Report: PCB, ICC to organize Champions Trophy opening ceremony in Lahore on Feb 16; no word on Rohit Sharma's participation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are set to organize the grand opening ceremony of the 2025 Champions Trophy on February 16 in Lahore, as per reports. The highly anticipated event will mark the official commencement of the prestigious tournament, which begins on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi with a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand.

A source close to the PCB has revealed that chairman Mohsin Naqvi has sanctioned an attractive list of pre-tournament events. Key among them are the official inaugural events of the renovated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore scheduled on February 7, in which Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has also been invited as chief guest. Furthermore, PCB has scheduled its newly upgraded national stadium in Karachi to be formally launched on 11 February under the patronization of President Asif Ali Zardari himself as the chief guest.

In addition to these major events, the PCB and ICC are also finalizing the itinerary for the captains' press conference and official photoshoots, which are likely to take place in Lahore on February 16. The opening ceremony itself is set to be held at the historic Huzoori Bagh within the Lahore Fort, a venue renowned for its cultural significance. The event will witness the presence of dignitaries, officials from various cricket boards, former legends of the game, celebrities, and government representatives, making it a spectacle to remember.

Uncertainty about Rohit Sharma’s participation

Despite the excitement surrounding the ceremony, uncertainty looms over the participation of Indian captain Rohit Sharma. The ICC and PCB have yet to confirm whether he will travel to Lahore for the event. With much political tension existing between India and Pakistan, a lot of suspense surrounds the whole issue. The two cricketing nations have not played a bilateral series since 2012, with their last Test series dating back to 2007 when Pakistan toured India. India last played in Pakistan in 2008 for the Asia Cup, while Pakistan visited India in 2023 for the ODI World Cup, where they faced India in Ahmedabad.

The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacular one, and cricket fans worldwide are awaiting the official confirmation of Rohit Sharma's participation. The tournament is approaching and still, all the attention is on the preparation phase and the exciting encounters that await the Champions Trophy 2025.

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