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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hasn’t even started, and the sparks are already flying between two of cricket’s biggest rivals: India and Pakistan. This time, the controversy isn’t about a fiery on-field clash but something as symbolic as the jerseys players will wear.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly objected to including Pakistan’s name on their jerseys for the upcoming tournament, and let’s just say this hasn’t gone down well with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
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For context, it’s a tradition for all teams in ICC tournaments to display the host nation’s name on their jerseys as part of the tournament logo. It’s simple, really—acknowledge the host country.
Pakistan did it during the 2021 T20 World Cup, which was technically India’s tournament but played in the UAE. Likewise, when Pakistan toured India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the recent ODI World Cup, their jerseys carried India’s name without a hitch.
The Hybrid Model Drama
To rewind a little, this tournament already had a fair share of drama. Pakistan is hosting its first ICC event in 30 years, but India has decided not to play its games in Pakistan, citing security concerns. As a result, the ICC agreed to a hybrid model.
India will play all their matches in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament will happen in Pakistan. That decision itself ruffled some feathers, but this new jersey issue has added fuel to the fire.
PCB Hits Back
The PCB isn’t holding back. A PCB official (speaking anonymously) accused the BCCI of dragging politics into cricket. “This isn’t good for the game,” the official said.
They also highlighted that India has already refused to send their captain to Pakistan for the opening ceremony and might skip the captain’s meeting altogether. And now, this jersey controversy? “We believe the ICC will step in and ensure this tradition is followed,” the PCB official added.
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What’s the Big Deal?
At first glance, this might seem like a small issue. It’s just a name on a jersey, right? But for cricket fans, especially in South Asia, it’s symbolic. It’s about respect, tradition, and sportsmanship. Refusing to display Pakistan’s name as the host could set a troubling precedent.
Fans on both sides are vocal, with opinions flying on social media. Some accuse the BCCI of using cricket as a tool for political posturing. Others believe the BCCI is justified in their stance, given the strained relations between the two countries.
So, where does the ICC stand in all this? Historically, the ICC has maintained a neutral stance, ensuring cricket stays above politics. But with less than a month to go before the tournament kicks off on February 19, it’s crunch time for the governing body to step in and resolve this standoff.
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