Rohit Sharma to Attend Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony in Pakistan
The cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, set to be a landmark event for Pakistan cricket after a 29-year hiatus from hosting major ICC tournaments. While India has opted to play all their matches at neutral venues in the United Arab Emirates, a significant development has emerged: Indian captain Rohit Sharma is expected to attend the tournament's grand opening ceremony in Pakistan.
Also Read: Predicted India Playing XI For ICC Champions Trophy 2025
According to reports from IANS, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning an elaborate opening ceremony, tentatively scheduled for February 16th or 17th, where all participating team captains are expected to be present, as is customary for ICC events.
"The Indian team captain will visit Pakistan to attend the opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy as the PCB plans a grand event, marking the return of a major international cricket event to Pakistan after 29 years," sources told IANS.
The last time the Indian cricket team toured Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. The acrimonious political climate has since significantly impacted bilateral cricketing ties, with no full-fledged series between the arch-rivals taking place in recent years. The last time India played Pakistan on Pakistani soil was during the Super Four stage of the 2008 Asia Cup, where the Men in Blue suffered a crushing 8-wicket defeat.
The 2025 Champions Trophy, commencing on February 19th, will see a hybrid format. While most matches will be hosted by Pakistan, all matches involving India, including the crucial knockout stages, will be played in the UAE. This arrangement aims to ensure the safety and security of the Indian team while allowing Pakistan to showcase its cricketing prowess on the international stage.
The tournament will kick off with the hosts, Pakistan, facing New Zealand in Karachi. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 23rd in Dubai, promising to be a spectacle of cricketing drama and intense rivalry. India will commence their campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.
Pakistan enters the tournament as the defending champions, having convincingly defeated India by a margin of 180 runs in the 2017 edition. The 2025 edition promises to be a thrilling contest, with top cricketing nations vying for the coveted trophy.
Also Read: South Africa (SA) Squad For ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Give Your Feedback