Here's why Rohit Sharma might visit Pakistan ahead of CT
What's the story
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma might have to visit Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. This is because of a traditional pre-tournament event of a photoshoot of all team captains with the trophy. The event is usually hosted in the host country, which is Pakistan in this case. However, it must be noted that there is no official confirmation of the photoshoot's venue yet.
Tournament format
Champions Trophy 2025: A hybrid tournament
The next Champions Trophy 2025 will be a one-of-a-kind tournament with matches divided between Dubai and Pakistan. This will be the first time since the 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan will host an ICC tournament. However, due to political tension between the two nations, India's matches will be played in Dubai while the rest of the tournament will be played in Pakistan.
Captain's duty
Rohit Sharma's potential journey to Pakistan
The prospect of Rohit visiting Pakistan stems from the custom of a pre-tournament photoshoot with all team captains and the trophy. This is typically done in the host country, which for the Champions Trophy 2025, happens to be Pakistan. If the custom is followed, Rohit might have to make the trip even though India won't be playing any matches there. Notably, in his illustrious international career, Rohit has never visited Pakistan before.
Hybrid approach
ICC's hybrid model for India-Pakistan matches
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that all India-Pakistan matches in ICC events will be played under the hybrid model from 2024-2027. This means Pakistan won't travel to India for the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Sri Lanka. Likewise, India won't travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025.