Rohit Sharma’s travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy captains’ event still undecided

Doubts remain over whether India skipper Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) captains’ event ahead of the 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy. The event, typically held just before the tournament, is tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17 in Karachi.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not received any official communication from the ICC regarding the captains’ event. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia stated, “It [Rohit traveling to Pakistan] has not yet been discussed. It is not on the agenda yet.”

Political tensions between India and Pakistan have complicated sporting ties, with the Indian cricket team not touring Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. While Pakistan visited India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, bilateral series between the two nations have been absent since the 2012-13 season, with contests limited to ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.

The ninth edition of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. India will play all their matches in Dubai, avoiding travel to Pakistan due to the prevailing geopolitical situation.

Although no Indian player has traveled to Pakistan in recent years for an official capacity, BCCI officials have made visits. In 2023, BCCI president Roger Binny and vice-president Rajiv Shukla attended an official dinner hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Lahore during the Asia Cup. The invitation was extended by then PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf, highlighting rare moments of diplomatic engagement through cricket.

Amid speculation regarding India’s jerseys for the Champions Trophy, BCCI secretary Saikia confirmed that the board would adhere to all ICC guidelines. This statement comes in response to reports suggesting India might omit Pakistan’s name as the tournament host from their jerseys, given that India will not play any matches in Pakistan.