Rohit Sharma's attendance at ICC captains' event uncertain

24 January, 2025

The event, tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17 in Karachi, is set to bring together 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) has yet to address the matter.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that no discussions have taken place regarding Sharma's travel to Pakistan. Saikia added that this matter is not currently on the agenda, leaving it unclear whether governmental approval would be required 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 travel raises questions about the smooth execution of the pre-tournament proceedings.

The ICC has scheduled a series of traditional events for the tournament, including an all-captains photo shoot and a press conference where team leaders will share their expectations for the competition. These events are a longstanding tradition for ICC tournaments, but logistical and political sensitivities have added complexity to the arrangements this year.

Notably, no Captains' Press Conference was held before the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, as teams were engaged in warm-up matches across the West Indies and the USA. Whether this precedent will affect the Champions Trophy's pre-tournament events remains to be seen.

Like in the 2024 T20 World Cup, teams will have the option of playing 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 the pre-tournament events. However, Saikia dismissed such reports, stating that the BCCI had not received any formal proposal from the ICC. “This is a delicate situation, and every step has to be taken after judging its repercussions,” Saikia remarked.

He further emphasised 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 reached.

One contentious matter—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 uniform-related ICC rule during Champions Trophy," said Saikia. "Whatever the other teams will do regarding the logo and dress code, we are going to follow in true letter and spirit."

However, Sharma's participation remains uncertain, and the absence of India's captain from the event could cast a shadow over the tournament's build-up.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is poised to be a landmark event for cricket in Pakistan, but political sensitivities and logistical challenges could impact its pre-tournament activities.