No Captains' Photoshoot Held in Pakistan Ahead of Champions Trophy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source explained that the pre-tournament captains' gathering had to be canceled due to "the unavailability of teams because of tight traveling schedules."

There will be no captains' photoshoot or press conference in Pakistan before the ICC Champions Trophy, a source from the host cricket board told PTI on Thursday, ruling out the possibility of the India skipper traveling to the country for any pre-tournament engagements.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source explained that the pre-tournament captains' gathering had to be canceled due to "the unavailability of teams because of tight traveling schedules."

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"The issue is that all teams have tight schedules leading up to the tournament. England and India are playing a white-ball series, while Australia is playing a Test and ODI series in Sri Lanka," the source stated.

The source further mentioned that the PCB would organize an inauguration event for the tournament on February 16 in Lahore, instead of an official opening ceremony.

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As per tradition, the captains of all participating teams typically hold a pre-tournament photo-op on the eve of an ICC event. However, this time, the 2025 Champions Trophy will be played across three venues in Pakistan and one in Dubai from February 19 to March 9. India, for security reasons, will not travel to Pakistan and will play all their matches at the Dubai venue. If they reach the final, the title match will also take place in Dubai.

The inauguration ceremony will be held at the Huzoor Bagh in Lahore.

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The source confirmed that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had approved the scheduled list of events before the first match of the mega event, which will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi.

The PCB will formally launch the renovated Gaddafi Stadium on February 7, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif invited to attend as the chief guest.

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Additionally, the PCB will launch the renovated National Stadium in Karachi on February 11. This event will feature a ceremony, with President Asif Ali Zardari invited as the chief guest.

"On February 16, we will have the inauguration ceremony," the source added.

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He also mentioned that England would arrive in Lahore on February 18, while Australia would reach on February 19.

"We have also decided, in conjunction with the ICC, that there will be no official collective press conference for all captains, as not all will be available before the tournament, nor will there be any official photoshoot at one location," the source concluded.

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Read also| PCB and ICC to Host Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony in Lahore on February 16

Read also| Bumrah Receives Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year

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