“India Unveils 15-Member Squad for Inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup”

New Delhi, Dec 24: India has announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from January 18 to February 2. The squad, selected by the Women’s Selection Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will be led by captain Niki Prasad, with Sanika Chalke as vice-captain.

The team includes two wicketkeepers, Kamalini G. and Bhavika Ahire, along with three standby players—Nandhana S, Ira J., and Anadi T.

India, the defending champions, is placed in Group A alongside hosts Malaysia, West Indies, and Sri Lanka. The tournament will be hosted at the Bayuemas Oval. India will kick off their campaign against the West Indies on January 19, followed by matches against Malaysia (January 21) and Sri Lanka (January 23).

The 16 participating teams have been divided into four groups. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super 6 stage, which consists of two groups of six teams each. Group 1 in the Super 6 will feature the top three teams from Groups A and D, while Group 2 will include the top three teams from Groups B and C.

Teams will carry forward their points and net run rates (NRR) from the initial group phase into the Super 6 stage. Each team will face two opponents who were not part of their original group and finished in a different position.

The top two teams from each Super 6 group will progress to the semifinals, scheduled for January 31, with the final set to take place on February 2.

India’s participation will feature some of the most promising young talents, ready to defend their title on the world stage.

Participating Teams
Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies qualified based on their participation in the 2023 edition. Malaysia automatically qualified as hosts, while Nepal, Nigeria, Samoa, Scotland, and the United States secured their spots through regional qualification tournaments.

India’s Squad

• Captain: Niki Prasad
• Vice-Captain: Sanika Chalke
• G Trisha, Kamalini G (wk), Bhavika Ahire (wk), Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Vaishnavi S.
• Standby Players: Nandhana S, Ira J, Anadi T.

With a well-rounded squad and a strong preparation phase, India aims to retain its title and continue its dominance in the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.