“I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket…:” PCB Chairman On Champions Trophy Hosting Issue

The controversy surrounding the hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has become a focal point for cricket diplomacy. With Pakistan set to host the tournament, the issue of India’s refusal to travel to the country has sparked intense debates. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has made it clear that the board’s stance is rooted in the principle of equality.

Champions Trophy Hosting Controversy

The ICC Champions Trophy, a prestigious One Day International (ODI) tournament, is scheduled to be held in Pakistan across three venues in February and March 2025. However, India’s refusal to participate in the tournament on Pakistani soil has raised questions about the feasibility of hosting the event. India cites the lack of government clearance as the reason for their stance.

The ICC has found itself at the center of this controversy. The cricketing body is expected to deliberate on this issue during a virtual meeting on November 29, where participating nations may vote on the matter.

Mohsin Naqvi’s Stance

During a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering stance. “Our stance is very clear,” he stated, emphasizing that any decision on hosting must be made based on equality. Naqvi categorically rejected the idea of a hybrid model, where India’s matches would be held outside Pakistan.

“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 because of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know.”

Naqvi also revealed ongoing discussions with ICC Chairman Greg Barclay. He stressed that the PCB has been transparent about its position, requesting written objections from India but receiving none to date. The PCB has emphasized that its decisions will prioritize Pakistan cricket’s best interests.

“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.”

India’s Position on Traveling to Pakistan

India and Pakistan’s cricketing ties have been marred by political tensions. The last bilateral series between the two nations took place over a decade ago, and India’s last tour of Pakistan was in 2008. These strained relations have often impacted cricket tournaments, with the two teams only meeting in ICC events or neutral venues.

The PCB has firmly rejected the hybrid model, arguing that it undermines the essence of equal participation. Allowing India to play its matches outside Pakistan would, in Naqvi’s words, create a scenario where Pakistan plays in India, but India refuses to reciprocate.

Jay Shah’s Role

Jay Shah’s upcoming transition from BCCI Secretary to ICC Chairman adds another layer of complexity. As Naqvi pointed out, Shah’s new role demands a shift in focus from national to global cricket interests. Naqvi urged Shah to prioritize the ICC’s benefits over national affiliations.

Naqvi also said that the PCB’s goals going into the meeting were not financial. “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.”