India is gearing up to kick off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on Thursday, February 20, with a high-stakes clash against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Ahead of their tournament opener, Team India unveiled their official jersey for the event, which featured an unexpected detail—the name of the host nation, Pakistan, imprinted on it.
Skipper Rohit Sharma, along with Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Arshdeep Singh, proudly donned the new kit during a photoshoot. However, it was the presence of “Pakistan” on their jerseys that drew significant attention. Speculation had been rife that India might opt for jerseys without the host nation’s imprint due to the ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier confirmed that the team would comply with all guidelines set by the International Cricket Council (ICC), putting an end to any doubts.
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Interestingly, during the Asia Cup 2023, which was hosted by Pakistan under the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), India’s jerseys did not feature the host country’s name. The contrast between the two tournaments has sparked discussions among fans and experts alike.
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Meanwhile, the ICC took the opportunity to honour Indian cricketers ahead of the Champions Trophy. Several players received ICC awards and caps for being named in the ‘Team of the Year’ across formats. Rohit Sharma earned a spot in the ODI Team of the Year, while Ravindra Jadeja was recognized for his contributions in Tests.
Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh were named in the T20I Team of the Year, with Arshdeep also bagging the prestigious T20I Cricketer of the Year award for his stellar performances in 2024, including India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.
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The Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, with Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, facing off against Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. Group A features India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B consists of Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. The stage is set for an exciting tournament with some of the world’s best teams vying for glory.
