India protests the inclusion of 'Pakistan' on the Champions Trophy jersey, prompting fury from the PCB

The situation surrounding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains complicated. Ultimately, India emerged victorious in the dispute. While Pakistan is the host country under the hybrid model, India will play all its matches in the United Arab Emirates.

A new issue, however, has emerged, and it’s one created by India. According to reports in the Indian media, the BCCI has refused to include the name of the host country, Pakistan, on India’s Champions Trophy jersey. This decision has infuriated Pakistan. Typically, in global tournaments, the host country’s name and the year are featured on all teams’ jerseys beneath the tournament logo. Even when the 2021 T20 World Cup was moved from India to the UAE, teams wore jerseys with "India 2021" on them. Similarly, while India will play in the UAE, Pakistan remains the host for this edition of the Champions Trophy.

The PCB has accused the BCCI of politicizing cricket after the objection to displaying 'Pakistan' on India’s jersey. A PCB official, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over India's actions in a conversation with Indian news agency IANS. The official was quoted as saying, “The BCCI has brought politics into cricket. This is not good for the game. They refused to tour Pakistan, won’t send the captain to the opening ceremony, and now they won’t even print the host country’s name on the jersey. We believe the ICC will not allow this and will stand with Pakistan.”