India’s longer-format captain Rohit Sharma on Sunday, addressed the ongoing uncertainty regarding India’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan during the February-March window.

Sharma, during an interaction with the media, was probed about whether the men in blue would travel to Pakistan for the eight-team tournament. The Indian captain, in response, reiterated that the decision lies with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and not the players.

“The decision is not in our hands. It will be made by the cricket boards, and we are focused on the tournament ahead,” said Sharma.

“If we are sent to Pakistan, there will be no issue,” he added.

Sharma’s remarks came amid the reports suggesting that the BCCI has formally informed International Cricket Council (ICC) that it will not send its national men’s team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, citing the directives of the federal government.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is firm on its stance of not receiving any formal update from either ICC or BCCI.

“In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn’t travelling. I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters on Friday.

Notably, India’s refusal to visit Pakistan, gave rise to the prospects of Champions Trophy being played in a ‘hybrid model’ with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerging as the strong candidate to host India’s matches.

However, PCB chairman Naqvi expressed his unwillingness for the model and assured every participating team of top-notch facilities.

“Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB… Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here.

“I remain in touch with several boards, and they’re all looking forward to playing here. I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter. We’ll give every team as many facilities as we can. We’d like to see fans from abroad come for the tournament, too.”

 

Renowned Pakistani singer Aima Baig will perform at the opening ceremony of the Champions One-Day Cup, scheduled to take place today at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium.

The highly anticipated match between the Mohammad Rizwan-led UMT Markhors and the Shadab Khan-led Panthers will follow the ceremony.

Aima’s performance is expected to add excitement to the star-studded tournament, showcasing Pakistan’s cricketing talent across five teams.

The tournament, which will feature top cricket players from across Pakistan, will begin at 3 p.m. local time.

The event has been organised with the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in mind, providing a platform for standout performers to boost their chances of national team selection.

The total prize pool for the tournament is set at RS 49 million, with the winner receiving RS 30 million and the runner-up awarded RS 15 million. The tournament will culminate on September 29, with the final to be held at the same venue.

The tournament will feature the country’s top cricket talent in a single-league format. Five teams—Dolphins, UMT Markhors, Panthers, Allied Bank Stallions, and Nurpur Lions—are participating, each guided by prominent mentors.

Saud Shakeel will captain the Dolphins, with Sarfaraz Ahmed as their mentor; the Lions will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, with guidance from Waqar Younis; Mohammad Haris will take charge of the Stallions, supported by Shoaib Malik; Mohammad Rizwan will captain the Markhors, mentored by Misbah-ul-Haq; and Shadab Khan will lead the Panthers, with Saqlain Mushtaq as their mentor.

Matches will generally begin at 3 p.m. local time, except for the September 16 Lions vs. Panthers game, which will start at 9:30 a.m. The tournament consists of 13 league matches and three playoff games, with the final set for Sunday, September 29.