Captain Rohit Sharma won’t travel to Pakistan as the ICC cancelled the opening ceremony & Captains’ photoshoot for Champions Trophy
Rohit Sharma will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have cancelled the planned opening ceremony and captains’ photo shoot. A source confirmed that no such ceremony was officially announced by either organization, and the PCB did not deny this cancellation. Previously, there was anticipation regarding Rohit’s potential visit, which would have marked the first time an Indian player stepped onto Pakistani soil since 2008.
The decision aligns with the Indian government’s stance on security concerns regarding travel to Pakistan. The BCCI has barred Rohit from attending any pre-tournament events, reinforcing its policy to keep India’s matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan. The PCB will still proceed with local inaugurations of stadiums, including a ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium on February 7, while the Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19 in Karachi. This situation reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, impacting cricketing engagements significantly.