The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has received a warning from the International Cricket Council about its unwillingness to include the logo of Pakistan on the trophy kits of its winning team.

The International Cricket Council has given a strong message to the Indian board on this, according to Indian NDTV.

As part of its host nation policy, the Indian board claimed that it was not interested in having Pakistan’s name appear on their team uniform. However, the ICC rejected this claim.

In reality, the ICC has urged the Indian board to clarify that, since the country was the tournament’s original host, the Indian squad must have “Pakistan” printed on their uniform.

India’s preparations for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been marred by tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

In a deviation from convention, the Indian team, captained by Rohit Sharma, would omit Pakistan’s name off their shirts, despite the event being hosted by Pakistan.

This action occurs against a backdrop of intensifying political and security conflicts between the two cricketing powerhouses.

Although the Champions Trophy is scheduled to occur in Pakistan, India has chosen to establish its squad in Dubai, citing persistent security apprehensions in the host country. This move has faced criticism from the PCB, which saw it as a diplomatic affront.

A PCB official denounced the action, alleging that the BCCI is politicizing cricket. The official stated, “India’s refusal to participate in Pakistan, coupled with their decision to withhold their captain from the opening ceremony, constitutes a direct affront to the event’s integrity.”

The omission of Pakistan’s name from the Indian squad’s shirts is perceived as an effort to diminish the host nation, representing a departure from the customary inclusion of the host country’s name on team attire.

The official articulated apprehensions that these measures would compromise the integrity of the competition. The BCCI is introducing politics into cricket, which is harmful to the sport. They declined to travel to Pakistan and are now unwilling to send their skipper to the opening ceremony. Reports indicate that they prefer not to feature the host nation’s name on their shirts. The official expressed a desire for the ICC to intervene and avert additional politicization, urging the sport’s governing body to take action.

The rivalry escalates as the two nations ready themselves for a critical confrontation in the tournament. India’s group-stage itinerary features a highly anticipated encounter with Pakistan on February 23, succeeded by a match against New Zealand on March 2. This event will signify India’s reentry into ICC play since their 2013 Champions Trophy victory under former captain MS Dhoni.

At the National Bank Stadium, the reconstruction work is moving along at a brisk pace, and it is anticipated that the project will be finished in its entirety by the 31st of January.

The construction work started on October 22nd, and although there are still some jobs to be completed, some considerable progress has been achieved.

Wasim Akram and Intikhab Alam will be sitting in enclosures, and the director of the project, Bilal Chauhan, informed them that digital screens will be put in front of the enclosures. The screens will be positioned in a way that ensures no inconvenience for the spectators. Furthermore, in compliance with the directions issued by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the perimeter fencing would be removed following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy and PSL 10 sporting activities.

The capacity of the stadium will be extended to 30,000 in order to bring about an improvement in the experience, and more than forty hospitality boxes have already been prepared.

The construction of a pedestrian bridge is also being done in order to improve access. This will enable supporters to park their vehicles in the China Ground, which is located close, and then walk directly into the stadium.

Additionally, regular progress is being made on the framework of the floodlight tower.