The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have reached an agreement. As preparation for the India cricket team‘s Test tour of England, India ‘A’ will play two 4-day practice matches against England Lions.
The ECB has confirmed that the first practice game will take place at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury from 30 May to June 2. The second match will be played after a gap of three days at the County Ground in Northampton, June 6 to June 9.
India A vs IPL 2025 Final
One mustn’t forget that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Final will be played on May 25. This means there will be just a 4-day gap between the IPL ending and Team India’s preparations for the England Test Tour starting.
Each team has players who are in contention to make India’s squad for the tour. Six teams will end their journeys by May 18, the date of the last group stage matches. Therefore, these players will have enough time to rest and then play. However, others, especially those who play in the IPL 2025 Final, may not play the first 4-day practice match.
BCCI unsure about India A selection
It was previously reported that the BCCI weren’t sure whether to select Test players and those in contention to make the main team for India A or try domestic performers instead. Given that several Team India players were out of form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, BCCI might be tempted to advise every cricketer to travel to England early.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir may play a part in this as well. He’s expected to travel with India A. The BCCI will surely ask his opinion about selection, and therefore, he might tell the board what he wants.
