the first phase, players whose IPL campaigns have ended or who have not featured prominently in the tournament may be selected. In the second phase, depending on the outcomes of the IPL playoffs, additional players could be added to the squad. This dynamic approach will allow selectors to evaluate player fitness, form, and availability closer to the departure date.
Abhimanyu Easwaran is among the leading candidates to captain the side, given his consistent performances in domestic cricket and prior leadership experience with India A. The team could also feature several fringe players who are on the radar for future national selection, including promising batters and bowlers who have made a mark in the Ranji Trophy and the Duleep Trophy. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rajat Patidar, and Ishan Kishan are also being considered, although their availability will depend on how far their IPL franchises progress in the tournament.
The postponement of squad selection may offer selectors more time to assess the performances of emerging talents in the ongoing IPL, particularly those who have shown potential but haven’t yet had a chance at the international or A-level. It also allows some breathing room to manage player workloads, especially for those who have been playing back-to-back formats across domestic and T20 leagues.
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