ICC Champions Trophy: India vs Pakistan jersey dispute is the new agenda in the rivalry

The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with Karachi originally designated as the host city for the opening match. However, due to ongoing security concerns, Team India has opted to play all their matches, including their high-profile clash against Pakistan on February 23, in Dubai instead. This move has sparked mixed reactions across the cricketing world. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its disappointment over India’s decision, particularly over the handling of certain protocols by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Team India jersey sparks the headlines ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Adding fuel to the fire, a new remark from a PCB official has now triggered fresh controversy ahead of the tournament. Reports suggest that India may be considering excluding Pakistan’s name from their tournament jersey, which would be a significant departure from ICC traditions, where all participating teams are typically acknowledged. This has led to accusations from the PCB that the BCCI is mixing politics with cricket, undermining the spirit of international competition. On the other hand, the PCB has reportedly secured all the necessary clearances from the Pakistan government, including visas for Indian players, officials, and board members. The ongoing debate highlights the strained relationship between the two cricketing nations, with political tensions continuing to play a significant role in shaping their interactions on the global stage.

“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," a PCB official said in a recent conversation.

In another development, Team India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, may skip the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. Traditionally, such ceremonies see the participation of all team captains, who engage in photoshoots and pre-event press conferences as part of the lead-up to the tournament. However, there are speculations that Rohit might not attend this time, due to ongoing tensions surrounding India’s decision to play all their matches in Dubai rather than in Pakistan, as initially planned.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not provided an official statement regarding Rohit’s participation, the Pakistan Cricket Board has expressed its disappointment over the matter. The PCB stressed that the ceremony, scheduled for either February 16 or 17, would adhere to established protocols and that all captains are expected to attend, as per tradition. The situation has further fueled the already tense atmosphere between the two cricketing boards. With both teams set to meet in Dubai, any decision by India’s captain to skip the ceremony could add to the political and diplomatic complications surrounding the tournament, despite its importance as a prestigious cricketing event. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board has emphasized the importance of equal treatment for all teams, urging the International Cricket Council to ensure that all captains participate in the Champions Trophy 2025 opening ceremony. The PCB underlined that this ceremony is a vital tradition for the tournament, as it sets the stage for the event, with all teams and players coming together ahead of the competition. The board also reassured that it is doing its part to fulfill its hosting obligations, including the event's protocols.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has yet to comment on Captain Rohit Sharma’s participation in the opening ceremony, as well as the ongoing controversy regarding the exclusion of Pakistan’s name from India's tournament jersey. These issues have sparked tension between the two boards ahead of the tournament. India's campaign in the Champions Trophy will begin on February 20, 2025, against Bangladesh in Dubai. The highly anticipated clash with Pakistan is scheduled for February 23, followed by a match against New Zealand on March 2. Despite the political and logistical challenges, both teams are expected to focus on the cricketing aspect of the tournament as they look to make their mark in the prestigious competition.

“This includes Rohit or any other Indian team player or official or board official. This is in line with the usual protocols and since the opening match is on the 19th the opening ceremony can be expected either on the 16th or 17th," the source further added.