PCB unconvinced by ICC’s “technical error” explanation for omission of Pakistan’s name

Despite Pakistan being the official host, the event logo displayed without Pakistan’s name.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed concerns to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the omission of Pakistan’s name from the Champions Trophy branding during Thursday's match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai.

Despite Pakistan being the official host of the 2025 tournament, the event logo displayed in the broadcast featured the title "Champions Trophy 2025" without Pakistan’s name.

This omission stands in contrast to previous broadcasts, including the tournament's opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi, where both the event name and Pakistan’s name appeared. Similarly, the branding for today’s match between Afghanistan and South Africa in Karachi also featured Pakistan’s name.

The PCB has voiced its dissatisfaction with the explanation provided by the ICC, which described the omission as a “technical error.” While the ICC assured the PCB that this was an isolated issue and would not affect future matches, the PCB remains unconvinced.

Given that event graphics are typically prepared in advance, the PCB has questioned why Pakistan’s name was missing during the India-Bangladesh match, especially after it appeared in the opening game.

The ICC has clarified that this glitch will not impact any future games in the tournament, regardless of whether they are held in Pakistan or the UAE. The next high-profile match, set for Sunday, will see India face Pakistan, with millions of viewers expected to tune in.

The issue of the tournament's venue had been a point of contention leading up to the event. Pakistan had initially requested to host all the matches, having been awarded the rights for the tournament.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the PCB that the Indian government had not granted permission for the team to travel to Pakistan. Consequently, a neutral venue was agreed upon for India’s matches, while Pakistan’s matches will be played at neutral locations for the next three years, as part of the arrangement.