A fresh controversy has surfaced just weeks before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly refusing to feature ‘Pakistan’ on Team India’s jerseys. The tournament, scheduled to be held under a hybrid model in both Pakistan and Dubai, has already been marred by the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
India’s decision to not travel to Pakistan had already prompted the hybrid arrangement, with Pakistan serving as the official host while India’s matches are set to take place in Dubai. However, the BCCI’s latest move, which reportedly excludes the host nation’s name from India’s jerseys, has sparked sharp criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). A PCB official accused the BCCI of politicizing the sport, stating that such actions undermine the spirit of the game and violate ICC regulations.
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The tensions were further exacerbated by India’s refusal to send captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for the captains’ meeting and the opening ceremony, a decision that has led to widespread frustration among fans and analysts alike. Many feel that these ongoing disputes distract from the true focus of the tournament: the game itself.
In response to the growing criticism, the PCB has urged the ICC to step in and ensure adherence to tournament protocols, warning that this situation could set a negative precedent for future international events. Despite the turmoil, the ICC has moved ahead with the release of the official logo for Champions Trophy 2025, but the political and diplomatic tensions continue to overshadow the tournament.
