India A Gears Up for England Tour with May 25 Departure, BCCI Initiates Logistics

By Swapneel Deshpande 05 May 2025, 10:35 IST

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun full-scale preparations for India A’s upcoming tour of England, with the team scheduled to depart on May 25. The tour will feature three four-day games against the England Lions, starting May 30 in Canterbury, offering vital red-ball match practice before India’s senior team begins their five-Test series on June 20.

BCCI Moves Swiftly with Logistics

The BCCI has already contacted a pool of shortlisted players, gathered passport details, and collected jersey sizes to speed up travel formalities. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is in the final stages of confirming the squad.

Players who won’t feature in the IPL 2025 playoffs will leave together in the first batch. Others will join once their IPL duties conclude. This phased approach ensures players receive rest and recovery time after the IPL season.

Senior Players Eye Early Match Practice

Several senior Test players have reportedly expressed interest in playing at least one unofficial four-day match before the main Test series begins. These players aim to get red-ball exposure in competitive English conditions rather than only participating in intra-squad warm-ups. Their availability will depend on how far their IPL franchises progress and final medical approvals.

In a similar move during the 2020–21 Australia tour, the BCCI sent Dhruv Jurel and KL Rahul early to gain red-ball match time with the A squad. The current tour could follow the same strategy, especially for players new to English conditions.

Packed English Summer for Indian Teams

This summer, the BCCI plans to have a broad Indian presence in England. Along with India A and the senior men’s team, the women’s team, U-19 side, and the mixed disability team will all participate in different series. India A’s matches will help test bench strength while allowing emerging talents to adapt to overseas conditions.

By setting up early match exposure and gradual squad integration, the BCCI is aiming for a well-prepared, sharp squad that can handle the rigors of a long English tour. The board’s structured planning reflects its growing emphasis on workload management, player development, and long-term red-ball success.

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