The PCB confirmed that no official ICC captain’s meet or photoshoot would precede the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
No Captain’s Event For Champions Trophy 2025
For the first time, the Champions Trophy will be skipped in the buildup to the event in Pakistan. The host nation usually organizes this meet in the host country. In the case of the first ICC event in Pakistan after 1996, i.e. the Champions Trophy 2025, the usual meet would be skipped.
Reasons Behind The Logistical Challenges
Unlike the Champions Trophy in 2017 that took place in the UK where there was a captain’s event and photoshoot, this tournament will not repeat the same this year. According to the PCB, there was no plan for an opening ceremony, further revealing that neither the ICC nor the PCB had planned one. However, the PCB will host a special event on February 16 in Lahore three days before the opening match to mark the tournament.
The reason for not attending the captain’s event and photoshoot was logistical. The tournament will be played in four venues across two countries, and with tight schedules for teams, many will arrive in Pakistan close to the start of the tournament. In fact, Australia’s team will not reach Pakistan until February 19, the day of the opening match.
Effect On India’s Participation
This also provides a fillip to the debate over India playing in the captain’s event. India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2012 due to political tensions and have met each other only at ICC events. Under the tournament’s hybrid model, India’s matches, which will include the final if it reaches there, will be staged in Dubai.
Glorifying Renovated Grounds
In a further buildup of the excitement, the PCB has planned ceremonies at the completion of refurbished stadiums in Lahore and Karachi. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, under renovation, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on February 7, 2025 and National Stadium, Karachi, by President Asif Ali Zardari on February 11, 2025.
This will indeed mark the start of a keenly awaited tournament in Pakistan.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye