India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, is expected to visit Pakistan ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which kicks off next month. Following a three-week break after their Border-Gavaskar Trophy loss in Australia, the Indian team will resume their schedule with a white-ball series against England, before heading to Pakistan and Dubai for the Champions Trophy.
The 2025 Champions Trophy will be played in a hybrid format, with Pakistan hosting the event. India’s matches, including the knockout rounds, will take place in Dubai, assuming they qualify. This will be the first time in 30 years that Pakistan hosts an ICC event, and the PCB is planning a major opening ceremony, tentatively scheduled for February 16-17.
As is customary for ICC events, an opening ceremony and captains’ press conference will be held, and according to news agency IANS, Rohit Sharma is expected to attend the ceremony in Pakistan.
The tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, with Pakistan entering as the defending champions. The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC event was in 1996, when it co-hosted the Cricket World Cup.
The Champions Trophy will begin on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match. India will begin their campaign the following day.
The other teams competing in the tournament include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. India’s most recent match against Pakistan in an ICC event was during the T20 World Cup 2024.
