Confusion over Agarkar’s announcement over Gill’s inclusion in Asia Cup 2023 squad

India will begin their campaign against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on September 2.

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, ShreyasIyer, and JaspritBumrah. However, as expected India picked youngster TilakVarma, following his batting excellence in the recently concluded five-game T20I series against the West Indies. (CT)