New Delhi: Indian cricket team’s skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to pay a visit to Pakistan ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 to take part in pre-tournament’s events in the host country, Indian media outlets claimed on Monday.
The reports suggested that Sharma may attend Champions Trophy’s events including all-captains’ photoshoot and press conference as part of the ICC’s promotional campaign.
However, there is no official word from the Indian cricket board regarding Sharma’s visit to Pakistan, whereas, the neighbouring team is yet to unveil the squad for the forthcoming tournament.
The eight-team tournament, comprised of 15 matches, will run from February 19 to March 9, across three venues – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – in Pakistan and Dubai.
The teams are divided into two groups. Group A features Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B is comprised of Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the curtain raiser on February 19 in Karachi.
India will play its first match against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20 while the blockbuster clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
The upcoming event will be held under a hybrid model, with India set to play their matches at a neutral venue — Dubai — rather than in the host country, Pakistan.