The countdown to the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has already begun and all the participating teams have already started their preparations for the mega event. Most recently, India announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming marquee tournament.
Well, everyone is aware of the colorful relationship between India and Pakistan, so it would be interesting to see if the BCCI would send the captain, Rohit Sharma, to Pakistan for the traditional captains’ photo session and address the media in the previous ceremony. event press conference.
Will Rohit Sharma attend the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony in Pakistan?
However, social media has already been talking about all the possibilities, with many suggesting that Rohit Sharma would not attend the grand opening ceremony of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Notably, the main tournament will begin on February 19, and the opening ceremony is scheduled for February 16 or 17 in Karachi.
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While murmurs that the BCCI has allegedly decided not to send its captain to Pakistan are making a lot of noise on social media, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has to come forward and set the record straight. In fact, a Pakistan Cricket Board official was left baffled by reports that Rohit Sharma might miss the grand opening ceremony of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
In a surprising twist, the PCB official revealed that visas had already been issued to three Indian nationals, who were part of an ICC delegation that visited Pakistan recently. He also said that the PCB obtained all necessary government clearances to ensure smooth issuance of visas to all captains, players and officials attending the pre-tournament events in Pakistan.
PCB confirms visa issued to Rohit Sharma to visit Pakistan!!
These latest revelations were a clear confirmation that Rohit Sharma and other BCCI officials will travel to Pakistan for regular events. A Pakistan Cricket Board official was quoted by PTI as saying: “This obviously includes Rohit or any other Indian team player, official or board official.”
Meanwhile, another source claimed that the PCB has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the opening ceremony, with all the teams and their captains, will be held in Pakistan. It is said that the timing of the ceremony will depend on the schedule of the warm-up matches.
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The source was quoted by PTI: “This is in line with the usual protocols, and since the opening match is on the 19th, the opening ceremony can be expected on the 16th or 17th.”
PCB criticizes BCCI for bringing politics into cricket
Well, the Indian cricket board has not yet confirmed whether Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan for the event, nor has it denied it. Also, there are reports that Indian players would not wear a jersey with Pakistan’s name in the tournament.
Reacting to the speculations, a PCB official criticized the BCCI for mixing politics with cricket. He believes that the ICC will not allow this to happen and will support Pakistan.
He said, quoted by IANS, “BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is not good at all for the game. They refused to travel to Pakistan. They don’t want to send their captain (to Pakistan) for the opening ceremony; now there are reports that they do not want the name of the host country (Pakistan) printed on their shirt.”
