The Indian cricketing body, BCCI, denies rumors that it would refuse to print the name of Pakistan on the team’s jersey.
In the latest statement, the Board of Control of Cricket in India rebuffed the speculations and claimed that BCCI will adhere to the guidelines given by ICC.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia shunned the reports of India’s objection to including Pakistan’s name on its kits for the tournament.
“BCCI will follow every uniform-related ICC rule during the Champions Trophy,” Saikia said, as quoted by news agency PTI. “Whatever the other teams will do regarding the logo and dress code, we are going to follow in true letter and spirit.”
The ICC’s dress code regulation requires jerseys to bear the tournament logo and the name of the host nation.
Saikia did not give a concert answer, regarding the participation of Indian captain Rohit Sharma in a meet-and-greet event in Pakistan, ahead of the tournament.
“Whether Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan for ICC media engagements is still undecided,” he revealed.
Last month, Pakistan and India agreed to a hybrid model after several negotiations.
The tournament is scheduled to begin in February 2025. The event was in jeopardy because India refused to visit the host country, Pakistan.
Read more: PCB rejects hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025, reaffirms hosting rights
India will play its matches at a neutral venue instead of Pakistan. Under the new arrangement, Pakistan will also play its matches at a neutral venue if India hosts the tournament.
The ICC Board confirmed the hybrid model will apply to the upcoming Champions Trophy, hosted by Pakistan in February and March 2025, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, hosted by India, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This formula would even apply to knock-out matches.
The decision came after a months-long dispute over PCB’s refusal to accept the hybrid model and India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the tournament.