With political tensions between India and Pakistan, questions remain over Rohit Sharma’s participation in the captains’ meet ahead of the Champions Trophy.
January 17, 2025: A customary captains’ meet is scheduled to be held in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, with all eight participating team captains expected to attend. The event, slated for February 17 or 18, raises uncertainty about the attendance of India’s captain, Rohit Sharma. Given the political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian cricket team has refrained from traveling to Pakistan for over a decade.
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For the Champions Trophy, Team India has opted to play all its matches in Dubai, with Pakistan being the official host of the tournament. This arrangement has kept India’s participation limited to neutral venues, leaving questions about their presence at events within Pakistan.
Devajit Saikia, the newly-elected secretary of the BCCI, addressed these concerns when asked about Rohit Sharma’s participation in the captains’ meet. “We haven’t received any such proposal. This hasn’t been part of our discussions with the ICC,” Saikia told The Telegraph.
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A source close to the situation highlighted the sensitivity of the matter, stating, “This is a very delicate situation, and every step has to be taken after carefully considering its repercussions. India will have to find a compromise formula since Pakistan, as hosts, will enjoy certain privileges.”
Another source confirmed to PTI that the PCB has emphasized to the ICC that the opening ceremony, along with the captains’ meet, will be held in Pakistan. The source also pointed out that three Indian nationals, part of an ICC delegation that recently visited Pakistan, were promptly issued visas once their details were submitted by the world body.
The Champions Trophy is set to commence on February 19, with the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. However, clarity on whether Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan remains pending.
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