In a recent development, Rohit Sharma and the India cricket team are scheduled to depart for Dubai on February 15 to participate in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19. The team recently wrapped up their home series against England, which concluded with its final ODI on February 12.
Since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be a three-week tournament, players will have to travel to Dubai without their families, who will not be present to support them.
Rohit Sharma-Led Team to Leave for Dubai for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Today
As per the latest reports, the Men in Blue will depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in Mumbai today after a short break. They are set to travel to Dubai ahead of their opening match against Bangladesh on February 20. The Men in Blue will play all their matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The BCCI is expected to hold a press conference to discuss the plans. Notably, the Men in Blue will skip warm-up matches before their opening game. Meanwhile, the ICC has revealed the prize money for the tournament, with the winners set to receive $1.12 million, while the semi-finalists will earn $560,000 each.
What If a Player Still Wants to Bring Family Members on Tour?
Players will have to cover all expenses themselves to bring their families on tour, as the BCCI will not bear the costs. Personal staff such as managers, agents, and chefs, who previously traveled with the team, will no longer be permitted.
The BCCI policy document states: “Players absent from India for more than 45 days during overseas tours can be joined by their partners and children (under 18) for one visit per series (format wise) of up to a two-week period.
“Any deviation from this policy must be pre-approved by the coach, captain, and GM Operations. Additional expenses outside the visitors’ period will not be covered by the BCCI.”
India Set to Commence Champions Trophy Campaign on February 20
The ICC Champions Trophy will be played across Dubai and three venues in Pakistan – Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi. Team India will play all their matches, along with one semi-final, in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament will take place in Pakistan.
The venue for the final on March 9 will depend on India’s performance. ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final will be played in Dubai if the Men in Blue qualify; otherwise, Pakistan will host it.
The Men in Blue are placed in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. They will open their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a high-profile clash against Pakistan on February 23. Team India will conclude the group stage with a match against New Zealand on March 2.
