PCB Wants All Captains Attend Champions Trophy 2025 Opening Ceremony

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to guarantee the attendance of all team captains at the opening ceremony of the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted in Pakistan.

Rohit Sharma’s Potential Visit Sparks Speculation

The PCB’s request comes amidst reports from Indian media suggesting that Indian captain Rohit Sharma “might” travel to Pakistan for events leading up to the tournament. These preliminary events are expected to include an all-captains photo shoot and a press conference where team leaders will outline their expectations for the competition.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to release an official statement regarding Sharma’s potential visit. PCB’s scepticism around his participation stems from India’s refusal to send their team to Pakistan which eventually led to an adoption of the hybrid model for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Sources close to the PCB have confirmed that the board has taken full responsibility for arranging visas for all participants, including players, officials, commercial partners, media personnel, and fans. This comprehensive visa facilitation effort demonstrates PCB’s determination to ensure a smooth and welcoming environment for the eight-team tournament.

“PCB has informed the ICC regarding the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony of the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan,” a PCB source revealed. “All teams and captains will attend the opening ceremony.”

The PCB has also assured the ICC that it has successfully arranged visas for the ICC delegation, which includes three representatives from India. These delegations have already visited Pakistan to inspect the venue arrangements and preparations, further solidifying Pakistan’s readiness to host the tournament.