PCB raises concerns with ICC over absence of Pakistan branding in India-Bangladesh match
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised concerns with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the omission of Pakistan’s name in the Champions Trophy branding during Thursday’s match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai. The event logo, displayed in the top left corner of the broadcast, featured the title “Champions Trophy 2025” but did not include Pakistan’s name, despite the country being the official host.
This was in contrast to previous broadcasts, such as the tournament opener 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 included Pakistan’s name.
The PCB has expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation given by the ICC, which cited the omission as a “technical error.” Although the ICC has assured the PCB that this was a one-off issue and will not affect future matches, the PCB remains unconvinced.
The event graphics are typically prepared in advance, and given that Pakistan’s name appeared in the opening game, the PCB is questioning why it was missing during the India-Bangladesh game.
The ICC has clarified that the glitch will not impact any future games in the tournament, regardless of whether they are played in Pakistan or the UAE. The next match in Dubai, on Sunday, will be the most-watched of the tournament, with India facing the hosts, Pakistan.
The issue of where the tournament would take place had been a point of contention leading up to the event. Pakistan had requested to host all the games, as they had 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 given permission for the team to travel to Pakistan. As a result, a neutral venue was agreed upon for India’s matches. In return, Pakistan will not play any ICC events in India for the next three years, and their matches will be held at neutral locations.
