Rohit Sharma may travel to Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma is expected to travel to Pakistan to participate in the pre-tournament activities for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to commence in February.

According to Indian media reports, Sharma is likely to attend promotional events organised by the ICC ahead of the highly anticipated tournament. These activities include the captains’ photo session and a pre-tournament press conference.

However, there has been no official confirmation from relevant authorities regarding Sharma’s visit.

The news of his potential arrival in Pakistan has generated excitement among cricket fans, as it marks the first time in years that an Indian cricket player would visit the country for an international event.

Meanwhile, the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy is yet to be announced.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fixtures and groupings were announced by the ICC on Tuesday, 24 December, with the tournament set to begin on 19 February in Karachi with the final on 9 March.

The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches, and will be played across Pakistan and in Dubai.

In Pakistan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi will be the three venues to host tournament play. Each Pakistan venue will feature three group games apiece, with Lahore hosting the second semi-final.

Lahore will also host the final on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai. Both the semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

The three group matches involving India, as well as the first semi-final, will be played in Dubai.

Groups:

Group A - Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh

Group B - South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England

Champions Trophy Schedule:

19 February, Pakistan v New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan

20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai

21 February, Afghanistan v South Africa, Karachi, Pakistan

22 February, Australia v England, Lahore, Pakistan

23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai

24 February, Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

25 February, Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

26 February, Afghanistan v England, Lahore, Pakistan

27 February, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

28 February, Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore, Pakistan

1 March, South Africa v England, Karachi, Pakistan

2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai

4 March, Semi-final 1, Dubai

5 March, Semi-final 2, Lahore, Pakistan

9 March, Final, Lahore (unless India qualify, when it will be played in Dubai)

10 March, Reserve day