Emerging reports indicate that the BCCI has asked the ICC to relocate key pre-tournament events for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, including the captains’ press conference and photoshoot, from Pakistan to Dubai. The tournament, set to begin on February 19, has already sparked controversy due to strained political relations between India and Pakistan.
India had earlier refused to play its matches in Pakistan, leading to the tournament’s adoption of a hybrid model. Under this arrangement, India will play all its matches in Dubai while Pakistan remains the official host. Now, the BCCI has further requested that Indian captain Rohit Sharma not travel to Pakistan for these curtain-raiser events. Instead, they want the events to take place in Dubai, enabling Rohit to participate without entering Pakistan.
This request has caused frustration within the PCB. A source cited by The Times of India commented, “ICC has already accommodated India’s request to avoid playing in Pakistan, so these are minor issues.”
India and Pakistan have not engaged in bilateral cricket since 2012-13 due to political tensions. While Pakistan has traveled to India for ICC events, India has avoided playing in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup. To address these challenges, the ICC’s hybrid model ensures neutral venues for India’s matches in Pakistan and vice versa for future India-hosted ICC events.
Traditionally, captains’ conferences and photoshoots are held in the host country to inaugurate ICC tournaments. However, the BCCI’s latest move may compel the ICC to shift these events to Dubai, adding another layer to the ongoing saga.
