The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is less than 48 hours away and Team India will start their journey in the tournament on February 20. In this crucial moment, the Indian cricket team has received a shocking blow as a key member of the team has been returning home due to a personal emergency. 

Morne Morkel likely leaving the camp due to a personal emergency

While Team India is in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, bowling coach Morne Morkel is likely to leave, if not already, for home due to a personal emergency. There is no official confirmation but the Times of India has reported that Morkel was not present during Team India's practice session on Monday (February 17), which was their first practice session under the light in the tour. 

Although the TOI report hasn't disclosed any reason yet, the report has talked about the former South African pacer's possibly leaving the camp immediately. As it is the news about personal emergencies and immediate possible departure, there is no clarity about his return to the team. 

Morkel arrived in Dubai with Team India last Saturday (February 15) and was present in the afternoon practice session last Sunday (February 16).  

See Also: Shreyas Iyer: ICC's Pick to Shine in the 2025 Champions Trophy

Eight teams are ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to start on Wednesday (February 19). The tournament is returning after eight years, while Pakistan is ready to host their first ICC tournament after the 1996 World Cup. Eight teams are ready to participate as the teams are India, Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the hosts as well as the defending champions Pakistan. Only India will play all their matches of the tournament in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, while all other teams will play the tournament in Pakistan, except for India's fixtures.

Two-time ICC Champions Trophy winners and four-time tournament Finalists, India will start their journey in the tournament with their Group A match against Bangladesh on Thursday (February 20). On Sunday (February 23), India will face Pakistan in Dubai. New Zealand will be their last group stage challenge, which has been scheduled for March 2. 

If India finish among the top two of the final Group A points table, they will play the Semi-final in Dubai on March 4, which also has a reserve-day. If India qualify for the Final, the Final will be played in Dubai on March 9, which also has a reserve-day.