The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 hasn’t even begun yet it’s already making headlines for all the wrong reasons. This time the sparks aren’t flying from the usual high-stakes on-field rivalry between India and Pakistan but from a dispute over something symbolic—the jerseys players will wear during the tournament.
In a surprising move the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly raised objections to featuring Pakistan’s name on their jerseys. This objection has created a storm of controversy and drawn a sharp response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). To understand the issue it’s essential to look at cricket’s longstanding tradition regarding ICC tournaments.
In all ICC events team jerseys are required to display the host nation’s name as part of the official tournament logo. This is a gesture of acknowledgment and respect for the host country. Pakistan has followed this practice in the past without issue. For instance during the 2021 T20 World Cup which was India’s tournament but held in the UAE due to logistical reasons Pakistan’s jerseys prominently displayed India’s name. Similarly during their visits to India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and the recent ODI World Cup in 2023 Pakistan adhered to this rule without any objection.
However as the Champions Trophy approaches India’s refusal to feature Pakistan’s name on their jerseys marks a significant break from this tradition. The BCCI’s stance has drawn criticism with many viewing it as unnecessary politicization of the sport. The PCB has expressed its disappointment pointing out that sports should remain above political differences and such actions could set a concerning precedent for future tournaments.
This brewing controversy adds yet another layer to the already intense and often tumultuous rivalry between these two cricketing giants. As fans eagerly await the tournament the off-field tensions are making as much noise as the game itself. Will this issue be resolved or will it overshadow the spirit of cricket? Only time will tell.
