Big News: Rohit Sharma will not go to Pakistan as ICC, PCB take big call on Champions Trophy 2025's opening ceremony

Speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's potential travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 has finally come to an end. Now India captain Rohit Sharma doesn't need to travel to Pakistan as the ICC and PCB have decided to forgo any plans for Champions Trophy 2025's opening ceremony or captains' photoshoot.

No need for Rohit Sharma to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy

This big call from ICC and PCB collectively, eliminates the need for the Indian captain to cross the border, resolving a potentially sensitive issue given India's current stance on bilateral cricket with Pakistan.

"An opening ceremony was never announced either by the ICC or the PCB," a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. The source further stated that "PCB did not comment but did not deny that there won't be an opening ceremony or captains' photo-shoot."

ALSO READ: MS Dhoni-starrer Champions Trophy 2025 Promo Ad breaks internet, says 'When I was captain, it was easy to remain cool but...'

ALSO READ: 'I was selected and then was dropped at 1 am because...': When Virat Kohli's father was demanded bribe for selection in Delhi team

The official explanation for scrapping the Champions Trophy 2025's opening ceremony and captains' photoshoot cites logistical challenges. The varying arrival schedules of the participating teams, particularly England and Australia who have prior commitments, make it difficult to coordinate a gathering of all captains in Pakistan. Organizers also noted a precedent for this decision, pointing out that similar ceremonies were not held at the previous T20 World Cup or before the 2023 ODI World Cup hosted in India.

"Because the two sides will arrive either a day before or on the day of the opening match, all captains will not be available in the lead-up to the tournament. As such, no captains' photo-shoot or joint-press conference will be held," the source further added.

In lieu of a traditional opening ceremony, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will shift its focus to showcasing newly renovated stadiums across Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari will preside over separate inauguration events. A smaller, localized ceremony for the Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place at Lahore Fort on February 16th, with attendance from PCB and ICC officials.

ALSO READ: 'How can you end the superstar culture in India and why?': Ex-RCB star's big statement after witnessing Virat Kohli's fandom on his Ranji Trophy return

ALSO READ: India star batter, who recently announced his retirement, now becomes leading six hitter in Ranji Trophy

This decision by the PCB also reflects India's ongoing diplomatic policy of avoiding sending their captain to Pakistan, even for official events.

India's Champions Trophy campaign will kick off from February 20 with a clash against Bangladesh. The Men in Blue will then take on their arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 followed by a clash against New Zealand on March 2

Team India's Champions Trophy 2025 squad:

Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill (vice-capt), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja