Reports: India's bowling coach Morne Morkel leaves camp in Dubai, returns home

India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has left the team's preparatory camp ahead of the impending Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai to return home.

According to a report in Times of India on Monday, February 17, the former South African speedster has returned due to a personal emergency at home. Meanwhile, Dainik Jagran has reported that Morkel returned home due to his father’s demise. Morkel, appointed India's bowling coach in September last year, had travelled to Dubai with the Indian team on Saturday, February 15, and attended the team’s first practice session on Sunday.

However, he wasn't present in Team India’s second practice session on Monday, which was done under lights. There is no clarity regarding when the 40-year-old will be rejoining the team.

The Men in Blue are set to begin their campaign in the Champions Trophy 2025 on Thursday, February 20, against Bangladesh in Dubai. This encounter between the two neighbouring nations will be hosted at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

While Pakistan are the hosts of the tournament, India will play their matches in Dubai due to the political tension between the two countries. The much-awaited India versus Pakistan clash takes place in Dubai on Sunday, February 23. New Zealand are the other team placed in Group A and they will face Rohit Sharma and Co. on March 2.

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Meanwhile, Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan are placed in Group B. Afghanistan and South Africa will lock horns in Karachi on February 21. On the following day, age-old rivals Australia and England will collide in Lahore.

Pakistan are the defending champions of the tournament. They won the previous edition of the competition in 2017 by beating India in the finals at The Oval. This is going to be the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy. Fans are waiting with bated breath for the start of the eight-team extravaganza.