North India Statesman
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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again targeted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), alleging that BCCI is involving politics in the game. This statement comes amid the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and India’s tour of Pakistan.
PCB’s allegation: BCCI is doing politics
A PCB official said that the reason for the Indian team not coming to Pakistan is BCCI.
“BCCI is bringing politics into the game, which is not good for cricket. They do not want to send their captain to Pakistan for the opening ceremony and there are reports that the Indian team will not have the name of the host country (Pakistan) printed on its jersey.” The PCB official said on condition of confidentiality.
He said that ICC should intervene in this matter and support Pakistan.
Champions Trophy 2025: schedule and controversies
The Champions Trophy opening ceremony and Captain’s Day is likely to be held on 16 or 17 February 2025 in Pakistan.
- Opening match: Will be held in Pakistan on 19 February.
- Indian team’s matches will be played in Dubai:
- 20 February: India vs Bangladesh
- 23 February: India vs Pakistan
- March 2: India vs New Zealand
- Semi-finals and Final: If India reaches the final, this match will be held in Dubai instead of Lahore.
Doubt over Rohit Sharma’s visit to Pakistan
The PCB official also said that the presence of all the teams and captains is necessary at the opening ceremony of the tournament.
However, BCCI has not yet given any confirmation regarding Rohit Sharma’s visit to Pakistan.
- PCB Claim: PCB has completed the visa approval process for all captains, players and team officials.
- ICC delegation visa: Three Indian citizens were given visas in the ICC delegation that recently visited Pakistan.
PCB’s concern: News of host country’s name not being printed on the jersey
PCB has expressed disappointment over reports that the Indian team will not print the name of the host country (Pakistan) on its jersey.
“This is against the normal protocol of world cricket and ICC should take strict action on this,” PCB official said.
Increasing tension between PCB and BCCI
This controversy is further increasing the tension in cricket relations between India and Pakistan.
- PCB says that the opening ceremony will be held in Pakistan only.
- BCCI has not yet clarified the status of Indian players on their visit to Pakistan.
