The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has already been embroiled in controversy, even before reaching its most awaited clash—India vs Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. In the latest development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally protested against the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what it perceives as a deliberate attempt to mix politics with sports.
The controversy erupted when Pakistan’s name was omitted from the Champions Trophy branding during the India vs Bangladesh match in Dubai. The absence of “Pakistan” from the tournament’s official logo in the live broadcast has left PCB furious, leading to a direct complaint to the ICC. While the ICC has attributed this to a technical glitch, PCB remains skeptical, demanding assurances that such incidents won’t happen again.
This controversy has added fuel to the fire ahead of the high-stakes India-Pakistan clash, increasing tensions between the PCB and ICC, and setting the stage for an explosive weekend in international cricket.
PCB’s Outrage Over the Omission of Pakistan’s Name
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as the official host of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has expressed serious concerns over the exclusion of Pakistan’s name in the live broadcast graphics of the India vs Bangladesh match.
During the game, the top-left corner of the broadcast screen, where the official Champions Trophy logo was displayed, only showed the event’s name—“Champions Trophy 2025”. However, Pakistan’s name, which was visible in previous matches, was missing.
This omission sparked outrage among PCB officials, who viewed it as a direct snub to Pakistan’s role as the tournament’s host. The board has officially sought an explanation from the ICC, demanding an assurance that this “oversight” will not be repeated in future broadcasts.
A PCB official stated:
🗣️ “We are extremely disappointed with this. Pakistan is the official host, yet our name was missing from the broadcast branding. We have sought an explanation from the ICC and need assurances that such incidents won’t happen again.”
The controversy has reignited long-standing tensions regarding the politicization of cricket, particularly between India and Pakistan, whose cricketing relations remain highly sensitive.
ICC’s Response: A Technical Glitch or Something More?
Following PCB’s formal protest, the International Cricket Council (ICC) responded, dismissing any deliberate intent behind the omission.
The ICC has informally communicated to the PCB that the issue was caused by a technical error in the graphics production during the India-Bangladesh match. According to the ICC, the live feed graphics were managed by UK-based sports production company, Sunset & Vine, under ICC supervision.
🗣️ “This was a technical glitch, and there was no intention to remove Pakistan’s name. The error will not be repeated in future matches.” — ICC Spokesperson
However, PCB officials remain unconvinced. They argue that:
1️⃣ Pakistan’s name was clearly present in the opening match of the tournament.
2️⃣ The Champions Trophy branding graphics are pre-designed, making a “glitch” highly unlikely.
3️⃣ The error occurred specifically during an India match, raising suspicions of bias.
Despite the ICC’s reassurances, PCB is unwilling to let the issue slide, demanding a formal apology and written assurance that similar incidents won’t occur in future matches played in the UAE or Pakistan.
With the India-Pakistan match scheduled next in Dubai, the ICC will be under immense scrutiny to ensure that Pakistan’s name is properly represented in the official broadcast.
India’s Dominance Against Bangladesh Amidst Controversy
While the broadcast controversy made headlines, India’s performance on the field was equally dominant. India defeated Bangladesh by 6 wickets, showcasing their superior form and establishing themselves as early favorites for the tournament.
Match Summary: India vs Bangladesh
🏏 Bangladesh Innings: 228 all-out (50 overs)
- Litton Das – 64 (78)
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 45 (56)
- Kuldeep Yadav – 3/42
- Mohammed Siraj – 2/37
🏏 India’s Chase: 229/4 (41.3 overs)
- Shubman Gill – 104* (98) 🏆
- KL Rahul – 51 (63)
- Rohit Sharma – 35 (28)
- India won by 6 wickets
India’s clinical performance with both bat and ball ensured a comfortable victory, setting them up perfectly for the upcoming high-octane match against Pakistan.
The Bigger Picture: India-Pakistan Cricket Politics
This latest controversy between PCB and ICC comes amid an already politically charged tournament.
Key Tensions Between India and Pakistan in Cricket
🔹 India refused to play matches in Pakistan due to security concerns, forcing the ICC to move their games to the UAE.
🔹 Pakistan threatened to boycott the tournament if India’s matches were shifted but later agreed to the ICC’s decision.
🔹 Pakistan’s name was omitted from official broadcast branding, fueling suspicions of bias in favor of India.
🔹 India’s dominance on the field has increased pressure on Pakistan to defend their Champions Trophy title.
This backdrop of political drama, controversies, and historical rivalry makes the India vs Pakistan match in Dubai even more intense.
What This Means for the Upcoming India vs Pakistan Match
The India-Pakistan clash on February 23 is already the most awaited match of the tournament, but with the ongoing controversies, it has become even more high-stakes.
1. PCB Will Keep a Close Watch on the Broadcast
PCB will closely monitor the live telecast of the India-Pakistan match, ensuring Pakistan’s name is not omitted again. The ICC’s handling of this issue will be under global scrutiny.
2. Pakistan Will Play With Extra Motivation
Feeling disrespected as hosts, Pakistan will likely use this controversy as motivation to silence critics by winning against India.
3. India Aims to Continue Their Dominance
After a strong start against Bangladesh, India will look to extend their winning streak and maintain psychological dominance over Pakistan in ICC tournaments.
With both teams having a point to prove, this match is shaping up to be a blockbuster clash.
Final Thoughts: The Drama Continues
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is proving to be one of the most controversial editions in recent history.
The PCB’s protest against the ICC, the omission of Pakistan’s name, and India’s dominant performances have set the stage for a thrilling showdown between the two biggest rivals in cricket.
Key Questions Ahead of India vs Pakistan:
✅ Will the ICC ensure a fair broadcast representation for Pakistan?
✅ Can Pakistan overcome the distractions and focus on winning?
✅ Will India’s form make them unstoppable?
All eyes are now on February 23 as Dubai gears up for a historic cricketing battle between two of the biggest teams in the world.
India vs Pakistan is not just a match—it’s an event, a spectacle, and a battle of pride. Let the fireworks begin! 🎆🏏
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