India’s Champions Trophy Jersey Controversy: BCCI Breaks Silence

MUMBAI, India — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has addressed speculation surrounding the Indian cricket team’s jersey for the 2025 Champions Trophy, clarifying that it will adhere to International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations despite reports of resistance to displaying Pakistan‘s name as the host nation.

The controversy stems from India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, citing security concerns. While Pakistan remains the official host, India’s matches have been relocated to Dubai. Media reports suggested the BCCI objected to having ‘Pakistan’ on the team’s jersey, as per ICC norms for host nations. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia denied these claims, stating the team will comply with all ICC uniform rules.

“BCCI will follow every uniform-related ICC rule during Champions Trophy,” Saikia told PTI. “Whatever the other teams will do regarding the logo and dress code, we are going to follow in true letter and spirit.”

The ICC mandates that all participating teams display the host country’s name on their jerseys, regardless of where matches are played. This rule was followed during the 2023 ICC World Cup in India, where Pakistan’s team wore jerseys featuring ‘India’ as the host.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled from February 19, 2025, marks the first ICC event in Pakistan since 2008. Political tensions between India and Pakistan have prevented bilateral cricket series since 2012, though the teams continue to face off in ICC tournaments. The BCCI’s refusal to travel to Pakistan has added strain to relations between the two cricket boards.

Saikia also confirmed that India will participate in all pre-tournament engagements, including the captains’ photoshoot and opening ceremony, despite uncertainty over whether captain Rohit Sharma will attend the official captains’ event in Karachi. “It [Rohit travelling to Pakistan] has not yet been discussed. It is not on the agenda yet,” Saikia told ESPNcricinfo.

In 2023, BCCI officials Roger Binny and Rajiv Shukla attended an official PCB dinner during the Asia Cup, marking a rare instance of Indian cricket representatives visiting Pakistan. However, no Indian player has traveled to Pakistan in an official capacity since 2008.

The ICC is finalizing logistics for the tournament, including warm-up matches and travel arrangements. Teams will have the option to play up to two warm-up matches depending on their arrival schedules. The ICC has not yet confirmed whether a captains’ event will be held, following its absence during the 2024 T20 World Cup.

With the BCCI and PCB navigating a tense relationship, the Champions Trophy has become a focal point for broader geopolitical tensions in cricket. The BCCI’s compliance with ICC regulations, however, signals a commitment to maintaining the sport’s global framework.