ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI refuses to include Pakistan's name on India's jersey for the mega event
Xtra Time Web Desk: As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, anticipation has given way to controversy. India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, has reportedly decided against including Pakistan's name on their team jerseys for the tournament, deviating from a long-standing ICC tradition of featuring the host country's name.
India’s campaign begins on February 20 with a high-stakes match against Bangladesh. Notably, this tournament marks Pakistan’s first ICC-hosted event since the 1996 ODI World Cup. However, political and security concerns have led to India's matches being relocated to Dubai, avoiding travel to Pakistan altogether.
Read More: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal bolster Mumbai squad for Ranji Trophy clash
BCCI vs. PCB: A growing divide
The relationship between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has soured further with India's refusal to comply with the jersey tradition. Already at odds over the hybrid hosting model that splits games between Pakistan and Dubai, this move has deepened the rift.
A PCB official expressed dismay over India's stance, calling it a “politicization of cricket.” They also criticized India’s decision not to send Rohit Sharma for the opening ceremony in Pakistan. “We hope the ICC will step in to ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the game,” the official stated, urging the council to uphold neutrality in international cricket.
'BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is not at all good for the game. They refused to travel Pakistan. They don't want to send their captain for the opening ceremony, now there are reports that they don't want host nation (Pakistan) name printed on their jersey. We… pic.twitter.com/Z9FrF9FKit
— IANS (@ians_india) January 20, 2025
Read More: IND vs ENG: Strict rules in place: No personal vehicles for players in Kolkata before mega series
India’s challenging road to glory
India’s Champions Trophy group stage features high-pressure clashes, including a marquee encounter with Pakistan on February 23 and a crucial match against New Zealand on March 2. As the team eyes its first Champions Trophy win since 2013, preparations are in full swing with T20I and ODI series planned as a build-up to the tournament.
While the on-field action promises thrilling moments, the political undertones surrounding the event are bound to keep the spotlight on cricket’s off-field dramas.
