Expect Pakistan to stage the Champions Trophy 2025 opening next month, sources said, with India captain Rohit Sharma expected to join.
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PAKISTAN TO STAGE ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025 OPENING CEREMONY ON FEBRUARY 16: PCB SOURCE
Expect the hosts to stage the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony on February 16 on its home turf.
Furthermore, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source disclosed that it is awaiting on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to greenlight the schedule of the customary captains’ photo shoot.
Moreover, the pre-event press conference should also get the approval from the ICC before announcing the date.
Karachi will host the start of the eight-team tournament set on February 19.
“This (opening ceremony) is in line with the usual protocols and since the opening is on the 19th, the opening ceremony can be expected either on the 16th or 17th,” the PCB source said.
SHARMA SET TO JOIN OPENING CEREMONY, SAYS SOURCE
Moreover, Sharma is set to join the opening ceremony in Pakistan, the PCB source said.
Furthermore, the PCB source expressed confidence that Sharma will be physically present in Pakistan to observe the festivities.
Sharma’s attendance remains uncertain since no India cricketer has set foot on Pakistan for several years.
This is due to tensions escalating between the two countries that ICC had to change the setup for all tournaments held in Pakistan.
India is set to play all its Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai, where it will open its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.
PCB PROCURES CLEARANCES FROM PAKISTAN GOVT TO ISSUE VISAS TO ALL CAPTAINS, INCLUDING SHARMA
Furthermore, the source said the PCB already procured clearances from the Pakistan government to issue visas to all team captains.
Moreover, these visas include Sharma.
“This obviously includes Rohit (Sharma) or any other Indian team player or official or board official,” the source said.
Meanwhile, three Indian nationals who were part of the ICC delegation that arrived to Pakistan, were issued visas already.
This, the source said, became possible once the world body sent their names to the PCB for approval.
