The decision by the BCCI has has triggered a fresh criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing India of mixing politics with cricket
NEW DELHI — A new controversy has erupted ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly refused to feature ‘Pakistan,’ the host nation’s name, on Team India’s jerseys. The tournament is set to be held in Pakistan and Dubai under a hybrid model.
India had earlier refused to travel to Pakistan, prompting the hybrid arrangement where Pakistan remains the official host while India’s matches are relocated to Dubai.
The latest decision by the BCCI has has triggered a fresh criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing India of mixing politics with cricket.
A PCB official, in a conversation with news agency IANS, accused the BCCI of bringing ‘politics in cricket’ by refusing to have Pakistan’s name printed on Team India’s jerseys. Earlier, the Indian board had also reportedly refused to send captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for the captains’ 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,” the PCB official, on condition of anonymity, told the agency.
Fans and cricket analysts have voiced their frustration over the issue, calling it a distraction from the sport’s primary focus. The PCB has urged the ICC to intervene and ensure compliance with tournament protocols, warning that such disputes could set a troubling precedent for future events.
The Champions Trophy, beginning in February 2025, has already faced challenges stemming from the strained political and sporting relationship between India and Pakistan.
With just weeks remaining before the tournament, this latest conflict underscores the broader diplomatic issues overshadowing the game. –Agencies
