India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma may travel to Pakistan to participate in the grand opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy 2025, according to recent reports. Despite India’s decision to play their matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Indian skipper’s presence at the event is being considered as part of the customary practice for ICC tournaments.
Grand Opening Ceremony Planned by PCB
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly planning a grand opening ceremony for the Champions Trophy, which is tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17. As per a report from IANS, all team captains, including Rohit Sharma, are expected to attend this event to mark the return of a major ICC tournament to Pakistan after nearly three decades.
A source quoted by IANS stated:
“Indian Team captain will visit Pakistan to attend the opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy as PCB plans a grand event, marking the return of a mega international cricket event to Pakistan after 29 years.”
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India’s Last Visit to Pakistan for Cricket
India’s cricket team last visited Pakistan in 2008 during the Asia Cup. In that tournament, the Men in Blue played their final match against Sri Lanka and also faced Pakistan in the Super Four stage, where they suffered an 8-wicket defeat. Since then, cricketing ties between the two nations have been limited to neutral venues due to political tensions.
Champions Trophy 2025: A Historic Event for Pakistan
The Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on February 19, will be a historic moment for Pakistan as the country hosts its first major ICC tournament since co-hosting the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. This edition of the Champions Trophy will follow a hybrid format, with most matches being played in Pakistan. However, all of India’s games, including potential knockout matches, will take place in the UAE.
As anticipation builds for this prestigious event, the possible presence of Rohit Sharma at the opening ceremony symbolizes the significance of international cricket’s return to Pakistan after a long hiatus.