Indian Captain Set to Attend Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony in Pakistan
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Synopsis
The Indian captain is set to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy opening ceremony, marking a significant return after an eight-year break. The event is scheduled for February 16 or 17, with the tournament commencing on February 19.
Key Takeaways
- Indian captain to attend Champions Trophy opening ceremony in Pakistan.
- Event marks the return of international cricket to Pakistan after 29 years.
- Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19.
- Majority of matches hosted by Pakistan, with some in Dubai.
- India vs. Pakistan match scheduled for February 23.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) Despite the fact that India’s Champions Trophy matches will be held at a neutral location, the captain of the Indian team is anticipated to travel to Pakistan to participate in the opening ceremony of this esteemed tournament, which is making a comeback after an eight-year break, sources disclosed.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is orchestrating a spectacular opening ceremony for the Champions Trophy, tentatively planned for either February 16 or 17, depending on the warm-up match schedule. Participation from all team captains is customary for ICC events.
“The Indian Team captain will journey to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy opening ceremony as the PCB organizes a grand event, marking the return of a significant international cricket tournament to Pakistan after 29 years,” sources informed IANS.
Scheduled to commence on February 19, the Champions Trophy 2025 will represent Pakistan’s first significant ICC tournament as hosts since the country co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka.
This competition will be conducted in a hybrid format, with Pakistan hosting the majority of the matches, while all of India’s group fixtures and the initial semi-final will take place in Dubai.
If India secures a spot in the final, that match will also shift to Dubai; otherwise, the championship will be held in Lahore.
The eight-nation tournament will include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, alongside hosts Pakistan.
The event will commence with host Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi, and the highly anticipated encounter between India and Pakistan is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
Due to tense political relations, India and Pakistan typically compete only in international tournaments like the World Cups and the Asia Cup. The last match between the two teams occurred during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in New York.
