India to follow ICC uniform directives for Champions Trophy, to don logo with Pakistan moniker: Report

The Champions trophy is set to kick off on February 19 with India playing their first match of the tournament on February 20 against Bangladesh. The Indian team will be clothing the jerseys with the official ICC logo of the Champions trophy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly confirmed that the team will adhere to the directives of the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the official logo for the Champions trophy. Amidst reports of the Indian Board refusing to imprint the Pakistan moniker on the team's jerseys, the newly elected secretary, Devajit Saikia, has confirmed that the team will follow the ICC guidelines on the official logo for the Champions trophy.

"We will follow whatever the ICC guidelines," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said, as quoted by Cricbuzz, regarding the controversy surrounding India's not wearing the official logo. We will follow the ICC directive," Saikia added when informed that the official log features Pakistan's imprint. 

India are not travelling to Pakistan for the 50-over global tournament due to security concerns. They will play their games in Dubai. 

Rohit Sharma's men are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand, while Group B looks tough on paper with the likes of Australia, South Africa, England and Afghanistan making it the second group.

The tournament kicks off on February 19 with Pakistan taking on New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. India are second to take the field against Bangladesh on February 20 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Three venues in Pakistan - Dubai, Karachi and Lahore - will be hosting the matches with India playing their games in Dubai. The first semifinal is scheduled to take place at the Dubai Stadium, however, if the Men in Blue make it to the final, the showdown clash will take place at the same venue in Dubai. If not, the final will take place in Lahore. 

Rohit Sharma's travel to Pakistan for media engagements not decided

Amidst the reports of Rohit Sharma not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC media engagements, PTI quoted Saikia saying that is is not decided as of yet. This comes in the backdrop of India not travelling to Pakistan for the tournament. 

Pakistan are the current holders of the trophy, having defeated India in the final in 2017. The tournament is making a return after eight years. India had won the title in 2013 and shared it alongside Sri Lanka in 2002.