BCCI compelled to include “Pakistan” on India’s jersey as per ICC rules
- Update Time : 12:49:30 pm, Wednesday, 22 January 2025
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According to ICC rules, tournament jerseys must display the host country’s name below the logo. For the Champions Trophy, this would mean participating teams’ jerseys would include “Pakistan.” However, the BCCI initially opposed including Pakistan’s name on India’s jerseys. This prompted a strong reaction from the PCB, which accused BCCI of politicizing cricket. A PCB official stated, “BCCI is bringing politics into cricket. They refused to play in Pakistan, won’t send their captain to the opening ceremony, and now they don’t want Pakistan’s name on their jerseys. We hope ICC doesn’t approve such reckless decisions.”
Following ICC intervention, the BCCI softened its stance and agreed to comply with ICC regulations. BCCI’s new secretary, Devajit Saikia, confirmed, “We will follow ICC guidelines while designing the Champions Trophy jersey.” When asked specifically about including the host country’s name, he reiterated, “We will adhere to ICC’s instructions.”
While the jersey issue has been resolved, BCCI has yet to decide whether Indian captain Rohit Sharma will attend the trophy unveiling in Pakistan. The ceremony, featuring captains of all participating teams, is scheduled just before the tournament starts on February 19 in Karachi, as per ICC norms.
India has not toured Pakistan for any series or tournament since 2008. Due to India’s firm stance, the Champions Trophy will follow a hybrid model, with India’s matches being played in the UAE instead of Pakistan.
