Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma Likely to Skip Pakistan Trip as ICC, PCB Scrap Captains’ Meet-Report

“Champions Trophy 2025 to adopt a hybrid model; Indian matches and final set to take place in Dubai amidst scheduling constraints.”

January 31, 2025: The controversy surrounding whether Indian captain Rohit Sharma would travel to Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has been put to rest according to a report in Cricbuzz.

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The report by Cricbuzz has revealed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have canceled the traditional captains’ gathering and photo-op ahead of the tournament.

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India’s strong opposition to sending its team to Pakistan— the official host nation— led to a hybrid model for the tournament. While matches are set to take place in Pakistan, India’s games, including the final if they qualify, will be held in Dubai due to security concerns.

No Opening Ceremony or Captains’ Meet

Breaking from tradition, the ICC and PCB will not organize an opening ceremony or a collective captains’ meet for the tournament. A source confirmed, “An opening ceremony was never officially announced by the ICC or PCB. The last such ceremony was in Dhaka in 2011.”

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Another source cited logistical challenges due to teams’ tight schedules as the reason for canceling the captains’ meet. England and India are engaged in a bilateral series, while Australia is set to play a Test and ODI series in Sri Lanka during the lead-up to the tournament.

Inauguration Plans Shifted

Instead of a formal opening ceremony, the PCB has scheduled a series of events to showcase renovated stadiums. On February 7, the newly refurbished Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be unveiled with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as the chief guest. Similarly, Karachi’s National Stadium will host a launch event on February 11, graced by President Asif Ali Zardari.

The official inauguration of the tournament is planned for February 16 at Huzoor Bagh in Lahore, with England expected to arrive a day prior. Australia will reach Pakistan on February 19, the opening day of the Champions Trophy.

India’s Matches in Dubai

India, citing security concerns, will play all their matches in Dubai, including the final, if they make it that far. This arrangement has further cemented the hybrid hosting model, which marks a first for an ICC event.

The 2025 Champions Trophy will take place from February 19 to March 9, across three venues in Pakistan and one in Dubai. The PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence in the tournament’s smooth conduct despite the altered arrangements.

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Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit Sharma Captains Meet, ICC Hybrid Model, India-Pakistan Cricket, Dubai Matches Champions Trophy, Gaddafi Stadium Renovation, PCB Tournament Plans