New Delhi: In less than a month, Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But Pakistani cricket fans are in no mood to celebrate. For one, the Pakistani squad is yet to be announced. Moreover, tensions are running high over the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) apparent inability to stand up to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The latest storm revolves around allegations that the BCCI refused to feature the tournament’s logo on the Indian team’s kits because it includes the word ‘Pakistan’. Both the BCCI and the ICC have denied the allegations. Speaking to news agency PTI, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia rejected the claim, affirming that the board “will follow every uniform-related ICC rule during Champions Trophy.”
According to IANS, a PCB official allegedly spoke on the condition of anonymity to claim that the BCCI doesn’t want Pakistan’s name printed on their jersey. “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…” The PCB has denied claims about their official speaking to the media reporting the allegation.
But before the clarification could arrive, Pakistani social media users and commentators didn’t waste any time criticising the BCCI—or the PCB. They are convinced that the tournament, which begins on 19 February, has been tarnished by petty politics.
“Men used to go to war, now they get offended by; Tu ne Kashmir se Champions Trophy kese guzaari, ab main apni jersey pe tumhare host country ka naam nahi likhunga. (how dare you take the Champions Trophy through Kashmir, now I won’t print your host country’s name on my jersey,” X user Mirza Lal Baig wrote.
Rumours and resentment
Former Pakistani cricketers and sports analysts are also peeved at reports that the BCCI is reluctant to send Indian captain Rohit Sharma to Pakistan for the opening ceremony.
Although the BCCI has neither confirmed nor denied the reports, the speculation has fuelled further resentment in Pakistan.
Among cricket fans, the prevailing view is that the BCCI’s actions stem from a lack of respect for the host nation. The common refrain on social media is that Pakistan should take a stand.
“This is petty by BCCI. Gautam Gambhir himself has said it that either they should play cricket regularly with Pakistan or not play at all,” said one Reddit user. “They know ignoring India in ICC tournaments will not be good for business so they just bend down and do whatever BCCI demands.”
Former cricketer Basit Ali, however, offered a more measured response.
On his YouTube channel, he suggested that Pakistan should retaliate when India hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.
“Why are we getting so worked up? You cannot clap without both hands. When the time comes, Pakistan should refuse to visit India or get their names printed on their kit,” Ali said. “For now, silence is the best answer.”
Others have echoed his sentiments, with many Pakistanis frustrated not just by the BCCI’s alleged actions but also by what they perceive as the ICC’s lack of fairness.
Cricket analyst Assad highlighted an important issue—ticket sales. India has refused to play matches in Pakistan but agreed to play in the UAE.
“Am I the only one who thinks that the PCB should get first priority to sell the most of the tickets for the India-Pakistan fixtures in CT25? Knowing the ICCs pricing strategy, majority of the crowd will end up being Indian otherwise which is hardly fair to us in a “home” event,” he wrote on X.
Squad announcement delay adds to tension
In addition to the political controversy, concerns are mounting over Pakistan’s delayed squad selection for the tournament. Pakistan is the only team among the eight participants that has yet to announce its final squad.
The delay has caused growing anxiety among fans and experts, who worry the team may be underprepared or uncertain about player selection.
Ali expressed his frustration in a YouTube video: “Pakistan kya darr gaya jo abhi tak team announce nahi ki? (Is Pakistan scared to announce their squad?) No, they are not scared—just unsure about what to do and what not to do.”
(Edited by Prashant)