4 min read
The question on everyone's mind regarding Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has finally been clarified. Given the current geopolitical scenario and the restrictions on Indian cricketers traveling to Pakistan, it was uncertain whether Rohit would be required to cross the border for the tournament. However, this concern has been put to rest. With no official opening ceremony or captains' photo-up scheduled for the Champions Trophy, it has been confirmed that Rohit Sharma and the Indian team will not need to travel to Pakistan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously announced that Team India will remain based in Dubai for the tournament.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony cancelled?
All of India's matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held at neutral venues in Dubai, ensuring that the Indian team stays clear of the political complexities surrounding travel to Pakistan. This arrangement not only alleviates the travel concerns for players like Rohit but also guarantees that the Men in Blue can focus solely on their cricketing challenges. The decision ensures a smooth and secure environment for the team while maintaining the integrity of the competition. Fans will now be able to look forward to India’s performance in the tournament without the added uncertainty of travel logistics.
Speculation about Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 had been swirling, primarily due to the traditional captains' event and photo session that usually precede ICC tournaments. These events often bring together all the team captains, including India, for a customary photo op. However, according to a report, both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have confirmed that no such event will take place before the tournament.
This decision means that Rohit Sharma, along with other members of the Indian team, will not need to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Instead, the team will remain based in Dubai, where all their matches will be played. This clarification has eased the concerns surrounding the travel restrictions for Indian cricketers, ensuring they can focus solely on their on-field performance without the complications of crossing the border. The move also eliminates any potential diplomatic tensions, allowing the tournament to proceed smoothly while keeping the players' safety and comfort in mind. Fans can now look forward to watching India compete in the Champions Trophy without any uncertainty regarding travel logistics.
"An opening ceremony was never announced either by the ICC or the PCB," said a source well-versed in the development.
One of the key reasons cited by the tournament organisers for the cancellation of the customary captains' event and photo session is the varied arrival times of the participating teams. England, who are currently touring India, will reach Lahore on February 18, after completing their white-ball series on February 12. On the other hand, Australia, finishing their Test series in Sri Lanka on February 14, will arrive in Pakistan only on February 19.
With teams arriving on different dates, it would be impractical to organise a collective pre-tournament gathering. Coordinating a suitable time for all teams would prove to be logistically challenging. Furthermore, history indicates that such a gathering has not always been a consistent feature of ICC tournaments, with the necessity of a pre-tournament photo session sometimes being waived off depending on the circumstances.
The decision to forego this event reflects the organisers’ efforts to streamline the tournament and avoid complications, ensuring that teams can focus on their preparations and avoid unnecessary travel stress. It also highlights the practical approach taken to accommodate the varying schedules of participating teams, keeping the competition’s smooth execution a priority.
"An opening ceremony was never announced either by the ICC or the PCB. The last opening ceremony with all the participating players taking part was held in Dhaka 2011. Never after," said a source.
While the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will not feature the traditional opening ceremony, the Pakistan Cricket Board has organised a series of pre-event activities to build excitement. The renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on February 7, marking a significant milestone for the venue. A few days later, on February 11, President Asif Ali Zardari will be the guest of honour at the reopening of the National Stadium in Karachi, another key venue for the tournament.
In addition to these major stadium inaugurations, a local ceremony will take place at the historic Lahore Fort on February 16, with top PCB officials and select ICC representatives in attendance. This event will serve as a cultural showcase, blending cricket with the rich heritage of Pakistan. These activities are designed to celebrate the host nation’s commitment to the tournament and highlight the major infrastructural upgrades made in preparation for the Champions Trophy. While there won’t be a global opening ceremony, these local initiatives will give fans and officials a chance to engage with the spirit of the competition and experience Pakistan’s hospitality before the tournament begins.