The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced a 14-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The ENG vs IND five-match Test series is starting from June 20. The first match will be played at Headingley on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: Youngest Cricketers to lead India in Tests

Overton replaces Atkinson

Fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has returned. He has been included in the team in place of injured Gus Atkinson. Jamie has returned after the match against New Zealand in June 2022.

Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury suffered during the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

Carse, Woakes included in the squad

Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes have also been named in the squad, who last played during the New Zealand Test tour in December. The India A side are already in the United Kingdom, playing warm-up games against England Lions.

Woakes, known for his effectiveness in home conditions, especially at Lord’s, last featured prominently in 2018 against India, where he claimed four wickets and smashed an unbeaten 137.

Young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who starred with nine wickets against Zimbabwe, retains his spot as the lone specialist spinner. IPL winner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Cook, both of whom impressed recently, have also earned call-ups.

Ben Stokes to lead the team

England will field a significantly altered team compared to the last time they faced India in early 2024. James Anderson has since retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are the other notable absentees from the squad.

Ben Stokes, who returned from a hamstring injury in that Zimbabwe Test, will lead England against India in a five-match series that marks the start of both teams’ campaigns in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Also Read: Most runs vs England in England for India in tests

ENG vs IND Test Series Schedule

• 20-24 June 2025 - 1st Test, Headingley
• 2-6 July 2025 - 2nd Test, Edgbaston
• 10-14 July 2025 - Third Test, Lord's
• 23-27 July 2025 - Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford
• 31 July-4 August 2025 - Fifth Test, Kia Oval

ENG vs IND | England full squad

Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

Indian team's opening batsman Rohit Sharma is very eager to return to international cricket. For this, he is working hard on the field. Last week, he passed the Yo-Yo test at the BCCI Center of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. 

During this time, apart from him, Shubman Gill and many other players had given this test. After this test, Rohit Sharma's Bronco Test was also to be done, but this test did not take place. Team India's strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux has come up with the Bronco test. However, this test has not started yet.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI invites bids seeking new lead sponsorship for Team India after Dream11 exit

Rohit did not undergo a Bronco Test

According to reports, on August 31, many players including Rohit Sharma underwent Yo-Yo test. Rohit has passed it. He proved his fitness. During this time he was supposed to undergo a Bronco test, but this test has not been implemented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yet. Therefore, Rohit did not have to give this test.

According to reports, this test can be held in Dubai before the Asia Cup. Team India will leave for Dubai on the morning of September 4 and will hold its first session at the ICC Academy on September 5.

So if BCCI wants to conduct a Bronco test, it can be in Dubai. However, it is not confirmed yet. That is why Rohit Sharma did not undergo a Bronco test.

"It could happen when the squad assembles in Dubai for the Asia Cup. The team will start leaving late tonight (early morning of September 4) and have their first session at the ICC Academy on September 5. So if the management and the S&C want to do a Bronco assessment, it could happen in Dubai, if it happens at all," BCCI's Center of Excellence said.

Rohit Sharma may return on Australia tour

Rohit Sharma, who has retired from T20I and Test cricket, has been away from international cricket for a long time. He last played the final match of the Champions Trophy on 9 March.

In this match, Team India defeated New Zealand and won the Champions Trophy title. Since then, Rohit and Virat Kohli are away from international cricket. These two players may return to the three-match ODI series to be held in Australia next month. For this, both these players are sweating it out on the field.

Earlier, Rohit Sharma had expressed his desire to play in the ODI series against Australia A which is coming on a tour to India.

Also Read: ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Prize money in Women's World Cup sets history, rise of 297 percent from the last edition

What is Bronco Test?

Bronco Test is primarily used in rugby where an individual has to complete a sequence of shuttle runs. From time to time, the BCCI makes changes to the set of tests used to measure players' fitness.

While fitness tests are done for all BCCI-contracted players, India's former Strength & Conditioning coach Soham Desai revealed that those tests didn't always form a selection criterion. It isn't yet known if the Bronco Test will become a selection criterion.

The BCCI on Tuesday invited bids for the title sponsorship rights of the Indian Cricket Team after fantasy sports giant Dream11 pulled out in which companies dealing in real money gaming and cryptocurrency are prohibited as the government has banned such companies.

Dream11 has recently discontinued its real money games due to the 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025'. The Act states that 'no person shall offer any, aid, abet, induce, indulge, engage in offering online money gaming services nor shall involve in any advertisement which directly or indirectly promotes any person to play any online money game'.

NEWS 🚨 - BCCI announces the release of the Invitation for Expression of Interest for National Team Lead Sponsor Rights

More details here 👇https://t.co/Qx6YZvYWrw pic.twitter.com/0e0vCoIdBT

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 2, 2025

Since the last day to bid is September 16, it is quite clear that Team India will be seen playing the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 without any lead sponsor.

Also Read: ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Prize money in Women's World Cup sets history, rise of 297 percent from the last edition

BCCI had a title sponsorship deal with Dream11 and My11 Circle

BCCI had a title sponsorship deal with Dream11 and My11 Circle for the Indian cricket team and the Indian Premier League worth around Rs 1000 crore.

A BCCI release said: "Bidder, including any of its Group companies: (i) should not be engaged in online money gaming, betting or gambling services or similar services in India or anywhere in the world; (ii) should not provide any online money gaming, betting or gambling services or similar services to any Person in India; and (iii) should not have any investment or ownership interest in any Person engaged in betting or gambling services in India," 

Criteria to apply for the sponsorship

As per a release issued by the BCCI, the IEOI can be purchased after a payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs 5 lakh plus any applicable GST. The Indian cricket board has also made it clear regarding the type of companies applying, which means BCCI has banned any cryptocurrency companies, online gaming platforms, alcohol companies, and tobacco companies from applying for the lead sponsorship. The companies applying for the sponsorship must also have a turnover of more than Rs 300 crore.

Also Read: Change in Asia Cup 2025 timing: Details of updated schedule here

Notably, the last date to submit the Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) is September 12, while the date of submission of the bid documents is September 16.

There has been a big change in the timing of Asia Cup 2025 matches and the match has been delayed by half an hour. The timing of all matches including the final match has now been changed to 8 pm. The Emirates Cricket Board announced on Saturday.

Earlier the start time of the matches was fixed at 7.30 pm Indian time but now it has been scheduled for 30 minutes later.

Also Read: Five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference

“The start time for 18 out of the 19 DP World Asia Cup 2025 matches has been updated. These matches will now begin at 6:30pm local time (Gulf Standard Time). The Monday, 15 September match between UAE and Oman will start at 4:00pm local time at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – the only day game of the tournament,” the statement read.

Time changes due to rising temperatures

According to reports, the change could be due to the rising temperatures in the UAE, where the tournament is slated to be held from September 9 to 28. Cricket boards reportedly asked broadcasters to push the matches back a bit to avoid exposing their players to harsh summer conditions.

The broadcasters agreed to the change, making evening matches the norm. Only one game, the UAE vs Oman clash on September 15 at Zayed Cricket Stadium, will be played in the afternoon.

India to begin campaign on September 10

The Men in Blue will begin their campaign in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 10, against the UAE. In their second match, India will take on Pakistan on September 14. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will take on Oman in their final group stage fixture on September 19.

Also Read: Records T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav can break in Asia Cup 2025

Asia Cup 2025: Updated Schedule

• September 9, 2025: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 10, 2025: India vs United Arab Emirates, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 11, 2025: Bangladesh vs Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 12, 2025: Pakistan vs Oman, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 13, 2025: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 14, 2025: India vs Pakistan, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 15, 2025: UAE vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 5:30 PM IST
• September 15, 2025: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 16, 2025: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 17, 2025: Pakistan vs UAE, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 18, 2025: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 19, 2025: India vs Oman, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 20, 2025: B1 vs B2, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 21, 2025: A1 vs A2, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 23, 2025: – A2 vs B1, Abu Dhabi – 8 PM IST
• September 24, 2025: A1 vs B2, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 25, 2025: A2 vs B2, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 26, 2025: A1 vs B1, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 28, 2025: TBC vs TBC - Final, Dubai – 8 PM IST
• September 29, 2025: Reserve Day

The controversy over the key members of the Indian Test team not being selected for major domestic cricket tournaments continues to grow. Now The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed strong displeasure over the exclusion of top international players like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj from the South Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

After this, the Board has officially written a letter to all the state associations asking them to give priority to the selection of centrally contracted players for this opening tournament of the domestic season.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season

Many big names were not included

South Zone announced its team on July 27. Many big names like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna and Sai Sudharsan were not included in it.

The Duleep Trophy, which begins in Bengaluru on August 28, is considered an important platform for domestic and national level talents. The board did not like the decision of the South Zone to not include these players in the team despite their availability during the off-season.

Abey Kuruvilla wrote the email

BCCI General Manager of Cricket Operations Abey Kuruvilla addressed the issue in an email sent to zonal coordinators and state units last week. According to the reports, Kuruvilla stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of all available Indian players to maintain the prestige and competitive level of the Duleep Trophy. 

Kuruvilla wrote in the email, “To uphold its prestige and ensure the highest quality of competition, it’s imperative that all currently available India players are selected for their respective zonal teams. Requesting the Zonal Convenors to ensure that all the current India players who are available to play Duleep trophy should be picked.”

“All players, contracted or otherwise, who make themselves available for selection into Team India, shall participate in domestic matches conducted by BCCI,” 

“In case any player opts not to participate in any domestic cricket tournaments in spite of availability, he/she shall not be considered for selection unless a prior recommendation is obtained to skip the match/tournament from the National coach and the chairman of the selection committee, and prior approval from the BCCI. In case any leave is granted, the same shall be considered on the basis of some valid and cogent reason.” the email said.

Instructions to give priority to domestic cricket

This directive is in line with the BCCI's policy of making participation of international players mandatory in domestic competitions. The board had previously warned players against giving priority to the IPL over first-class cricket and earlier this year reminded all contracted players to remain committed to the domestic calendar.

However, this instruction from BCCI has come after South Zone announced its team. It is still not clear whether the selectors will make any changes in their list or not. Tilak Verma was made the captain of the team.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy: Shardul Thakur to lead the West Zone; no Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad

Questions were raised on international players

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer among many other players are expected to participate in the tournament representing their respective regions.

The state associations have previously expressed concern that the automatic inclusion of Indian stars in the regional teams overlooks Ranji players who have performed consistently throughout the season.

Many have argued that matches such as India A tours and Board President's XI would be a more suitable platform for international players, leaving regional tournaments as a rewarding avenue for domestic players.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended the contract of Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar. According to the report, he will remain in this position till June 2026. The decision came just two days after India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad announcement. Former fast bowler Agarkar was made the chairman of Team India's selection committee in July 2023.

Also Read: Five things from Asia Cup team announcement press conference

The contract was renewed before IPL 2025

According to the report, Agarkar's contract was renewed ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. During his tenure, the Indian team won titles and also saw changes (in Tests and T20s). The BCCI had extended his contract till June 2026 and he had accepted the offer a few months ago.

“Under his tenure the Indian team had won titles and had seen transition (of the Tests and T20) too. The BCCI had extended his contract till June 2026 and he had accepted the offer a few months back,” a BCCI official said.

Indian cricket team under Agarkar's tenure

During Ajit Agarkar's tenure, Team India won the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Apart from this, Team India also reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Where it lost to Australia.

Agarkar has also overseen leadership changes. Shubman Gill became Test captain. Suryakumar Yadav took charge of the T20I side. Meanwhile, senior stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now play only ODIs. Ravichandran Ashwin has retired completely.

S Sharath could lose his place

Agarkar currently works with SS Das, Subroto Banerjee, Ajay Ratra and S Sharath. But changes are expected at the BCCI annual meeting in September.

Reports say S Sharath could lose his place. He has served close to four years as selector, the maximum allowed by BCCI rules. Sharath earlier headed the junior selection panel before joining the senior one in 2023. BCCI will soon invite applications to fill the vacancy. Officials are largely happy with the rest of the panel. Only Sharath’s role looks under review for now.

Changes will also be made for women’s and junior panels

The shake-up will not stop with the men’s committee. The BCCI will also invite applications for the women’s and junior selectors. Neetu David, head of the women’s panel, and members Arati Vaidya and Mithu Mukherjee, complete their terms this season. The junior men’s panel, led by Thilak Naidu and others, may also see changes.

Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Indian squad announced, Shefali Verma not in the team

Agarkar's international career

Ajit Agarkar has taken 349 international wickets in his career. He has taken 58 wickets in Tests, 288 in ODIs and 3 wickets in T20 Internationals.

Agarkar was also a part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007. He scored 15 runs and took one wicket in 2 matches of the tournament. India won the title by defeating Pakistan in the final of the tournament held in South Africa.

Agarkar is the fastest Indian batsman to score a half century in ODIs. He scored a half century in 21 balls against Zimbabwe in the year 2000. He has also completed the fastest 50 wickets in ODIs for India. He achieved this feat in 23 matches.