“The [Rohit travelling to Pakistan] is not yet discussed. It is not on the agenda yet, Devajit Saikia, the BCCI’s newly appointed secretary, told Pakinomist.
It could not be confirmed whether the BCCI would need the Indian government’s permission for Rohit to travel to Pakistan.
Due to the climate of political tension between the two countries, India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012, but continue to meet in ICC tournaments. While Pakistan have traveled to India for ICC tournaments during this period, India have not played any international cricket in Pakistan since 2008.
It is understood that the PCB has requested the ICC to ensure that all teams and captains as per standard practice are available for the Champions Trophy photo shoot, opening ceremony and other pre-tournament engagements. The ICC, it is understood, is still finalizing logistics and travel dates for teams.
Incidentally, the ICC did not organize a captaincy meeting ahead of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, which was hosted by the West Indies and the USA. With teams playing warm-up matches in several countries, the ICC instead opted to make the official launch via a light projection show that featured all 20 captains beaming into the Rockefeller Center building in New York City. It is understood that, like in the 2024 T20 World Cup, teams will have the opportunity to play up to two warm-up matches each depending on their arrival time at the Champions Trophy.
Saikia: ‘BCCI will follow all uniform-related ICC rules’
Saikia, meanwhile, has clarified that India will adhere to the dress code set by the ICC for the Champions Trophy, responding to media speculation that the BCCI had objected to the host nation’s name on their jersey. Player shirts during ICC events usually include the tournament logo with the name of the tournament, host country and year underneath.
“BCCI will follow all uniform related ICC rules during the Champions Trophy,” Saikia informed PTI. “Whatever the other teams will do in terms of the logo and dress code, we will follow in true letter and spirit.”
With additional reporting by Osman Samiuddin
