Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma’s participation in the captains’ event ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan remains shrouded in uncertainty.
The event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17 in Karachi, is expected to feature all eight participating team captains, but clarity regarding Sharma’s attendance is still awaited.
According to a cricket website, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to take up the issue.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that no discussions took place regarding Sharma’s trip to Pakistan. Saikia added that this matter is not currently on the agenda, making it unclear whether government approval would be necessary for his visit.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reiterated its commitment and has already urged the ICC to ensure that all events surrounding the Champions Trophy are conducted in accordance with established policies and traditions. However, the uncertainty around Sharma’s travels raises questions about the smooth execution of the pre-tournament proceedings.
The ICC has planned a series of traditional events for the tournament, including a photo session of all captures and a press conference where team leaders will share their expectations for the competition. These events are a long-standing tradition for ICC tournaments, but logistical and political sensitivities have added complexity to arrangements this year.
Notably, no captains’ press conferences were held ahead of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup as the teams were engaged in warm-up matches across the West Indies and USA. It remains to be seen whether this precedent will affect the Champions Trophy pre-tournament events.
As in the 2024 T20 World Cup, teams will have the opportunity to play up to two warm-up matches each depending on their arrival time for the Champions Trophy.
The Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, will feature 15 matches across three Pakistani venues – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – as well as Dubai. The eight participating teams will be divided into two groups.
Earlier this month, Indian media speculated that Sharma might travel to Pakistan for pre-tournament events. However, Saikia dismissed these reports, stating that the BCCI had not received any official proposal from the ICC. “This is a delicate situation, and each step must be taken after judging its repercussions,” Saikia remarked.
He further highlighted the challenges posed by Pakistan’s hosting of the event, noting that the BCCI would need to carefully navigate the situation to ensure diplomatic and logistical compromises are achieved.
A contentious issue – the printing of Pakistan’s name on the Indian team’s jerseys – has reportedly been resolved, with the BCCI confirming adherence to ICC rules. “BCCI will follow every ICC rule related to uniform during the Champions Trophy,” Saikia said. “Whatever other teams do regarding the logo and dress code, we will follow in true letter and spirit.”
However, Sharma’s participation remains uncertain, and the India captain’s absence from the event could cast a shadow over the build-up to the tournament.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a historic event for Pakistan cricket, but political sensitivities and logistical challenges could impact its pre-tournament activities.
