The Champions Trophy, one of cricket’s most anticipated tournaments, is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in 2025. As Pakistan’s cricket board prepares to host this international event, the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi recently expressed a firm stance against the “hybrid model” being speculated in the media.
According to Naqvi, the PCB is not prepared to share hosting responsibilities, emphasizing their commitment to holding the entire tournament in Pakistan. Naqvi’s statements underline the seriousness of the situation and reveal a deeper political and diplomatic layer to the issue.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Position on the Hybrid Model
The hybrid model proposes that matches involving India could be held outside Pakistan, in a neutral venue, to address India’s security concerns. However, Naqvi firmly rejected this idea, stating that no official communication from the BCCI has been received regarding objections to playing in Pakistan. According to Naqvi, the PCB is steadfast in its stance and expects the entire tournament to be held within Pakistan’s borders.
“In the last two months, the Indian media has been reporting that India isn’t travelling,” Naqvi said.
PCB’s Response to Media Speculations
In response to the ongoing media speculations, Naqvi pointed out that Indian media has fueled rumors without any concrete statements from the BCCI itself. He reiterated that the PCB had not discussed the hybrid model nor intended to consider it until a formal objection from the BCCI was received.
Naqvi stated, “I discussed this with them and my team, and our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one. The Indian media are reporting it, but no formal communication has reached the PCB.”
Past Examples of Pakistan’s Friendly Gestures to India
Pakistan has shown diplomatic flexibility in the past, with the recent ODI World Cup as an example. Naqvi, however, cautioned that Pakistan’s goodwill should not be expected if India continues to decline participation in Pakistani-hosted tournaments.
Naqvi expressed his desire for cricket to remain free from political influence, insisting that sporting events should not be drawn into diplomatic disagreements. However, he acknowledged that the government, rather than the PCB, would ultimately decide Pakistan’s participation in future events in India if the Champions Trophy becomes a contested issue.
“If we get a letter from India, I’ll have to go to my government and have to abide by their decisions. Pakistan has shown great gestures to India in the past, and we’d like to say clearly India shouldn’t expect such friendly gestures from us every time [if they refuse to come]. The government will decide if Pakistan travel for any future event in India if they don’t come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The PCB will not decide that.”
PCB’s Proposal to Host India’s Matches in Lahore
To facilitate India’s participation, the PCB proposed hosting all of India’s matches in Lahore. Given its proximity to the Indian city of Amritsar, Lahore presents a feasible option for logistical ease. This proposal also included provisions to arrange up to 17,000 visas for Indian fans, allowing them to travel to Pakistan conveniently and safely to support their team.
Naqvi’s statement highlighted the global cricket community’s support for Pakistan’s hosting of the Champions Trophy. Many cricket boards have expressed interest in seeing the tournament in Pakistan, a sign that the international community is ready to see Pakistan as a permanent host in global cricket events.
Naqvi said, “Almost every country wants the CT to be played here. I remain in touch with several boards, and they’re all looking forward to playing here. I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter. We’ll give every team as many facilities as we can. We’d like to see fans from abroad come for the tournament, too.”
Should India decline to play in Pakistan, it could result in further diplomatic strains, and possibly affect the tournament’s structure. However, the PCB remains resolute, preparing to proceed with full hosting rights as long as no official objection arises from India.
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