The suspense over whether or not India captain Rohit Sharma will journey to Pakistan for the opening ceremony and a photograph shoot forward of the ICC Champions Trophy is all however over. The Indian Specific understands that due to the logistical challenges concerned which sees groups arriving in Pakistan on completely different dates, there received’t be any opening ceremony, nor will there be any official photoshoot involving captains from the eight collaborating groups.
With India not travelling to Pakistan, there have been questions as as to whether Rohit will journey throughout the border for a photoshoot that was being deliberate alongside the opening ceremony. Nonetheless, it’s now understood that no such plans are in place and solely a small ceremony is being deliberate by the hosts forward of their opening match in opposition to New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
“Prior to now, Champions Trophy occasions haven’t actually had a gap ceremony like within the case of a 50-over World Cup. Even when India hosted the 50-over World Cup in 2023, there was no opening ceremony. There was solely an official photoshoot and a joint press convention with captains. For the T20 World Cup within the Caribbean, none of it occurred. So there isn’t a such occasion this time as effectively,” sources within the know instructed The Indian Specific.
It’s understood {that a} photoshoot can be dominated out this time as a result of England and Australia are scheduled to succeed in Pakistan solely on February 18 or 19. It is among the explanation why the occasion is unlikely to see any follow matches, which is the norm for ICC occasions.
Australia, who’re with no win within the match since 2009, are at present in Sri Lanka and the tour ends solely on February 14, following which they may take a brief break earlier than touchdown in Pakistan. Equally, England after their India tour ends on February 12, are in line for a brief break.
With the match simply a few weeks away, all eyes are already on Pakistan as as to whether they may get renovation of their stadiums accomplished in time or not.
India received’t be travelling to Pakistan and will likely be enjoying their group matches in Dubai.