Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has firmly rejected the idea of hosting the Champions Trophy in a hybrid model, despite India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 tournament. Naqvi made it clear that the PCB would not entertain the notion of accommodating India’s safety concerns by shifting some matches to a neutral venue. While the PCB’s position remains unchanged, back-channel discussions are reportedly underway to find a compromise.

Back Channel Negotiations For Hybrid Model

According to report by India Today, the top cricket administrators are reportedly taking the back door in persuading the PCB that a hybrid model will be the most pragmatic solution: India can play its matches at a neutral venue, but the balance of the tournament can take place in Pakistan. The negotiations stress that the participation of India in the Champions Trophy has both financial and international importance, and India’s huge cricketing following and revenue-generating potential have formed the basis of discussions.

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“We are still in discussions with the host and participating members on the Champions Trophy schedule. It should be out soon, likely in a couple of days or so,” as reported by India Today

The PCB has been further informed that refusing to cooperate will have a negative result on the overall revenue generated for the tournament. India’s participation in the tournament has been made crucial because of its massive influence in world cricket.

Mohsin Naqvi Responds To BCCI’s Concerns

Mohsin Naqvi, however, remained firm, saying that Pakistan’s stance remains the same. Asked if the ICC has indicated it may adopt a hybrid model, Naqvi said Pakistan’s “respect” comes first. He hinted at the possible consequences but refrained from elaborating further, adding: “Rest, you will see what happens. Our stance is very clear; we have made it clear in the past.

Naqvi responded that the PCB’s problems with the Board of Control for Cricket in India still remains an issue where the two boards are unable to agree on anything.

Delay In Champions Trophy Schedule Announcement

The stalemate between India and Pakistan has resulted in the postponement of announcing the 2025 Champions Trophy dates. The quagmire regarding the hosting rights, coupled with the ongoing dispute, has put the tournament in limbo. Therefore, the tournament details are yet to be confirmed by the ICC.

PCB’s Past Experience With Hybrid Model

Their resistance to the hybrid model is also partly fueled by their experience of it in the 2023 Asia Cup, when India refused to travel to Pakistan for the event and the PCB decided to host most of the matches in Sri Lanka before just a couple of games at home. Naqvi and his PCB insist, however, that the Champions Trophy shall not be treated in the same manner.

Pakistan’s Demands Clarity From BCCI

Naqvi confirmed at a recent press conference that the PCB had written to the ICC, asking the BCCI to clarify their decision not to visit Pakistan. Officially in the letter from the BCCI, India’s senior men’s cricket team would be skipping Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy, making things tricky for the tournament management.

“Every other team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come. No one has any concern,” Naqvi said

“If India have any concerns, we will talk, and we will ensure that concerns are taken care of. I don’t think there is any reason why India can’t come to Pakistan.

“Hopefully, all the teams will come,” he added.

PCB Confident About Security Of All The Teams

Pakistan has pointed out that even though tension is on the rise, several other international teams have toured the country in the last few years without any issue. These include bilateral series and even ICC events. Pakistan has then raised the argument that the concerns about security and safety are central to India’s position and do not reflect experiences of other visiting teams. The PCB insists that the matter is being politicized and that it needs an amicable end to allow Pakistan to host the event.

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The date of the tournament is nearing, and there will be a lot of discussions in the coming months as both boards try to find their way through this sticky situation.