The Indian cricket team on Monday unveiled its new jersey for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The unveiling featured Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh posing in the new blue kit. However, it was not the jersey’s design but whether the host country Pakistan’s name was included in the jersey that drew attention.
The unveiling showed Pakistan’s name was included in the jersey ending weeks of speculation and controversy.
Earlier, Indian media reports suggested the team’s jersey would omit Pakistan’s name due to ongoing political tensions.
This fuelled debate, as ICC regulations mandate all participating teams display the tournament’s official logo, including the host nation’s name, regardless of where matches are played.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later confirmed that the team would adhere to ICC rules, dispelling concerns over non-compliance.
Photos shared by the ICC showed Indian players wearing jerseys featuring the official Champions Trophy logo with “Pakistan” inscribed, marking the first time in years that an Indian kit has displayed Pakistan’s name.
A similar debate arose during the Asia Cup 2023, which Pakistan hosted, leading to the Asian Cricket Council’s decision to exclude the host name from the tournament logo.
The Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off on February 19, with hosts Pakistan playing New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi.
While Pakistan will host games on home soil, India will play all its matches in Dubai, including a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23.
Moreover, India suffered a setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as bowling coach Morne Morkel left the team in Dubai and returned home due to personal reasons.
While the exact cause remains unconfirmed, speculation suggests the passing of his father.
Morkel’s departure could disrupt India's bowling preparations, with Mohammed Shami struggling for form and Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana lacking experience in ODIs.
Morkel, who has served as India's bowling coach since last August, arrived in the UAE with the Indian team on 15 February and attended the training session at the ICC Academy on 16 February.
However, he was absent from the session on 17 February before reportedly flying back to South Africa.
There is no clarity on whether he will return for the tournament.
India’s bowling concerns
Morkel’s absence adds to India's concerns, as Jasprit Bumrah is not part of the squad and Shami has been struggling with form.
With India set to face Bangladesh on 20 February, the team, led by Rohit Sharma, is expected to train on 19 February after a scheduled break.
India’s squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.
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