Champions Trophy 2025 / Team India's jersey for CT revealed, why is Pakistan's name written on it?

The Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19, with the first match being played between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. Ahead of the tournament, the BCCI launched Team India's new jersey, which bears the name of host Pakistan.

Champions Trophy 2025: One of the most prestigious tournaments for cricket lovers, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, is set to begin tomorrow. This time, Pakistan is hosting the tournament, and the first match will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi. The Indian team will begin its campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, but all of India's matches will be played in Dubai.

Teams and Preparations

All eight teams are engaged in their final practice sessions. The Indian team is also sweating it out in Dubai, having recently played limited-overs practice matches to strengthen their preparations. Led by Rohit Sharma, the Indian team is determined to clinch the title this time.

Team India's New Jersey Features 'Pakistan'!

A day before the tournament's commencement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled Team India's new jersey. However, a major controversy has erupted as the jersey features the host country, Pakistan's name.

Fan Reactions to the Jersey Launch

BCCI shared pictures of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and other players wearing the new jersey on social media. This has led to mixed reactions from cricket fans.

Some fans believe that India should not have Pakistan's name on its jersey, while others argue that it is mandatory under ICC rules, as all teams must have the host country's name on their jerseys.

Why is 'Pakistan' Written on the Jersey?

The Champions Trophy 2025 is being held under a hybrid model, but Pakistan is officially the host. According to ICC regulations, the host country's name must be printed on every team's jersey.

Earlier, there were speculations that the Indian team might not include Pakistan's name on its jersey, but due to strict ICC rules, BCCI had to comply. This decision has also received mixed reactions in Pakistan.

Team India’s Final Squad

BCCI has announced the final 15-member squad for the tournament:

Main Squad:

Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
Hardik Pandya
Axar Patel
Washington Sundar
Kuldeep Yadav
Harshit Rana
Mohammed Shami
Arshdeep Singh
Ravindra Jadeja
Varun Chakravarthy

Non-Traveling Substitutes:

Yashasvi Jaiswal
Mohammed Siraj
Shivam Dube (to be sent to Dubai if needed)

Group Stage and Possible Semi-Finalists

Eight teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025, divided into two groups:

Group A:

India
Pakistan
New Zealand
Bangladesh

Group B:

Australia
England
South Africa
Afghanistan

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, and the winners will face off in the final on March 9.

Can India End Its Trophy Drought?

India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni's captaincy, defeating England. This time, under Rohit Sharma's leadership, the Indian team is fully prepared to secure another ICC trophy.

Indian fans are hopeful that Team India will deliver a stellar performance, claim the championship, and bring this prestigious trophy home after 12 years.