Champions Trophy Controversy: BCCI Clears Air on India’s Jersey Amid Hosting Dispute.
The ongoing dispute over the hosting of the 2025 Champions Trophy has taken a new turn, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) addressing the concerns surrounding the Indian team’s jersey for the prestigious tournament.
Amidst reports that the BCCI was reluctant to have the “Pakistan” logo on the Indian team’s jersey during the Champions Trophy, the Indian cricket board has now clarified its stance.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has categorically stated that the Indian team will adhere to the uniform-related rules set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the event.
“BCCI will follow every uniform-related ICC rule during the Champions Trophy,” Saikia said, adding that the Indian team will do “whatever the other teams will do regarding the logo and dress code.”
The Champions Trophy 2025 was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan. However, India’s refusal to travel to the country due to security concerns led to the tournament’s matches being shifted to Dubai.
Despite the venue change, the ICC has reportedly asked the BCCI to have the “Pakistan” logo on the Indian team’s jersey, as the country remains the designated host for the event.
The BCCI’s position on this matter seems to be in line with the ICC’s regulations. As per the global cricket governing body’s norms, teams are required to have the name of the host country written on their jerseys, irrespective of where the matches are being played.
“Whatever the other teams will do regarding the logo and dress code, we are going to follow in true letter and spirit,” Saikia affirmed, indicating the BCCI’s willingness to comply with the ICC’s directives.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of the tense relationship between the BCCI and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), especially after the Indian board refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
This decision had led to a compromise being reached, which may also result in the BCCI paying a significant fee to the ICC.
The ICC has reportedly warned that strict action could be taken against the Indian team if the Champions Trophy logo, featuring the host country’s name, is not found on the players’ kits. This underscores the governing body’s commitment to upholding its regulations, even in the face of the hosting dispute.
