The tension between India and Pakistan, or more specifically between the cricket boards of both countries, remains high. Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy, and traditionally, the captains of all participating teams attend the opening ceremony. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to send Team India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, to the event, which has angered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Initially, the entire tournament was to be held in Pakistan, but after BCCI’s refusal, it is now being organized in a hybrid model. This ICC tournament, which has not been held since 2017, will begin on February 19.
Rohit Sharma’s Absence from Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Opening Ceremony
Rohit Sharma was expected to attend the traditional photoshoot and pre-event press conference for captains in Pakistan. However, India will play all its Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, including the crucial match against Pakistan on February 23. Despite this, the BCCI has not confirmed or denied reports regarding Rohit Sharma’s absence from Pakistan.
PCB Displeased Over Possible Omission of Pakistan’s Name on Jerseys
A PCB official expressed displeasure over reports that India may not print Pakistan’s name on its jersey. The official said on the condition of anonymity, “The BCCI is bringing politics into cricket, which is harmful to the game. First, they refused to travel to Pakistan, now they are not sending the captain to the opening ceremony. And now there are reports that they do not want Pakistan’s name on the jersey. We hope the ICC will intervene and support Pakistan.”
FAKE! No one from the PCB spoke with IANS. Also, this is an ICC matter, which has approved the event logo. This makes it mandatory for all sides to wear the correct event logo. Teams cannot change logos as per their wish. All teams are obligated to send their playing/training… pic.twitter.com/rp0sVTaXeL
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 21, 2025
India’s 15-Member Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
On Saturday, India announced its 15-member squad for the 8-team tournament. Rohit Sharma has been named the captain, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. The squad also includes Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
BCCI refused to print Host Country Name Pakistan on Jersey in the Champions Trophy pic.twitter.com/Jli53KRXYq
— cricFusion Aashi (@cricket_x_Ashi) January 21, 2025
India’s Road to the Final in Champions Trophy 2025
In the last Champions Trophy, India reached the final but lost to Pakistan. This time, India will play its first match against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, followed by a match against Pakistan on February 23. India’s final group-stage match will be against New Zealand on March 2.