Even though India will play all its Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue, captain Rohit Sharma is likely to travel to Pakistan for the tournament’s opening ceremony, sources indicate. The prestigious event, returning after eight years, is expected to have a grand inauguration, tentatively set for February 16 or 17, depending on the warm-up match schedule. As per ICC traditions, all team captains are required to attend the ceremony.
A source told IANS, “The Indian captain will visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy opening ceremony as the PCB is planning a spectacular event to mark the return of a major international tournament to the country after 29 years.”
Scheduled to begin on February 19, the Champions Trophy 2025 will be Pakistan’s first ICC event as a host since co-organizing the 1996 Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will follow a hybrid format, with Pakistan hosting most of the matches, while all of India’s group-stage fixtures and the first semi-final will take place in Dubai. If India qualifies for the final, it will also be played in Dubai; otherwise, Lahore will host the title clash.
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The eight-team tournament will feature Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and hosts Pakistan. The opening match will see Pakistan face New Zealand in Karachi, while the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan encounter is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Due to political tensions, India and Pakistan only compete against each other in multinational events such as the World Cup and Asia Cup. Their last face-off took place in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in New York.