Summary:
- The BCCI has refused to include “Pakistan” on Team India’s jerseys for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing political tensions.
- India will play all its matches in Dubai under a hybrid hosting model, avoiding travel to Pakistan.
- The PCB has criticized the BCCI’s stance, accusing it of politicizing cricket and urging ICC intervention.
- This controversy adds to existing tensions between the two boards ahead of the tournament starting February 19, 2025.
A fresh controversy has erupted ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly refused to include the host nation’s name, “Pakistan,” on Team India’s jerseys. The tournament, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will be hosted in Pakistan and Dubai under a hybrid model due to India’s refusal to play matches in Pakistan over security concerns. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), further escalating tensions between the two cricketing boards.
The controversy stems from a longstanding practice in ICC tournaments where participating teams display the host nation’s name on their jerseys as part of the tournament logo. A PCB official, speaking anonymously, accused the BCCI of “bringing politics into cricket,” stating, “They refused to travel to Pakistan. They don’t want to send their captain for the opening ceremony, and now they don’t want the host nation’s name printed on their jersey. We believe the ICC will not let this happen and support Pakistan.”
This dispute is the latest chapter in a series of disagreements between the two boards. Earlier, the BCCI had declined to send Indian captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for a captains’ meeting and opening ceremony. Despite significant pressure from the PCB, India’s matches were relocated to Dubai under a hybrid hosting arrangement agreed upon by both boards and approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, this new disagreement over jersey branding has reignited tensions.
The PCB has expressed its frustration with India’s stance, urging the ICC to intervene and uphold tournament protocols. The board highlighted that similar precedents exist where host nations’ names were displayed on jerseys even when tournaments were held at neutral venues. For instance, Pakistan’s jersey featured “India” during the 2021 T20 World Cup hosted in the UAE, and India reciprocated during tournaments held in Pakistan.
The Champions Trophy 2025 marks Pakistan’s first major ICC event as a host since 1996 and is set to feature eight top-ranked teams in a total of 15 matches. Group A includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. India will play all its matches in Dubai due to political and security concerns. The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium.
This dispute underscores broader diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan that have frequently spilled over into cricket. While both nations have clashed on-field in ICC tournaments, bilateral cricketing ties remain suspended due to strained political relations.
With just weeks remaining before the tournament begins, this controversy threatens to overshadow what should be a celebration of cricketing excellence. Fans and analysts alike hope for a resolution that prioritizes the spirit of sportsmanship and adherence to established norms.
Source: ND Tv
