ICC Champions Trophy: BCCI Clarifies Stance on Carrying 'Pakistan' Logo on Team India Jersey

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Champions Trophy 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially confirmed that the Indian cricket team will adhere to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) guidelines for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including the use of the tournament's official logo.

This announcement comes amidst speculation and uproar regarding the logo, which includes Pakistan's imprint as the designated host nation.

"We will follow whatever are the ICC guidelines," BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia was quoted by a Cricbuzz report in a bid to end the controversy surrounding the Indian jersey and its association with the Champions Trophy logo. When asked specifically about the logo bearing Pakistan's name, Saikia reiterated, "We will follow the ICC directive."

Team India to Play Matches in Dubai

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, with Pakistan as the official host nation. However, due to political and diplomatic concerns, the Indian team will play all its matches in Dubai instead of travelling to Pakistan.

The opening ceremony is expected to be held in Karachi, which will also host the inaugural match. The BCCI is yet to clarify whether Indian skipper Rohit Sharma or any team representatives will attend the event in Pakistan.

ICC Guidelines Take Precedence

The ICC mandates all participating teams to follow its directives for global tournaments, including the approval of playing and training kits. Historically, teams have worn jerseys displaying the host nation's name on the official tournament logo. For instance:

• During the 2017 Champions Trophy, England and Wales were mentioned on the jerseys.
• Pakistan's players donned the 2023 World Cup kits bearing the event logo that featured India as the host nation.

In contrast, tournaments like the Asia Cup, governed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), have deviated from this norm. The 2023 Asia Cup, officially hosted by Pakistan, did not feature the host country's name on the logo.

PCB and ICC Stay Silent

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refrained from commenting on the matter, while the ICC has clarified that it has not received any requests from the BCCI regarding the logo or the opening ceremony.

The BCCI's confirmation of adhering to ICC guidelines underscores the governing body's commitment to maintaining protocol during international tournaments, even amidst off-field tensions. As the Champions Trophy approaches, all eyes will be on how cricket diplomacy unfolds between the two arch-rivals.