ISLAMABAD: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma will likely visit Pakistan ahead of the much-anticipated ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, Indian media claimed on Monday.
During his visit to the host country, he will take part in pre-tournament events including the photo shoot of all team captains with the trophy and press conference.
The host country or International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet confirmed the photoshoot venue. The event is usually hosted in the host country, which is Pakistan in this case.
Moreover, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also not officially issued any statement regarding Rohit Sharma’s visit to Pakistan.
It is noteworthy to mention here that the tournament will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under a hybrid model, which was earlier scheduled fully in Pakistan.
As per the revised schedule, India will play all its matches including the semi-final and final, if qualified, at a neutral venue in Dubai, rather than in the host country.
ICC confirmed the development ending a month-long standoff after India decided against sending its team to Pakistan citing security concerns and political tensions.
“India and Pakistan matches hosted by either country at ICC Events during the 2024-2027 rights cycle will be played at a neutral venue, the ICC Board confirmed,” said a statement released by the council.
“This will apply to the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 (hosted by Pakistan).”
The eight-team tournament, comprised of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, across three venues – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi – in Pakistan and Dubai.
