BCCI refuses to print ‘Pakistan’ on India jersey for Champions Trophy 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has responded to the ongoing Indian jersey controversy ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Reports suggest the governing body has clarified that it is not obligatory to feature the name of the host nation on the team's kit.

The controversy emerged as the India and Pakistan national cricket teams became embroiled in a disagreement regarding the inclusion of the host nation's (Pakistan) name on the Indian jersey. According to ICC protocol, it is customary for all teams to display the host nation's name on their kits. However, the BCCI has opposed this, sparking criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which expressed its disapproval and accused the BCCI of politicising the issue.

PCB officials voiced their frustration, stating that they remain hopeful the ICC will intervene and uphold its regulations, thereby supporting Pakistan's position.

In a statement, the BCCI countered these claims, asserting that India's matches are being held in Dubai, not Pakistan, making the inclusion of the host nation's name unnecessary. A BCCI official remarked, "This tradition is not mandatory. We are playing in Dubai, not in Pakistan, so there's no reason to include Pakistan's name on the jersey."

He also pointed to past precedents, stating: "When the ICC Champions Trophy tour took place in India, Pakistan's name was not displayed on the podium as it is in other host countries. This is a custom, not a requirement. The Indian team's jersey will feature 'ICC Champions Trophy,' which has been the standard practice across ICC tournaments."