BCCI mocked on confusion over Shubman Gill's inclusion in Asia Cup 2023 squad

Team India announced a 17-member squad for the 2023 Asia Cup on Monday, August 21. The continental championship is set to begin on August 30, with co-host Pakistan locking horns with debutants Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Meanwhile, India will begin their campaign against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on September 2.

The announcement was made by Ajit Agarkar, former cricketer, and the current chairman of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) selection committee. Star Sports, the host broadcaster, caused major confusion after announcing that the young batting sensation Shubman Gill is not part of the Asia Cup squad and later noting he is picked.

Agarkar later informed Gill is not dropped while Sanju Samson has been announced as a reserve player for the showpiece event. However, BCCI was heavily trolled on social media following the confusion regarding the aforementioned matter.

The biggest talking point of the roster was the return of KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, as expected India picked youngster Tilak Varma, following his batting excellence in the recently concluded five-game T20I series against the West Indies.

The biggest talking point of the roster was the return of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. However, India picked youngster Tilak Varma, following his batting excellence in the recently concluded five-game T20I series against the West Indies. The 20-year-old had an unforgettable Indian Premier League  2023 campaign with five-time champions Mumbai Indians, amassing 343 runs from 11 games at an average of 42.87.

India are grouped along with Pakistan and Nepal in Group A whereas defending champions Sri Lanka, are placed in Group B, along with Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The top two teams of both groups will further progress to the Super Four stage. After playing one another in the Super Four Stage, the top two teams will reach the final of the tournament, which will be contested on Sunday, September 17 at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

The ACC (Asian Cricket Council) competition will be played in 50-over format as a dress rehearsal for the much-awaited ICC Cricket World Cup which is scheduled to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

Also see: India Final Squad for Asia Cup 2023