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The anticipation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is building, particularly because it marks a significant return of international cricket to Pakistan. For the first time since 1996, Pakistan will host an ICC tournament, an event that carries both excitement and apprehension, especially regarding India‘s participation. With the backdrop of political tensions and security concerns, the question arises: Will India captain Rohit Sharma travel to Pakistan for the captains’ photoshoot?
A historic event in a complex context
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be a unique event, showcasing cricket’s grandeur while navigating the complexities of Indo-Pak relations. India have opted out of playing its matches in Pakistan due to security concerns, choosing instead to stage all its games in Dubai. This hybrid model allows India to participate without setting foot on Pakistani soil during the tournament. However, this arrangement does not eliminate the possibility of Rohit traveling to Pakistan for official pre-tournament events.
Also READ: Reason why Pakistan haven’t announced their ODI squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Reason why Rohit Sharma may travel to Pakistan
Before any ICC tournament, it is customary for the captains of all participating teams to attend an official event that includes a photoshoot with the trophy and a press conference. These events are typically held in the host country – in this case, Pakistan. If the ICC decide to hold this event in Pakistan, Rohit may need to make his first-ever trip to the country, despite India not playing any matches there. As of now, there is no confirmation regarding the location of this event, but it remains a strong possibility due to ICC traditions.
Has Rohit ever played in Pakistan?
Rohit has never played an international match in Pakistan throughout his illustrious career. If he travels for this pre-tournament event, it would mark a historic moment not only for him but also for Indian cricket as a whole. The significance of such a visit cannot be overstated; it would symbolize a step towards normalizing cricketing ties between India and Pakistan amidst ongoing political tensions.
The future of hybrid models
The hybrid hosting model for ICC tournaments is set to continue until 2027, meaning that India and Pakistan will not play matches in each other’s countries during ICC events. For Champions Trophy 2025, while India will play their matches in Dubai, Pakistan will host its fixtures at home. This arrangement reflects ongoing security concerns but also highlights the importance of maintaining competitive cricket between these two cricketing giants.
