“Let Rohit skip the ceremony, and India play without Pakistan’s name”: Ex-player urges PCB to follow tit-for-tat policy when neighboring country hosts 2026 T20 World Cup

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony will be held in Pakistan, and there are reports that India captain Rohit Sharma is likely to skip it, considering the policy of the Indian government and the BCCI. The Men in Blue will play all their matches in Dubai, including the semi-final and the final, if the team makes it to the knockout stage.

Basit mentioned that Pakistan should not get worried about Rohit giving the ceremony a miss or India not being ready to print Pakistan’s name on their jersey.

“Pakistan shouldn’t get upset if Rohit Sharma is not coming to Pakistan or India refuses to print Pakistan’s name on the jersey. Silence is the best reaction. If Rohit doesn’t want to come, he shouldn’t come. If India doesn’t want to print, they shouldn’t. The PCB should write an email to BCCI to record their objections. We shouldn’t do anything more,” he said.

Basit suggested that Pakistan should do the same when India and Sri Lanka host the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. He mentioned that India’s stance would harm ICC President Jay Shah and world cricket.

“India and Sri Lanka will host the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pakistan should also refuse to print India’s name on the jersey, and our captain shouldn’t visit India.”

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