Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has voiced strong criticism towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. In a press conference on November 28, Naqvi emphasized that it is unacceptable for Pakistan to play in India while India refuses to visit Pakistan for an ICC competition.
PCB’s Stance on Hosting the Champions Trophy
Naqvi reaffirmed PCB’s commitment to hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan, despite facing challenges due to political tensions between the two nations. He stated, “I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. 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.”
The PCB chairman further expressed frustration over the lack of communication from BCCI regarding their decision to skip Pakistan. He stated, “Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved.” Naqvi’s remarks underline PCB’s determination to maintain its hosting rights amid ongoing negotiations with the ICC.
Upcoming ICC Meeting
The ICC is set to convene on November 29 to discuss the scheduling and hosting of the Champions Trophy. The meeting aims to resolve the deadlock caused by India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. Despite PCB’s firm stance against a hybrid model, ICC may still explore options to facilitate India’s participation.
Naqvi reiterated that PCB has not received any written communication from BCCI regarding their stance. “It’s not possible that Pakistan plays in India, and they don’t come here,” he asserted.
Political Tensions Impacting Cricket
The ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan have complicated matters further. The Indian government has denied permission for its team to travel to Pakistan. This has led to significant delays in finalizing the tournament schedule. The PCB has suggested measures to address India’s concerns. This includes security guarantees, but remains firm on its position.
As discussions continue, there are concerns about potential revenue losses for Pakistan if the tournament is relocated. The PCB stands to gain significantly from hosting this prestigious event, making it imperative for them to reach a satisfactory agreement.
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