The BCCI has refused to have hosts Pakistan’s Name printed in Indian Jersey for the Champions Trophy which further tussles up the stance between both country Boards.
India is set to play their Champions Trophy 2025 games in Dubai, though Pakistan remains the official host for the tournament.
With the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and ICC accepted the hybrid model after BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan, the hostname on the jersey has triggered a fresh controversy.
A PCB official has accused the BCCI of bringing in ‘politics in cricket’ by refusing to have Pakistan’s named printed on Team India’s jerseys.
Earlier, the Indian board has also reportedly refused to send captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for Captain’s meet, a curtain raiser event for the Champions Trophy.
“BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is not at all good for the game. They refused to travel to Pakistan.”
“They don’t want to send their captain (to Pakistan) for the opening ceremony, now there are reports that they don’t want the host nation’s (Pakistan) name printed on their jersey.”
“We believe that the world governing body (ICC) will not let this happen and support Pakistan,” said PCB official.
India’s journey in the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 20 with a high-stakes encounter against Bangladesh.
Pakistan is set to host their first ICC event in Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup, but has been clouded with political tension.
However, due to security concerns, Team India will not travel to Pakistan and instead, all their matches will be held in Dubai.
The tension between BCCI and PCB has made it to adopt hybrid model for the ICC tournament. The hybrid model allows for matches to be played both in Pakistan and Dubai, but India has expressed its reservations about participating on Pakistan soil.
As per India’s Champions trophy schedule, the Men in Blues will play their all their matches in Dubai. Palced in Group A, India will play their group stage matches with Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
India’s first match will be against Bangladesh on February 20 at Dubai International Stadium.
