Rohit Sharma likely to visit Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy: Reports

by Tejas Rathi
Rohit Sharma

According to reports, Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma will likely visit Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy. The showpiece event is set to begin on February 19 and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mulling holding the captains’ meet. The event is expected to take place in Karachi, where Pakistan kicks off the tournament against New Zealand.

The prospect of Rohit’s visit also emerges from the fact that the captains generally engage in a pre-tournament photoshoot along with the trophy. The International Cricket Council (ICC) also arranges for a press conference, where captains from all eight participating teams share their thoughts on the tournament. Moreover, an all-captain photoshoot sets the tone for the rest of the tournament, sparking the fans’ excitement.

Rohit Sharma last visited Pakistan for the 2008 Asia Cup, where India emerged as the runner-up. Since then, India hasn’t toured the country due to the Indian government’s strict stance against terrorism.

If Rohit doesn’t get clearance from the government, he will become the first leader in history to skip captains’ meet in an ICC event. If the BCCI does indeed book Rohit’s ticket to Pakistan, his travelling partner will be Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, as both teams will be clashing in their first game of Champions Trophy on February 20 in Dubai.

Rohit Sharma sweats it out in training for Ranji Trophy

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma was spotted training with the Mumbai squad at Wankhede Stadium for the upcoming round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, which is scheduled to take place from January 23. Mumbai will lock horns with Jammu & Kashmir in their next fixture at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai.

Interestingly, Gautam Gambhir insinuated that Rohit and Virat Kohli need to show their hunger and play in the domestic cricket to stake their claim for a spot in the Test team. The comments certainly have resulted in Rohit turning up for the practice and probably playing his first Ranji game after nine years.

Here’s what Gambhir said in the post-match press conference of the Sydney Test:

“I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket, if they’re available. If you’ve commitment to play red ball cricket then play domestic.”

Interestingly, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant are also reported to be included in the Delhi squad for the next round of the Ranji Trophy. The duo along with Rohit Sharma are likely to be seen in action in the three-match ODI series against England next month.

You may also like

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
-
00:00
00:00
Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00