England have recently unveiled a dynamic squad for their upcoming tour of India and the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team, led by experienced wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler, blends a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, aiming to strike the perfect balance between experience and youth.
England preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
This squad features some key inclusions, with Joe Root returning to the ODI setup after being absent since the 2023 World Cup in India. His inclusion brings stability to the middle order, adding depth and class to the batting line-up. Alongside him, Jofra Archer is set to spearhead the pace attack, offering pace, bounce, and versatility. The leg-spin of Adil Rashid, England’s lone proper spinner in the squad, brings crucial wicket-taking options, especially in subcontinental conditions.
The squad showcases a clear intent from the England management to build a team capable of competing in Asian conditions, blending tactical flexibility with match-winning abilities. However, despite the excitement surrounding this squad, several big names have been notably left out. While these omissions might raise eyebrows, these players remain valuable assets for their IPL franchises, where they are set to showcase their abilities in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
4 England players who’ll feature in IPL 2025 but won’t be part of Champions Trophy
1. Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians – INR 2 crore)
Will Jacks, known for his explosive batting and off-spin bowling, has been a noticeable exclusion. With Root’s return, Jacks potentially couldn’t find a spot despite showing promise in his 15 ODI appearances, scoring 468 runs at an average of 31.20 and a strike rate of 100.64, including four half-centuries. While the 26-year-old has excelled in franchise cricket globally, his performances at the international level have not been as consistent. However, his all-round capabilities will be a valuable asset for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025, where he was signed for INR 2 crore.
2. Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings – INR 2.40 crore)
The exclusion of Sam Curran, one of England’s most versatile all-rounders, came as a surprise. Despite his reputation as a match-winner, the selectors opted for other pacers such as Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood, potentially leaving Curran out due to role-specific needs. Curran, who has been a key player in the IPL, have been purchased in the mega auction by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for INR 2.40 crore. His ability to swing the ball, deliver under pressure, and contribute valuable runs in the lower order makes him a critical part of CSK’s setup in IPL 2025.
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3. Reece Topley (Mumbai Indians – INR 75 lakh)
The towering left-arm pacer Reece Topley has been a staple in England’s white-ball setup but misses the Champions Trophy squad after enduring a series of injuries. Known for his ability to extract bounce and trouble batters with his swing, Topley’s absence highlights England’s focus on players with consistent recent performances. Despite his international struggles, Topley was picked by Mumbai Indians for INR 75 lakh, where he is expected to strengthen their bowling attack in IPL 2025.
4. Moeen Ali (Kolkata Knight Riders – INR 2 crore)
Veteran all-rounder Moeen Ali is not a part of England’s Champions Trophy plans as he had already announced retirement from international cricket in 2024. Moeen, who played 298 international matches, announced his retirement after featuring in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and being left out of England’s white-ball series against Australia. Although no longer representing England, Moeen remains a key figure in franchise cricket and will feature for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025. His off-spin and explosive batting will add balance to KKR’s squad.