Rohit Sharma Likely to Attend Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony in Pakistan
Despite India’s agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play their matches in the UAE during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, reports suggest that Indian captain Rohit Sharma might travel to Pakistan to attend the tournament’s grand opening ceremony. This marks a significant gesture, as the Champions Trophy returns after an eight-year hiatus.
Grand Opening Ceremony Planned
According to an IANS report, the PCB is planning a spectacular opening ceremony, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, to celebrate the return of a major ICC event to Pakistan after nearly three decades. Sources revealed that team captains from all participating nations are expected to attend the ceremony, a standard practice for ICC events.
“India’s 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,” an insider told IANS.
India’s Last Visit to Pakistan
India last toured Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, where they faced Sri Lanka in the final. The Men in Blue’s last game against Pakistan on their home soil occurred during the same tournament, resulting in an eight-wicket loss in the Super Four stage.
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Champions Trophy 2025 Details
Scheduled to kick off on February 19, the Champions Trophy will be Pakistan’s first major ICC tournament as hosts since the 1996 Cricket World Cup, which was co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will be played in a hybrid format, with most matches in Pakistan, while India’s games—including potential knockouts—will take place in the UAE.
The opening fixture will see hosts Pakistan take on New Zealand in Karachi, while the much-anticipated India vs. Pakistan match is set for February 23 in Dubai. India will begin their campaign with a match against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.
Pakistan enters the tournament as the defending champions, having defeated India by a massive 180-run margin in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. The return of this marquee event promises high-stakes action and renewed excitement for cricket fans worldwide.
