Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, reaffirmed the board’s position that any decision regarding the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy must be based on equality, particularly regarding the participation of India. Speaking at a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday morning, Naqvi made it clear that Pakistan would not accept any arrangement where Pakistan plays in India but India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the event.
Naqvi’s comments come ahead of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) crucial meeting scheduled for November 29, where the future of the tournament’s hosting rights will be discussed. The Champions Trophy is set to be held across three venues in Pakistan in February and March next year, but India, which has not toured Pakistan since 2008, has informed the ICC that it does not have government approval to travel to Pakistan for the event.
“We’ve made our position clear to the ICC. Our stance is that the decision should be made on the basis of equality,” Naqvi said. “It’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play here in Pakistan. Whatever happens, we will do what’s best for Pakistan cricket.” He confirmed that he had been in constant contact with ICC Chairman Greg Barclay, as well as other members of the ICC, to ensure that Pakistan’s concerns are heard.
Naqvi also addressed the issue of the so-called “hybrid model” – a proposal that would see most of the Champions Trophy games held in Pakistan, with matches involving India being played at a neutral venue. Naqvi categorically rejected this model, emphasizing that Pakistan would not agree to any such arrangement. “Our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have,” Naqvi said, reiterating his previous comments that the hybrid model was unacceptable.
While India has not yet provided Pakistan with any written objections regarding the proposed Champions Trophy format, Naqvi remained firm in his belief that the solution should be based on equality. He did not elaborate on whether the ICC had responded to the PCB’s questions about India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.
Naqvi also hinted at future consequences for India’s refusal to host Pakistan, noting that Pakistan would reassess its involvement in future events hosted by India. India is set to host the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup and co-host the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka. “It’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here,” Naqvi said, alluding to the potential implications for future tournaments.
In his comments, Naqvi emphasized that the PCB’s priorities are not financial. “We won’t just sell our rights for more money. We will do whatever is best for Pakistan cricket,” he stated. He also expressed confidence that Jay Shah, who is set to transition from BCCI Secretary to ICC Chairman in December, would prioritize the long-term interests of the ICC over individual national concerns.
Naqvi confirmed that any decision made by the ICC regarding the Champions Trophy would be presented to the Pakistani government for final approval, highlighting that the PCB would act in the best interest of the country’s cricketing future.
As the ICC prepares to deliberate on the matter, the outcome will likely have significant ramifications not only for the 2025 Champions Trophy but also for future cricketing relationships between Pakistan and India.
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