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The cricketing world is abuzz following the official announcement of the India Champions’ 16-member squad for the second season of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Set to electrify England from July 18 to August 2, 2025, the tournament will once again see the defending champions, who clinched the inaugural WCL title in 2024, led by the charismatic and iconic all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. This strategic retention of leadership, coupled with a roster brimming with celebrated names, signals a potent blend of nostalgic appeal and fierce competitive intent as India Champions prepare to defend their coveted crown on foreign soil.
A blend of experience in the Indian squad
Yuvraj, whose astute leadership and match-winning performances were instrumental in India’s triumphant campaign last year, will once again spearhead a squad that reads like a who’s who of modern Indian cricket legends. A significant highlight of this year’s roster is the inclusion of former prolific opener Shikhar Dhawan, who is poised to make his much-anticipated WCL debut following his retirement from international cricket in 2024. Dhawan’s aggressive batting style and vast experience at the highest level are expected to add a new dimension to the team’s top order.
The squad is further bolstered by the presence of several fan favourites whose names evoke countless memorable moments on the international stage. These include the dynamic left-hander Suresh Raina, the versatile all-rounders Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan, the wily off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, and the explosive wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa. This formidable ensemble ensures a comprehensive mix of batting depth, offering multiple all-round options capable of changing the game with both bat and ball, and a rich variety of spin bowling that can exploit English conditions.
WCL 2025: Schedule and Tournament Structure
The India Champions will commence their title defense with a highly anticipated blockbuster clash against their arch-rivals, Pakistan Champions, on July 20. This opening fixture is a mouth-watering repeat of last year’s dramatic final, promising an immediate rekindling of one of cricket’s most intense rivalries. Following this high-octane opener, India will navigate a challenging league stage, facing South Africa on July 22, Australia on July 26, England on July 27, and West Indies on July 29. The top four teams emerging from this rigorous round-robin phase will then advance to the crucial semi-finals, scheduled for July 31, with the grand final set to crown the champions on August 2.
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The WCL 2025 tournament format features six formidable teams—India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa, and West Indies—all competing in a comprehensive round-robin league. This ensures that every team plays against each other once before the knockout stages. Matches will be distributed across four iconic English cricketing venues, each steeped in history and offering unique playing conditions: Edgbaston in Birmingham, County Ground in Northampton, Grace Road in Leicester and Headingley in Leeds.
India Champions’ squad for WCL 2025
Yuvraj Singh (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Stuart Binny, Gurkeerat Mann, Vinay Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Varun Aaron, Abhimanyu Mithun, Pawan Negi
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