BCCI’s reluctance to comply with this convention has drawn criticism.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to print Pakistan’s name on Team India’s jersey for the Champions Trophy.
This decision has escalated tensions between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan, adding another layer of complexity to an already strained relationship.
Previously, India refused to travel to Pakistan, the host nation, for the Champions Trophy.
For this reason, the matches, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, 2025, will be hosted under a hybrid.
While Pakistan remains the official host, India’s matches have been shifted to Dubai.
Traditionally, team jerseys in ICC tournaments feature the host nation’s name as part of the official tournament badge.
However, the BCCI’s reluctance to comply with this convention has drawn criticism.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official expressed disappointment, accusing the BCCI of politicising the sport.
They said: “Refusing to feature Pakistan’s name undermines ICC’s regulations and the spirit of the game. This is not good for cricket.”
The PCB has also called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to intervene, emphasising the importance of adherence to established protocols.
Adding to the tensions, the BCCI has reportedly declined to send Indian captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan.
He was supposed to arrive ahead of the matches for the captains’ meeting and the opening ceremony.
This has further caused friction between the two boards.
The PCB argues that such actions could set a damaging precedent for future tournaments and damage the integrity of the game.
The issue has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike, many of whom see this as a distraction from the tournament’s core focus – cricket.
A user said: “Can’t they treat a game for what it is? Just a game!”
Another questioned:
“What’s the need for all this pettiness?”
Similar instances of jersey compliance have occurred in past ICC events, such as the T20 World Cup 2021.
Back then, Pakistan’s jerseys featured India’s name despite the event being held in the UAE.
The eight-team tournament will include 15 matches across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
Pakistan is set to open the competition against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.
With just weeks to go, this controversy underscores the ongoing diplomatic challenges that continue to influence cricket’s global stage.
Fans and cricketing bodies alike await ICC’s response, hoping for a resolution that prioritises the sport’s unifying spirit.