BCCI on Team India Champions Trophy Jersey:
In the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, matches are scheduled in a 'hybrid model' across three Pakistani cities (Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore) and Dubai. The tournament is set to begin on February 19. Yet, before the kickoff, a new controversy has erupted. The host country Pakistan will not have its name emblazoned on the Indian cricket team’s jersey this time.
A fresh controversy has arisen ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, with India reportedly objecting to having 'Pakistan' (the host nation’s name) on Team India’s jersey. While India is ready to play its championship matches in Dubai, Pakistan remains the official host of the tournament.
A PCB official, speaking with a news agency, claimed, "BCCI is playing politics by not printing Pakistan's name on Team India’s jersey." Previously, the Indian board allegedly refused to send captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for the captains' meeting before the Champions Trophy.
The PCB official, requesting anonymity, further stated, "BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is not good for the sport." They refused to travel to Pakistan, nor are they willing to send their captain for the opening ceremony in Pakistan. There are reports suggesting they also don’t want the host nation's name to be on their jersey. We believe the ICC will not allow this and will support Pakistan. After BCCI’s refusal to send their team to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) agreed to a hybrid model, but the jersey dispute has sparked a new debate.
Source: aajtak
Despite the PCB’s insistence, BCCI has not changed its stance on sending Team India to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Ultimately, the Pakistan board had to agree to India’s terms. However, under this new agreement, the PCB won't be able to send its team to India for future ICC events.
With just about a month left until the Champions Trophy kicks off, another controversy is making headlines. While India has announced its squad, Pakistan has yet to declare its team for the tournament.
India’s 15-member Squad for Champions Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar.
Total 15 Matches in Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature 15 matches among 8 teams divided into two groups. India and Pakistan are in Group A with New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B comprises South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England. Each team will play 3 matches within their group. The top 2 teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals. The first semifinal will be held in Dubai, while the second in Lahore, followed by the final match. Thus, a team reaching the final will play a total of 5 matches.
These 15 matches of the Champions Trophy will be played across 4 venues, 3 of which are in Pakistan, and 1 in Dubai. The Indian team will play all its matches in Dubai. Should the Indian team qualify, the final will also be held in Dubai, otherwise, the title clash will occur on March 9 in Lahore. There is also a reserve day for the semifinals and the final. The first semifinal is set for Dubai, with the second semifinal being played in Lahore. One semifinal along with 10 matches will be held at the three Pakistani venues of Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
Groups for the Champions Trophy:
Group A - Pakistan, India, New Zealand, BangladeshGroup B - South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Full Schedule of the Champions Trophy...
February 19 - Pakistan vs New Zealand, KarachiFebruary 20 - Bangladesh vs India, DubaiFebruary 21 - Afghanistan vs South Africa, KarachiFebruary 22 - Australia vs England, LahoreFebruary 23 - Pakistan vs India, DubaiFebruary 24 - Bangladesh vs New Zealand, RawalpindiFebruary 25 - Australia vs South Africa, RawalpindiFebruary 26 - Afghanistan vs England, LahoreFebruary 27 - Pakistan vs Bangladesh, RawalpindiFebruary 28 - Afghanistan vs Australia, LahoreMarch 1 - South Africa vs England, KarachiMarch 2 - New Zealand vs India, DubaiMarch 4 - Semifinal-1, DubaiMarch 5 - Semifinal-2, LahoreMarch 9 - Final, Lahore (If India reaches final, it will be held in Dubai)March 10 - Reserve Day
