The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has addressed the speculation surrounding Team India captain Rohit Sharma’s possible travel to Pakistan for pre-tournament activities ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19. The discussions come as India remains firm on its decision to play its matches in Dubai, citing security concerns as the reason for not traveling to Pakistan.
Rohit Sharma’s Participation in Media Activities Still Uncertain
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that no final decision has been made regarding Rohit Sharma’s presence in Pakistan for official ICC media engagements, including press conferences and photo shoots. Speaking on the matter, Saikia stated, “Whether Rohit Sharma travels to Pakistan for ICC media engagements is still undecided.”
India’s reluctance to visit Pakistan stems from longstanding security concerns, with the last bilateral or multilateral series between the two nations on Pakistani soil taking place in 2008. These issues continue to affect India’s participation in tournaments hosted by Pakistan, including the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Clarification on Pakistan’s Name on Official Jerseys
Addressing rumors about India objecting to Pakistan’s name being featured on the official Champions Trophy jersey, Saikia confirmed that the BCCI would fully comply with the ICC’s uniform guidelines.
“BCCI will follow every uniform-related ICC rule during the Champions Trophy,” Saikia said, putting an end to speculation about India opposing the inclusion of Pakistan’s name on the event’s logo or jerseys.
Commitment to ICC Guidelines
The BCCI emphasized that India has always adhered to ICC regulations for global tournaments. The ICC requires all teams to submit their playing and training kits for approval to ensure uniformity across events. This includes the clearance of logos and names featured on official jerseys.
Historically, ICC tournaments have followed similar practices. In the 2017 Champions Trophy, the names of host nations England and Wales appeared on team kits, while the ongoing ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia features the host country’s name on the event logo.
India’s Focus Remains on Compliance
By adhering to ICC guidelines, the BCCI aims to maintain its focus on the Champions Trophy without allowing off-field controversies to overshadow the tournament. As discussions continue about Rohit Sharma’s potential media engagements in Pakistan, the BCCI has reassured fans that it remains committed to following all rules and ensuring the team’s readiness for the event.
