India’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to kick off on February 20 against Bangladesh, have been marred by rising tensions with Pakistan. Rohit Sharma’s squad will participate in the tournament, but in a significant move, they will not sport Pakistan’s name on their jerseys, a departure from the usual ICC tradition of including the host nation’s name on team apparel.
This decision comes amidst ongoing disputes between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the tournament’s hybrid model. While the event is set to take place in Pakistan, security concerns have led India to opt for Dubai as their base for the competition, a move that has heightened the sense of discord between the two cricketing boards.
A PCB official recently accused the BCCI of politicizing the sport, claiming that India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, along with the decision not to send captain Rohit Sharma to the opening ceremony, is a direct challenge to the integrity of the event. The official also pointed to the refusal to feature Pakistan’s name on India’s jerseys as an attempt to undermine the host nation, describing it as a “break from tradition.”
The official expressed hope that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would intervene to prevent any further politicization of the sport. “BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is not at all good for the game. They refused to travel to Pakistan, and now they don’t want to send their captain for the opening ceremony. Now there are reports that they don’t want the host nation’s name on their jersey. We hope the ICC will not allow this and will support Pakistan,” the official remarked.
India’s group stage schedule includes a much-anticipated clash with Pakistan on February 23, followed by a match against New Zealand on March 2. This will mark India’s return to ICC competition following their 2013 Champions Trophy victory under MS Dhoni.
