NEW DELHI: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Friday addressed media reports regarding India’s refusal to play in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Reacting to the news, Pakistan Cricket Board chief expressed disappointment, emphasising the tournament’s importance for Pakistan’s cricket landscape and its potential to promote cricketing ties in the region.
Naqvi addressed mediapersons after inspecting the Gaddafi Stadium upgradation in Lahore for the next year’s ICC tournament.
When asked about the reports coming in Indian media, Naqvi stated, “It’s been two months since reports are coming in Indian media that the Indian team is not coming to Pakistan. We have a clear stance if there is anything like that, then we will accept it only if India will give us in writing, provided they have any issues related to it.”
“Secondly, we have not been engaged in any conversation regarding ‘hybrid model’ till date, and we are also not ready for such a dialogue. We still want cricket to be kept away from politics and no sport should take place across the world with such kind of politics. And we will keep preparing for the Champions Trophy the way we have been doing it, and I’m sure it will turn out to be a huge success,” he further said.
When asked what would happen if the PCB received a formal non-participation letter from the BCCI, Naqvi stated clearly that he would then consult with the government. “Whatever decision they make, I will have to abide by it,” he added, emphasizing the role of government in the matter.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s media talk at Gaddafi Stadium as he inspected the venue’s upgradation
Earlier in the day, TimesofIndia.com reported that the Indian cricket team will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and want to play their matches at a neutral venue. It is reliably learnt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated their decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board and other stakeholders, and there is a bright possibility of some matches being played in Dubai.
“Yes, the BCCI has conveyed their concerns regarding Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan. They want to play matches at a neutral venue and Dubai is the strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue,” says a source tracking developments to TimesofIndia.com.
