Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that the board was “clear” in its stance that the decision over hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy should be taken on “the basis of equality”. The International Cricket Council is preparing to hold a key meeting on November 29, and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that their position is unchanged and PCB is expecting a fair resolution.
Pakistan Takes A Firm Stand
Naqvi said the PCB chairman has been regularly updating him on his contacts with ICC chairman Greg Barclay and that his team within the PCB has been in communication with the ICC regarding the further future of the tournament, which is scheduled for playing across three venues in Pakistan in February and March of next year. However, India, which last toured Pakistan in 2008, has already made it known to the ICC that it has not received government clearance for its team to travel to Pakistan for the event.
Playing In India UNACCEPTABLE For PCB
A fortnight ago, Naqvi categorically ruled out the “hybrid model” for the Champions Trophy, where most matches would be played in Pakistan but India’s games shifted to neutral venues. The PCB chairman said that such an arrangement was unacceptable and insisted that India should formally outline any objections in writing. Although Naqvi did not directly answer whether the PCB would continue to reject a hybrid model, his earlier comments suggest the board is still opposed to the proposal.
“Our stance is very clear,” Naqvi said during a press conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium at 1am on Thursday morning. “I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m constantly in touch with the ICC chairman and my team is talking to them constantly. We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know.”
"We will not play any cricket with India in India if BCCI doesn't send their team to Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy," says Mohsin Naqvi 🇮🇳🇵🇰🔥🔥
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 28, 2024
Watch full video here 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽https://t.co/IRGgyEW9xT pic.twitter.com/MRPm89KFir
“Our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have,” he said earlier this month. “Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”
Pakistan’s Future Participation In ICC Events
He has further remarks on Pakistan’s probable future response to other Indian organized events like 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan is going to decide on such participation while keeping an eye on Champions Trophy’s prevailing scenario.
“Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi said multiple times. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s unacceptable that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”
PCB Wants Equality Not Money
Naqvi spoke to the upcoming ICC meeting saying that the PCB goals are not financially driven. He said that the board is more concerned with how hosting rights for the Champions Trophy are granted on fair and equal grounds. Naqvi also called upon Jay Shah, the outgoing BCCI secretary and incoming ICC chairman, to put ICC’s interests first as he steps into his new role.
“[Jay Shah] takes charge in December, and I’m sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will think about the ICC’s benefit, and that’s what he should do. Whenever anyone assumes such a role, he should only consider the interests of that organisation.”
“I promise you that we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan.”
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Will ICC Convince Pakistan For Hybrid Model? Report REVEALS Shocking Details
Final Decision Subject To Government Approval
Naqvi said that the decision by the ICC would be placed before the Pakistan government for final approval, in case the ICC decides to hold the Champions Trophy. The outcome of the meeting on November 29 could determine the future of the tournament, depending on how the security and hosting issues are resolved.
