• A huge controversy erupted after fans realized that there was no host nation's name on Asia Cup 2023 team jerseys.

  • PCB issued a clarification on the missing name of Pakistan from the participating nation's team jerseys after massive criticism.

Pakistan fans left fuming over no host nation’s name in Asia Cup 2023 team jerseys; PCB issues a clarification
Babar Azam, Rashid Khan and Suryakumar Yadav (Image Source: Twitter)

The Asia Cup 2023 began with Pakistan defeating Nepal in the tournament opener in Multan on August 30. Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed were the standout performers for the Green Team in their victory, smashing brilliant tons.

Although Pakistan started their campaign on a high note, the host nation’s fan wasn’t very thrilled with the win as they were quick to notice the missing name of Pakistan under the Asia Cup logo on the team jerseys of both the home side and Nepal. The same was seen in the second match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, leading to a huge controversy and fans expressing their disappointment straightaway.

Amidst this, the pictures of jersey photoshoots of other teams including India and Afghanistan also went viral with no name of Pakistan under the Asia Cup logo that further fueled up the debate on social media. Many even shared photos from last year’s edition, where every side had Sri Lanka’s name written on their t-shirts despite the tournament being held in UAE.

It is worth mentioning that the Asia Cup 2023 is being held in a hybrid model with Pakistan and Sri Lanka as co-hosts of the continental event after India refused to travel to Pakistan. However, Pakistan are still the official host of the tournament.

Also READ: Pakistan legend Wasim Akram predicts favourites to lift the Asia Cup 2023 title

PCB issues a clarification after being slammed by fans and veteran cricketers

Apart from fans, a few former cricketers expressed their disappointment over the issue as well. Rashid Latif and Mohsin Khan were among many others to slam PCB and the Asia Cricket Council (ACC). Nevertheless, PCB came forward and issued a clarification stating ACC has decided not to include the names of host nations on team jerseys from this edition of the Asia Cup.

The Pakistan board’s clarification also failed to calm down the situation as fans and experts blasted out at the PCB over not refusing the sudden change.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023 – Aakash Chopra reveals his combined XI

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Vishwanath Hariharan is Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. From breaking news stories to in-depth features and opinion pieces, he has covered a wide range of topics. Vishwanath is very fond of watching cricket. Like many others, he too grew up watching, playing, and imitating his favourite players of the game. MS Dhoni is like a demigod to him. You can connect with him at vishwanath.hariharan@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter & Linkedin.