Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma’s attendance at the Captains’ Event ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan remains uncertain.
The event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17 in Karachi, is set to bring together the captains of all eight participating teams. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm Sharma’s participation.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that discussions regarding Sharma’s travel to Pakistan have not taken place, adding that the matter is not currently under consideration. It remains unclear whether governmental approval would be required for his visit.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has urged the ICC to ensure all pre-tournament events, including the Captains’ Event, follow established protocols. However, the uncertainty surrounding Sharma’s travel has raised concerns about the smooth execution of these events.
The ICC has planned traditional activities for the Champions Trophy, such as a captains’ photoshoot and a press conference where team leaders share their outlook on the tournament. These longstanding traditions, however, face logistical and political challenges this year.
Notably, no Captains’ Press Conference was held prior to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 due to scheduling conflicts with warm-up matches in the West Indies and USA. Whether this will affect the Champions Trophy’s pre-tournament events remains unclear. Teams will have the option to play up to two warm-up matches based on their arrival schedules.
The Champions Trophy 2025, taking place from February 19 to March 9, will feature 15 matches across four venues—Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. The eight participating teams will compete in two groups.
Speculation in Indian media earlier suggested Sharma might attend the event, but Saikia dismissed such claims, noting that the ICC had not made any formal proposals to the BCCI. He emphasized the sensitive nature of the situation, stating that every step must be carefully evaluated for its implications.
One point of contention—the inclusion of Pakistan’s name on the Indian team’s jerseys—has reportedly been resolved, with the BCCI confirming compliance with ICC uniform regulations. “The BCCI will adhere to every ICC rule regarding uniforms during the Champions Trophy,” Saikia assured.
While Sharma’s potential absence from the event could cast a shadow over the tournament’s build-up, the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a significant milestone for cricket in Pakistan. However, political and logistical hurdles could pose challenges to its pre-tournament activities.
