Why does PCB want to call Rohit Sharma to Pakistan before Champions Trophy?

Last updated:15 January 2025, 1:22 pm IST

Champions Trophy 2025: India clearly refused to play in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy and all its matches will be held in Dubai. Team India may not be going to Pakistan but captain Rohit Sharma can go there for the opening ceremony.read more

New Delhi. There was a huge uproar after the Indian team refused to play in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board argued long before the ICC against the BCCI’s decision but was ultimately forced to conduct the tournament in a hybrid model. All the matches of the Indian team will be played in United Arab Emirates. Now news is coming that Team India captain Rohit Sharma can go to Pakistan before the Champions Trophy.

According to reports, the Indian captain may go to Pakistan to participate in the opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy. This tournament is going to return after eight years. According to a report by IANS, the PCB is planning to organize a grand opening ceremony. It can be organized on 16 or 17 February. It is necessary for the captains of all the teams to be present at the opening ceremony of the tournament. As happens in all ICC events.

Sources told IANS, “The captain of the Indian team will go to Pakistan to attend the opening ceremony as the PCB is planning a grand event. “Through this, an announcement will be made about the return of a major international cricket event to Pakistan after 29 years.”

The Indian team toured Pakistan in 2008 for the final of the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka. Last time the Indian team played the Super Four match of this tournament in Pakistan. Team India had to face defeat by 8 wickets in this match. Champions Trophy 2025, starting from February 19, will be Pakistan’s first major ICC tournament. Pakistan Cricket Board hosted the 1996 ODI World Cup along with India and Sri Lanka.