Matthew Mott reveals learning about Champions Trophy 2025 qualification process during India game

England’s head coach, Matthew Mott, learnt about the qualification scenario for the 2025 Champions Trophy during the second innings of their 100-run loss to India in Lucknow. This revelation came after the ICC had confirmed the qualification process earlier on the same Sunday. The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

In a November 2021 board meeting, the ICC endorsed the qualification procedure for the 2025 Champions Trophy. This arrangement guaranteed Pakistan an automatic entry as the host nation. While the remaining seven slots were to be taken up by the top seven teams in the 2023 World Cup. Surprisingly, this pivotal decision remained undisclosed, neither shared with the public nor the media.

Shortly following England’s loss, Mott affirmed during a press briefing that he had become aware of the top-eight qualification criteria only “about an hour and a half ago”.

“The ICC do change the rules quite a bit with qualification and to be honest, I don’t think it would affect, in any way, the way we’ve played in this tournament, so it’s not a big deal,” Mott said.

Lack of communication within England team over Champions Trophy selection scenarios

Having suffered five defeats in six group stage matches, England are currently placed at the bottom of the points table. To secure their Champions Trophy berth, the team will have to win at least two of their remaining three contests. They clash with Australia in Ahmedabad, followed by matches against the Netherlands in Pune and Pakistan in Kolkata.

Since the November 2021 board meeting, the ECB has witnessed considerable changes in personnel. The chief executive, chair, and managing director of men’s cricket, along with alterations in coaching and captaincy roles across formats.

During the post-match presentation, Jos Buttler, England’s captain, was questioned about his knowledge of the qualification procedure and whether it provided added incentive for their remaining three matches. He revealed, “Yeah, I’m aware of that. Absolutely, it just proves we’ve got lots to play for.”