Champions Trophy 2025: India Refuses to Have Host Country Name “Pakistan” on the Jersey.

Summary: The champions trophy will commence on February 20, however, BCCI has a few disagreements.

India's refusal to allow the host country's name, "Pakistan," to appear on the team's jersey has sparked a fresh dispute over the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai. India will host its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, even though Pakistan will still be the tournament's official host. 

After the Board of Control for Cricket in India refused to send their team to Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board, and the International Cricket Council agreed on a hybrid model; however, the host’s name “Pakistan” on the jersey has sparked a new controversy.

Although India is scheduled to start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, the recent incident has drastically altered the mood. The name of the host country often appears on the playing team's jersey, however, the decision may violate a long-standing ICC tradition.

“The BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is not at all good for the game. They refused to travel to Pakistan. They don't want to send their captain (to Pakistan) for the opening ceremony, now there are reports that they don't want the host nation's (Pakistan) name printed on their jersey. We believe that the world governing body (ICC) will not let this happen and support Pakistan," said a PCB official.

Despite strong pressure from the PCB, the BCCI remained firm in its decision to not send Team India to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. Although the new deal would also prohibit PCB from sending its squad to India for ICC events in the future, the Pakistani board was ultimately forced to accept India's requirements.

To hone their abilities and be ready for the biggest test, India will also play some T20I and ODI matches before the Champions Trophy starts.

Statements by PCB official