The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (CT 2025) is set to begin on February 19, with the opening match scheduled in Karachi. However, Team India has opted out of playing their matches in Pakistan due to security concerns, a decision that has sparked significant controversy. Instead, India will play all their games, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23, in Dubai.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressing disappointment over the handling of protocols by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Adding to the tension, a PCB official has accused the BCCI of politicizing cricket. Reports claim that India is allegedly looking to exclude Pakistan’s name from their tournament jerseys, a move that has further strained relations.
“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 name printed on their jersey. We believe the ICC will not allow this and will support Pakistan,” a PCB official told News18.
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Meanwhile, another controversy surrounds India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who might skip the tournament’s opening ceremony in Pakistan. Traditionally, captains from all participating teams attend pre-event press conferences and photoshoots. While the BCCI has not confirmed this, the PCB has expressed dissatisfaction and urged the ICC to uphold protocols.
BCCI has refused to print Host Pakistan’s name on Team India’s Champions Trophy Jersey.
😭😭 pic.twitter.com/8tiPihFgEp— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) January 21, 2025
“The opening ceremony is a vital part of the Champions Trophy, and we expect all teams, including India, to participate fully. This includes their captain, Rohit Sharma, or other representatives,” a PCB source stated. The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for February 16 or 17, just days before the first match.
As of now, the BCCI has remained silent on both the jersey controversy and Rohit’s travel plans. India’s tournament schedule begins with a game against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, followed by the much-awaited showdown with Pakistan on February 23 and a fixture against New Zealand on March 2.
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While the ICC works to maintain neutrality and ensure smooth proceedings, the growing tensions between the two boards highlight the challenges of hosting a multi-nation event amid political and logistical disputes. Fans worldwide will be keenly watching how these issues unfold as the cricketing action approaches.