As the excitement for the Champions Trophy 2025 builds, cricket fans are keenly aware of the tournament’s significance, especially as it is being hosted by Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively preparing for this prestigious event, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi leading efforts to renovate stadiums and ensure a successful tournament. As the host nation gears up for the ODI format competition, all eyes are on the top players, including Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam and India’s captain Rohit Sharma. Interestingly, even amid this competitive landscape, Virat Kohli has made headlines by emerging as the poster boy for the Champions Trophy.
The Viral Poster: Who’s Missing?
A poster featuring Virat Kohli is going viral on social media, sparking conversations about his prominence in the cricketing world. Claimed to be released by Star Sports, the official broadcaster for the tournament, the poster prominently features Kohli’s image while omitting representations of any players from the host nation, notably Babar Azam. Even India’s Rohit Sharma, a significant figure in the sport, is absent from this promotional artwork, which has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
What Does the Poster Reveal?
The poster showcases Virat Kohli as a central figure, indicative of his status as one of cricket’s biggest icons. While it’s common for promotional materials to highlight star players, the decision to leave out representatives from the host nation, particularly when the tournament is in Pakistan, has led to discussions about the marketing strategy of Star Sports. The absence of Babar Azam, the number one ODI batsman, from a promotional poster during a tournament hosted in his home country could be seen as contentious, suggesting a potential oversight or a deliberate strategic choice.
Verifying the Authenticity of the Poster
Despite the buzz surrounding this poster, it remains unverified whether this image is an official promotional material sanctioned by Star Sports. The broadcaster has not made any announcements regarding the release of such a poster, and there is no mention of it on the official ICC website either. This lack of confirmation leaves room for speculation about the authenticity of the image.
ICC’s Preparatory Actions in Pakistan
In preparation for the Champions Trophy, a five-member ICC team arrived in Karachi on September 17 to assess the arrangements for the tournament. Their agenda includes inspecting ongoing renovations at the stadium, confirming travel and accommodation facilities, and discussing player safety protocols with the PCB. Additionally, the team will seek clarification regarding the tournament schedule. A point of interest during these discussions may also involve the Indian team’s participation, though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to clarify its position.
As the tournament date approaches, cricket enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly anticipating the unfolding narratives and rivalries that will define the Champions Trophy 2025, especially with notable names like Kohli and Azam at the fore.
