Former Pakistan cricketer offers advice to PCB on BCCI's CT 25 behaviour

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Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to remain silent on India’s recent actions, including the objection to Pakistan’s logo on tournament jerseys and captain Rohit Sharma’s absence from the Champions Trophy’s captain’s meeting.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali advised the PCB to adopt a strategic approach, suggesting that a robust response could come during the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

He stated, "If India doesn’t want to display Pakistan’s name on the jersey or send their captain to ceremonies, let it be. Silence is the best answer." He also recommended that Pakistan formally register its protest via email while refraining from escalating tensions publicly.

Basit proposed a tit-for-tat response during the 2026 World Cup, suggesting Pakistan avoid printing India’s name on its jerseys and skip future captain meetings hosted in India.

He noted, "This will harm global cricket more than Pakistan, impacting both the sport and the BCCI’s credibility."

The strained cricketing relations stem from India’s refusal to play in Pakistan citing security concerns, which led to the 2025 Champions Trophy being moved to a hybrid model under ICC directives.

Basit Ali criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for undermining the PCB and stressed that both countries’ approaches are negatively impacting cricket globally.

Pakistan has not hosted India for bilateral series since 2008, while the Pakistani team last visited India for the 2023 ICC World Cup.

BCCI takes U-turn, includes Pakistan’s name on kit

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that India will comply with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) uniform guidelines for the 2025 Champions Trophy on Wednesday.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed reports suggesting that India had objections to including Pakistan’s name on their kits, stating that such claims were inaccurate.

Saikia emphasised that the BCCI will strictly adhere to the ICC’s rules, which mandate all participating teams to feature the tournament’s logo, including the names of the host nation.

"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 regulations require the inclusion of the official tournament logo and, in this case, the name of Pakistan as the host nation for the 2025 event.

Regarding the participation of Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the opening ceremony in Pakistan, Saikia added that no decision had yet been made about his travel for the event.

“Whether Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan for ICC media engagements is still undecided,” he revealed.

However, India’s matches will be played in Dubai, UAE. The hybrid model, allowing India to play in a neutral venue, was approved by the ICC.

The confirmation from BCCI comes amidst ongoing discussions about India’s involvement in the Champions Trophy 2025, with logistics and security being key considerations for the team.