Reports: Rohit Sharma denied permission by BCCI to attend Captains' Day in Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19 with a game between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. Ahead of the tournament opener, all the captains are supposed to be present at the venue for a photoshoot and press conference.

However, team India captain Rohit Sharma has been denied the permission from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to travel to Pakistan for the customary event. Notably, India are already supposed to play the entire tournament in Dubai, the co-host for the tournament, which came amidst their government's strict adherence over geopolitical reasons.

According to reports from The Times of India, the star cricketer won't be able to travel to the neighbouring nation to attend the captains' day before the multinational tournament kick-starts.

“ICC has already accommodated India's request not to schedule its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, so these are minor issues," a BCCI source was reported as saying.

BCCI bringing politics into cricket: PCB

The report infuriated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they seem to have problems with the BCCI already for not wanting to print 'Pakistan' along with the tournament's logo on their jersey for the show-piece event. The PCB further demanded the support of International Cricket Council, chaired by Jay Shah, in the pertaining matter.

“The BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is not at all good for the game. They refused to travel to Pakistan. They don't want to send their captain (to Pakistan) for the opening ceremony. Now, there are reports that they don't want the host nation's (Pakistan) name printed on their jerseys. We believe that the world governing body (ICC) will not let this happen and support Pakistan," the board official said.

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Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is preparing himself ahead of the all-important tournament by taking part in the Ranji Trophy game against Jammu & Kashmir, starting January 23. After featuring in this game, the skipper is set to return to national duties for the ODI series against England. Post the England bit, Rohit will be seen leading the Indian attack at the eight-team event.