Fri Jan 31 14:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India’s Rohit Sharma to Skip Pakistan for Champions Trophy: No Opening Ceremony Planned

**LAHORE, PAKISTAN** – Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma will not be traveling to Pakistan for the upcoming Champions Trophy, as planned opening ceremonies and captain’s photo-ops have been cancelled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

This decision removes the need for Sharma to cross the Wagah border, which would have been the first time a current Indian cricketer visited Pakistan since 2008. While speculation arose regarding potential Indian government opposition to the trip, the official reason cited is the logistical impossibility of gathering all eight team captains for a pre-tournament event due to staggered arrival dates.

Sources close to the development revealed that an opening ceremony was never formally announced. They pointed to the absence of such events before recent major tournaments, including the 2024 T20 World Cup, as precedent. The differing arrival schedules – for example, England’s team arriving in Lahore on February 18th after a break following their series in India – make a joint event impractical.

Although a large-scale opening ceremony is off the table, the PCB will still host several local events. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 7th, and President Asif Ali Zardari will do the same at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 11th. A separate PCB opening ceremony is planned for Lahore Fort on February 16th.

The Champions Trophy will commence on February 19th and conclude on March 9th. India will play all their matches in Dubai.

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