A day ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, the teams gear up for the ‘mini world cup’. India is all set to challenge Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20. As per the rules of ICC, the teams’ jersey imprints the name of the host country. BCCI adhering to the rule, unveiled images of Team India prior to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on their social media handles.
The jersey has turned heads and grabbed eyeballs due to the mention of ‘Pakistan’ on an Indian jersey. In a post from the official Indian cricket team’s Instagram handle shared headshots of captain, Rohit Sharma and other players like Shubman Gills, Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Shami. It said, “these pics from today…how good”.
While some fans complemented the team’s images, people also speculated the mention of ‘Pakistan’ on the Indian jersey. A user commented in support. “I’m an Indian, Supporting India. But what’s the need of establishing wrong narrative and spreading hate?” Other users also lauded the display of sportsmanship by the BCCI optimistically commenting that India’s name be on the trophy.
Referring to the missing Indian flag in the Karachi Stadium user @dilmilsingh took to X and posted “Pakistan name on Indian Jersey, At least Bcci kept politics on side in this.” Another member on X commented on the BCCI post questioning, “No Indian flag in Pakistan cricket ground because of India is not playing in Pakistan, so why Pakistan name in Indian Jersey, India is not playing in Pakistan.” Fans also explicitly urged “BCCI to do something about it” and “remove Pakistan name in Indian Jersey” commented @SachinDube6296 questioning this move when the Indian flag was removed by the PCB in Karachi.
Fans were also missing their favourite players like Mohammed Siraj while wishing the team well for their tournament in Dubai.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
With key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant being ruled out from their role due to injuries, pacer, Harshit Rana and KL Rahul have been brought in to fill their shoes.
India’s complete squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 includes Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Non-travelling substitutes would entail Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube. The three players will travel to Dubai as and when required.