Champions Trophy 2025: Why India's jersey is making global headlines ahead of mega ICC event?

The prestigious ICC Champions Trophy (CT 2025) is set to commence on February 19, with the opening match scheduled in Karachi. However, Team India refused to play their matches in Pakistan due to security concerns. The Men in Blue will instead play all their games, including the clash against Pakistan on February 23, in Dubai. This decision has led to mixed reactions, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressing its disappointment over the handling of certain protocols by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

But now a new remark by a PCB official has triggered a fresh controversy ahead of the CT 2025. Some reports claim that India are not keen on following the ICC tradition and looking to exclude Pakistan’s name from their tournament jersey. A PCB official has accused the BCCI of involving politics with cricket. Besides, the Pakistani cricket governing body had reportedly secured all necessary clearances from the Pakistan government to issue visas to Indian players, officials, and board members.

“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 as per News18.

This includes Rohit or any other Indian team player or board official: PCB source

Meanwhile, in another matter, Team India's Captain Rohit Sharma might skip the opening ceremony in Pakistan. Traditionally, such ceremonies include all captains participating in photoshoots and pre-event press conferences. While the BCCI has not officially confirmed this, the PCB has expressed its displeasure, emphasizing that the ceremony, scheduled for February 16 or 17, will stick to established protocols.

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The Pakistan board has insisted that the ICC must ensure equal treatment for all teams, stating that the Champions Trophy’s opening ceremony is a crucial part of the tournament. The governing body is working towards welcoming all teams and managing its hosting obligations.

“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.

Meanwhile, the BCCI is yet comment on Rohit Sharma's travel plans and the jersey controversy. India’s campaign will kick off against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, followed by the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23, and then they will play New Zealand on March 2.