As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edges closer, a new controversy has emerged, reigniting tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The dispute stems from disagreements over pre-tournament events and logistical arrangements, escalating what is already a delicate relationship between the two cricketing powerhouses.
BCCI Bars Rohit Sharma from Travelling to Pakistan
The BCCI’s refusal to send Team India to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy had already pushed the tournament into a hybrid format, with India’s matches scheduled to take place in Dubai instead of Pakistan. Now, reports suggest that the BCCI has taken another firm stance by barring Indian skipper Rohit Sharma from attending two key pre-tournament events in Pakistan:
- The Captains’ Press Conference
- The Customary Photoshoot
Instead, the BCCI has reportedly requested the ICC to relocate these events to Dubai to ensure Rohit’s participation without requiring him to travel to Pakistan.
This move has naturally left the PCB upset. A source quoted by The Times of India dismissed the issue, saying:
“The ICC has already honored India’s request to avoid scheduling their Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, making these concerns seem relatively minor.”
PCB Furious Over India’s Stance on Jersey Logo
Adding fuel to the fire is the BCCI’s reported reluctance to have ‘Pakistan’—the host nation’s name—featured on India’s jerseys as part of the tournament logo. According to ICC regulations, the name of the hosting country must appear on the official tournament logo, which is printed on the participating teams’ kits.
The PCB sees this as a breach of protocol and has accused the Indian board of politicizing cricket. A PCB official told IANS:
“The BCCI is mixing politics with cricket, a move that does no favors to the spirit of the game. They refused to travel to Pakistan. They don’t want to send their captain for the opening ceremony. Now there are reports that they don’t want the host nation’s name printed on their jerseys. We trust that the ICC will intervene and stand in support of Pakistan.”
The PCB also pointed out that Pakistan had ‘India’ printed on their jerseys during the 2021 T20 World Cup, even though the tournament was held in the UAE due to COVID-19.
BCCI’s Firm Stance or Breach of ICC Code?
If India continues to oppose including Pakistan’s name on their jerseys, it would be a direct violation of the ICC’s Code of Conduct. The PCB has expressed confidence that the ICC will take a neutral stance and uphold the tournament’s regulations.
However, sources within the Indian camp argue that since India’s matches are being played in Dubai and not in Pakistan, this exception should be allowed.
Broader Implications for Cricketing Ties
This latest disagreement between the two boards underscores the strained relations between India and Pakistan, which have often impacted cricket. While fans and stakeholders hope for the focus to remain on the game, political tensions continue to spill into the sport, affecting tournament preparations and fostering animosity.
What Lies Ahead?
The Champions Trophy is set to begin on February 19, with India scheduled to play their matches in Dubai under the hybrid model. However, unresolved disputes regarding pre-tournament events and the jersey issue could cast a shadow over the event.
Will the ICC intervene to mediate the conflict? Or will the rift between the BCCI and PCB further deepen? As the countdown to the tournament begins, cricket fans around the world will be watching closely.
For now, cricket continues to be a stage for not just athleticism but also diplomacy, rivalry, and heated debates.
