In a growing controversy ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided not to include Pakistan’s name on the Indian team’s jerseys, despite Pakistan being the official host of the tournament. This decision has sparked outrage from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which called for intervention from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to uphold the traditions of international cricket.
According to media reports, the BCCI is reportedly reluctant to include ‘Pakistan’ on the team kit under the ‘host nation regulation,’ indicating that Team India is slated to play its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai.
ICC’s response
However, the ICC has reportedly informed the BCCI that it is mandatory for the Indian team to have ‘Pakistan’ written on their kit, as Pakistan is the original host of the tournament.
“It is the responsibility of every team to add the tournament logo to their jerseys. All teams are obligated to comply with this rule,” an ICC official was quoted as saying to A-Sports.
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Champions Trophy 2025 Details
The upcoming Champions Trophy will follow a Hybrid Model, with India set to play all their matches in Dubai.
On the other hand, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium remains in a state of disrepair, and the PCB are yet to provide a satisfactory explanation for the delays. Initially, stadium renovations were expected to be completed by December 2024, but the PCB failed to meet the deadline. The new target is January 25, and it remains to be seen whether the ICC will approve the venues for the prestigious tournament.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) will host India’s matches during the event. India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh. They will then face defending champions Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2.