EXPLAINED: Why Rohit Sharma Might Need To Travel To Pakistan Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025
Photo : AP
India are all set to begin their quest for a second ICC trophy in a year, when they officially kick off their campaign for the Champions Trophy 2025 from February 20. This the the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan are hosting an ICC tournament. However, India will not to travel to the country due to security issues. In fact, the tournament will be hosted in a hybrid format, where India will play their matches in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament will be held in Pakistan. However, there might be a situation where Rohit Sharma needs to travel to Pakistan ahead of the mega event.
Why Rohit Sharma Might Travel To Pakistan Before Champions Trophy 2025
Before any ICC tournament, there is an official event that involves a photoshoot of all captains of participating teams with the trophy. This is followed by a press conference. Such an event is always done in the country officially hosting the tournament. With Pakistan being the official hosts of the Champions Trophy 2025, the official captains' photoshoot involving all 8 captains might be held there before the tournament kicks off.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma To Appear In Mumbai's Ranji Colours After A Decade
Hence, there is a possibility that Rohit Sharma might have to travel to Pakistan to attend the event, despite India not playing a single match there. There is still no confirmation on where the photoshoot will take place.
Rohit Sharma has never travelled to Pakistan throughout his storied international career.
India, Pakistan To Play In Neutral Venues Till 2027
The ICC have confirmed that India and Pakistan will play all their matches in ICC events in a hybrid model in the 2024-27 cycle. This means that India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan will also not travel to India for the Women's ODI World Cup 2025, and the T20 World Cup 2026 (which is jointly hosted by Sri Lanka).
The ICC have also awarded the Women's T20 World Cup 2028 to Pakistan as compensation. However, that tournament too will take place in the hybrid model, as India will not travel to Pakistan.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.
