With the future of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 uncertain, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that a hybrid model for hosting the tournament is “definitely not the solution.” However, he also suggested that if a new arrangement is planned, it has to be fair and equal. The development comes as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to impact the logistics of the event.
Naqvi Rules Out Hybrid Model; Proposes Fair Solution
Following the ICC meeting, Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s position, rejecting the idea of a hybrid model for the tournament. He emphasized that a new formula could be considered, provided it ensures fairness and equal treatment for both nations. This response underscores Pakistan’s commitment to hosting the event entirely within its borders.
“We will do what’s best for cricket. It’s definitely not a hybrid formula, but if a new formula is formed, it will be an equal one,” Naqvi told reporters, as quoted from a video posted by PCB media on X.
“We will not allow one-sided decisions […] decisions should be made based on equality,” he added.
“Pakistan’s pride is most important. We have to ensure that cricket wins but Pakistan’s pride also remains intact.”
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's media talk in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/ctla8awqww
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) November 30, 2024
BCCI’s Clear Stance On India’s Participation
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clearly stated that it will not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The strained political relations between the two countries and security reasons have led to India-Pakistan not playing a bilateral series since 2012-13. India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they played in the Asia Cup.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: ‘SOLD OUT’ – Angry Pakistani Fans Slam Pakistan Cricket Board
ICC Meeting To Discuss The Fate Of The Tournament
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had an important meeting with the members on Friday to decide over the future of the Champions Trophy, which is to be held in Pakistan next year. The decision taken on this meeting will decide how the tournament will be going in terms of participation and the venue.
India-Pakistan Relations & Cricketing Tensions
India and Pakistan have mainly competed through international tournaments, such as ICC events and the Asia Cup, instead of bilateral series, given the political tension between them. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, citing concerns over security, it was “unlikely” that the Indian team would travel to Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Recent Visits To India
Despite these contradictions, Pakistan has visited India to attend recent international events that included the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Both countries must be treated similarly and under similar circumstances for the process to be equal and fair.
“This is not acceptable that one-sided things happen. Every time Pakistan cannot play in India, we comply. Both nations must be treated equally under the same rules,” Naqvi asserted.
Naqvi Meets ICC Official In Dubai
“Discussion on important issues regarding the organization of the Champions Trophy tournament,” PCB wrote on X.
دئبی۔چئیرمین پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ محسن نقوی کی متحدہ عرب امارات کے کرکٹ بورڈ کے سابق سیکرٹری و آئی سی سی ایسوسی ایٹس ممبر کمیٹی کے چیئرمین مبشر عثمانی سے ملاقات
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) November 30, 2024
چیمپئنز ٹرافی ٹورنامنٹ کے انعقاد کے حوالے سے اہم امور پر تبادلہ خیال
پاکستان اور یو اے ای میں کرکٹ کے فروغ کیلئے مزید… pic.twitter.com/kyuKjq1bX1
Another development was that PCB said that Mohsin Naqvi met with Mubashir Usmani, the chairman of the ICC Associate Member Committee and former secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, in Dubai on Saturday. This meeting shows that there is discussion over the future of international cricket tournaments and what role both nations will play.
(With ANI Inputs)
