No opening ceremony for Champions Trophy 2025; Rohit Sharma to not set foot in Pakistan

The most-asked question about Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has finally been answered. With no official opening ceremony or captains' photo-up scheduled for the tournament, the veteran batter will not be required to cross the border. Earlier the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had ensured that the Men in Blue remains based in Dubai, where all their matches will be played.

The speculation regarding Rohit’s visit to Pakistan came up due to the customary captains’ event and photo session held before ICC events. However, according to a Cricbuzz report, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have confirmed that no such event will take place this time. The decision means neither Rohit nor any other Indian representative will require to travel to Pakistan. 

"An opening ceremony was never announced either by the ICC or the PCB," said a source well-versed in the development.

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One of the key factors cited by the organisers is the arrival of teams in Pakistan. England, currently touring India, will reach Lahore on February 18, after concluding their white-ball series on February 12. Meanwhile, Australia, finishing their Test series in Sri Lanka on February 14, will arrive in Pakistan only on February 19.

With teams arriving at different times, a collective pre-tournament gathering will be impractical. Additionally, history shows that such an event has not always been a standard practice. 

"An opening ceremony was never announced either by the ICC or the PCB. The last opening ceremony with all the participating players taking part was held in Dhaka 2011. Never after," said a source.

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Although there will be no traditional opening ceremony, the PCB has planned a series of pre-event activities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to inaugurate the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7, while President Asif Ali Zardari will open the refurbished National Stadium in Karachi on February 11. A local inauguration ceremony will also take place at the Lahore Fort on February 16, attended by top PCB officials and select ICC representatives.