On Monday, the Indian cricket team revealed its new jersey for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The unveiling was attended by key players including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, all donning the new blue kit. However, it wasn’t the design of the jersey that caught the most attention, but rather the inclusion of Pakistan’s name on it.
Weeks of speculation and controversy surrounded the potential omission of Pakistan’s name, given the ongoing political tensions between the two countries. Reports from Indian media suggested that the jersey might exclude Pakistan’s name, a move which would have defied ICC regulations. The rules mandate that all participating teams must display the official tournament logo, which includes the host nation’s name, regardless of where the matches are played.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the team would comply with ICC guidelines, ending the uncertainty. Photos shared by the ICC showcased Indian players wearing the jerseys with Pakistan’s name inscribed alongside the Champions Trophy logo. This marks the first time in recent years that an Indian kit has prominently displayed Pakistan’s name.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with hosts Pakistan playing New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi. While Pakistan will host matches on home soil, India will play all its matches in Dubai, including a much-awaited clash against Pakistan on February 23. In a separate setback, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel left the team due to personal reasons, reportedly returning to South Africa after the passing of his father. His absence raises concerns over India’s bowling preparations, especially with key players like Mohammed Shami struggling for form.
