Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has firmly stated that the PCB is “not prepared to accept” a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, insisting that Pakistan will host the entire tournament. Speaking to the media at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which is undergoing renovation ahead of the event, Naqvi emphasized that no official objections or communication had been received from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding India’s participation in Pakistan.
“Until now, no formal communication has reached the PCB,” Naqvi said, responding to reports in the Indian media suggesting India might not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. “If India has any objections, they need to give us in writing. We have not discussed any hybrid model, nor are we prepared to accept one.”
Naqvi’s comments came amid ongoing speculation over India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan, a country that has not hosted an international cricket tournament of this magnitude since 1996. The BCCI has not yet commented on the matter, and the Indian board’s stance remains contingent on the approval of the Indian government.
The PCB chairman also made a point of highlighting Pakistan’s past “gestures” towards India, such as Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, despite India refusing to send a team for the Asia Cup, which was eventually held in a hybrid format in Sri Lanka. “Pakistan has shown great gestures to India in the past, but the government will decide if Pakistan travels to India in the future if India refuses to come here,” Naqvi said.
Regarding the logistics of the tournament, Naqvi confirmed that Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi would be the designated venues, with Pakistan offering to host all of India’s matches in Lahore for security and convenience, given the proximity to the Indian border. The PCB has also indicated its readiness to facilitate Indian fans by arranging visas for up to 17,000 spectators.
Naqvi’s comments reflect growing frustration over the politicization of cricket, stressing that sport should not be entangled with politics. “Cricket should be free of politics. We will provide every team with as many facilities as we can,” he added, reiterating that the tournament should not become a political issue.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, though the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to confirm the official schedule.
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