A new controversy has surfaced ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly declined to include the name of the host nation, ‘Pakistan,’ on Team India’s jerseys. The tournament is scheduled to take place under a hybrid model, with Pakistan as the official host and Dubai hosting India’s matches.
India’s earlier refusal to travel to Pakistan led to this hybrid arrangement, but the BCCI’s recent stance has sparked sharp criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing India of politicizing cricket.
“BCCI is bringing politics into cricket,” a PCB official told Indian media sources. “First, they refused to travel to Pakistan. Now, they don’t want the host nation’s name on their jerseys. This undermines the ICC’s regulations and the spirit of the game.”
Adding to the tension, the BCCI has reportedly declined to send captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for the captains’ meeting and opening ceremony, further straining relations.
The issue has drawn widespread criticism from fans and cricket analysts, who see it as a distraction from the tournament’s true purpose. The PCB has urged the ICC to step in and enforce compliance with tournament protocols, warning that such disputes could set a troubling precedent for future events.
Meanwhile, the ICC has unveiled the official logo for the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, which kicks off in February 2025, the ongoing political and sporting tensions between India and Pakistan continue to cast a shadow over the event.
With just weeks to go, this latest dispute highlights the broader diplomatic challenges overshadowing the game.
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