PCB Official Comments on Rohit Sharma's Absence from Pakistan for CT Ceremony

Synopsis

A PCB official expressed worries about BCCI's potential decision to not send Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony. The lack of clarity on his travel and jersey details raises concerns over cricket politics.

Key Takeaways

PCB official expresses concerns over BCCI's decision.
Rohit Sharma may miss the Champions Trophy opening ceremony.
India's matches will be held in Dubai.
India's squad for the tournament includes key players.
ICC's role in supporting Pakistan is emphasized.

New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has voiced concerns regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its purported decision to not send India captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony scheduled for February 19. Rohit was also anticipated to participate in the traditional captains' photo session and the pre-event press briefing in Pakistan. It is worth noting that India will conduct all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, including a significant game against Pakistan on February 23.

Currently, the BCCI has neither confirmed nor denied Rohit’s travel plans to Pakistan. However, the PCB official expressed disappointment over rumors that the Indian team may not feature Pakistan’s name on their tournament jersey. "BCCI is introducing politics into cricket, which is detrimental to the sport. They have declined to travel to Pakistan. They are hesitant to send their captain to the opening ceremony, and now there are claims they do not want the host nation’s name on their jersey. We trust that the world governing body, ICC, will intervene and support Pakistan," a PCB official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told IANS on Monday.

This past Saturday, India announced a 15-member squad for the eight-team prestigious tournament, including Shubman Gill as Rohit’s deputy alongside Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

In the previous edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, India reached the finals but faced defeat against Pakistan. India will commence their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20 before clashing with their arch-rivals, Pakistan, on February 23.

India will conclude their group stage matches against New Zealand on March 2.